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Scholarships in Netherlands
Overview
The Netherlands has many English-taught programs and attracts international students from around the world. Dutch institutions tend to have lower tuition than the U.S. (e.g. ~€8,000-€15,000/year for many programs), so a partial scholarship can go a longer way. Several government and university scholarship programs are available.
Government Scholarships
Holland Scholarship
A government-financed one-time scholarship of €5,000 for non-EU international students, usable at participating Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. While it doesn't cover full tuition (which typically runs €8,000–€15,000/year), it's a helpful offset and is merit-based. Dutch institutions tend to have lower tuition than anglophone countries, so a partial scholarship can go a longer way here.
Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS)
Managed by Nuffic (the Dutch agency for internationalization) in certain countries such as Brazil, China, Indonesia, Mexico, and South Africa. OTS offers partial scholarships — often 30–100% tuition waivers or fixed amounts — at specific Dutch universities, exclusively to students from those countries. If you are from an OTS country, check the Nuffic Neso office website in your country for the list of OTS opportunities at different universities.
University Scholarships
Dutch universities frequently offer their own scholarships to excellent international students.
TU Delft Excellence Scholarships
The Justus & Louise van Effen Scholarship at TU Delft for top Master's students.
University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
Partial to full scholarships for Master's students, and the Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship for very select students.
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
Provides funding towards Master's tuition for excellent non-EU students.
Maastricht University High Potential Scholarships
Fully funded scholarship for up to 24 months.
Tips & Notes
- Check the Nuffic Neso office website in your country for Orange Tulip Scholarship opportunities.
- Some Dutch universities coordinate Erasmus Mundus Master's courses, offering another funding route.
- Dutch tuition is relatively lower than anglophone countries, so partial scholarships stretch further.