The Netherlands has become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for international students. Known for its high-quality education system, innovative teaching methods, and wide selection of English-taught programs, the country welcomes thousands of students from around the world each year. However, while tuition fees in the Netherlands are often more affordable than in countries like the United States or the United Kingdom, living expenses can still be significant.
Fortunately, several scholarships in the Netherlands help international students cover not only tuition fees but also living costs. These funding opportunities make studying in this dynamic European country more financially accessible. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the top scholarships, eligibility requirements, and how to successfully apply.
Why Study in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands offers a unique academic environment characterized by interactive learning, international classrooms, and strong links with global industries. Dutch universities consistently rank highly in global education rankings.
Leading institutions include:
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University of Amsterdam
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Delft University of Technology
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Leiden University
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Erasmus University Rotterdam
The country is also known for its strong economy, especially in fields like engineering, logistics, sustainability, finance, and technology.
Tuition Fees and Living Costs in the Netherlands
For non-EU international students, annual tuition fees typically range between €6,000 and €20,000 depending on the program and university.
Living expenses, including accommodation, food, health insurance, and transportation, average between €800 and €1,200 per month.
Because of these costs, scholarships that cover both tuition and living expenses are highly valuable.
1. NL Scholarship (Formerly Holland Scholarship)
The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science funds the NL Scholarship in cooperation with Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences.
What It Covers
The NL Scholarship provides a one-time grant of €5,000 for the first year of study. While it does not fully cover tuition and living costs on its own, it significantly reduces financial pressure and can be combined with other funding sources.
Eligibility
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Non-EEA international students
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Accepted into a participating Dutch institution
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Meet academic and language requirements
2. Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)
The Nuffic manages the Orange Knowledge Programme on behalf of the Dutch government.
What It Covers
This program is fully funded and covers:
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Tuition fees
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Living allowance
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Travel expenses
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Visa and insurance costs
The Orange Knowledge Programme is primarily designed for mid-career professionals from selected developing countries who wish to pursue short courses or master’s programs.
Focus Areas
The scholarship prioritizes fields that contribute to sustainable development, including water management, agriculture, public health, and governance.
3. Erasmus University Rotterdam Excellence Scholarship
Erasmus University Rotterdam offers several excellence scholarships for high-achieving international students.
What It Covers
Some scholarships provide:
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Full tuition fee waiver
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Monthly stipend for living expenses
The availability and coverage vary by faculty and program, but many awards significantly reduce overall costs.
4. Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
The University of Amsterdam offers merit-based scholarships for outstanding non-EU students.
What It Covers
Depending on the faculty, the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship may include:
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Full or partial tuition waiver
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Living allowance
Highly competitive, this scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence.
5. TU Delft Excellence Scholarships
Delft University of Technology offers excellence scholarships for international master’s students.
What It Covers
Some TU Delft scholarships provide:
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Full tuition coverage
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Living allowance of up to €30,000 per year
This makes TU Delft one of the best options for engineering and technology students seeking comprehensive funding.
6. Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
Leiden University offers the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship for top-performing students.
What It Covers
The scholarship may cover:
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€10,000 of tuition
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50% of tuition
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100% of tuition
While it may not always include living costs, it substantially reduces tuition fees.
Eligibility Requirements
Although each scholarship has unique criteria, most require:
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Strong academic record
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Admission to a Dutch university
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English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
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Motivation letter
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Recommendation letters
Some scholarships prioritize leadership qualities, professional experience, or contribution to home-country development.
Application Strategy for Success
Because Dutch scholarships are competitive, preparation is essential.
1. Apply Early
Deadlines often fall several months before program start dates.
2. Strengthen Academic Profile
High grades and research experience improve your chances.
3. Write a Compelling Motivation Letter
Explain your academic goals, career plans, and how studying in the Netherlands aligns with your future ambitions.
4. Secure Strong References
Choose referees who can speak about your academic achievements and potential.
Working While Studying
International students in the Netherlands can work part-time while studying, though restrictions apply.
Non-EU students may:
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Work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year
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Work full-time during summer months
Employers must apply for a work permit on behalf of non-EU students.
Post-Graduation Opportunities
After completing their studies, graduates can apply for the Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) visa. This one-year residence permit allows international graduates to remain in the Netherlands to search for employment or start a business.
The Netherlands has strong demand for skilled professionals in:
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Engineering
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Technology
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Finance
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Logistics
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Sustainability
Graduates who secure qualifying employment may later transition to long-term residence permits.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Although living costs in the Netherlands can be relatively high compared to some European countries, the strong job market and competitive salaries improve ROI.
Entry-level salaries in fields such as engineering, IT, and business often range between €40,000 and €60,000 annually.
When combined with scholarship funding, the financial burden becomes significantly more manageable.
Final Thoughts
Scholarships in the Netherlands that cover tuition and living costs make this innovative European country an accessible destination for international students. Programs such as the Orange Knowledge Programme, university excellence scholarships, and government-supported initiatives help reduce financial barriers.
With world-class universities, a strong international environment, and favorable post-study opportunities, the Netherlands offers both academic excellence and career potential.