Scholarships in the Netherlands: Surprising Benefits & Educational Advantages for Global Learners

Studying abroad opens doors to unique opportunities, and financial support makes it more accessible.

The NL Scholarship stands out as a key program for non-EEA students seeking quality education. It’s backed by the Dutch Ministry of Education and over 35 institutions, ensuring diverse academic options.

Funding ranges from €5,000 to €30,625, covering various programs at research universities and universities of applied sciences. This flexibility helps students tailor their education to career goals. With 2025-2026 updates, more institutions now participate, expanding choices.

The country blends cultural diversity with academic excellence, offering a gateway to European careers. Programs also align with UN Sustainable Development Goals, adding purpose to education. Whether pursuing full coverage at Maastricht University or multi-year support at HAN University, global learners find valuable pathways here.

Why Netherlands Scholarships Are a Top Choice for International Students

Global learners find unmatched value in Dutch education funding programs. The system blends financial support with top-tier academics, offering pathways for non-EEA students to thrive. From government grants to institutional aid, options cater to diverse needs.

Tailored Financial Support

The Dutch Ministry funds a €5,000 base grant for first-year students. Institutions like HAN University extend renewable awards up to €12,500. At Maastricht, full coverage includes tuition and living costs (€15,925–€30,625).

Academic Excellence and Industry Ties

Seven Dutch universities rank in the QS World Top 150. Schools like HAN partner with giants like Philips and ASML, bridging theory and practice. “The funding let me focus on research without financial stress,” shares a Maastricht recipient from Brazil.

Diverse and Inclusive Learning

English-taught programs dominate 90% of master’s degrees. STEM fields host 40% international students. Graduates also benefit from the Orientation Year visa, easing post-study work transitions.

Eligibility Requirements for Netherlands Scholarships

Students from non-EEA countries must fulfill certain conditions to qualify for educational grants. These rules ensure funding reaches candidates who align with academic and governmental standards. Below are the key criteria applicants need to meet.

Non-EEA Nationality

Candidates must hold a passport from a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Suriname. Dual nationals (e.g., Spanish-Venezuelan) may face restrictions if one nationality is from an excluded region. Refugee status applicants should check special provisions.

Full-Time Bachelor’s or Master’s Enrollment

Programs require full-time enrollment to comply with visa rules. Part-time or online studies typically disqualify applicants. Some universities, like HAN, mandate a minimum of 45 ECTS credits per year to maintain funding.

Institution-Specific Criteria

Each university sets additional requirements. Competitive programs often demand a GPA equivalent to 7.5/10 or higher. English proficiency tests like IELTS (6.5+) are common. Below is a comparison of top institutions:

University	GPA Requirement	Language Test	Age Limit
Maastricht	7.5/10	IELTS 6.5	35 years
HAN	6.8/10	IELTS 6.5	None

Incomplete applications or missing documents (e.g., certified GPA conversions) lead to disqualification. Always verify the NUFFIC Code of Conduct checklist before submitting.

Types of Scholarships Available in the Netherlands

Funding options for international students vary widely, each designed to support different academic goals. Government-backed programs, institutional awards, and niche grants ensure accessibility across disciplines.

NL Scholarship

The Dutch Ministry funds a €5,000 one-time grant for non-EEA learners. Payments are split between November and April, easing budget planning. This award applies to both research and applied sciences programs.

University-Specific Awards

HAN University offers a tiered honors scholarship: €2,500 per semester, renewable with a 7.0 GPA. Maastricht’s full-coverage package includes tuition, health insurance, and visa costs—totaling up to €30,625.

Honors and Niche Grants

ArtEZ Institute provides arts-focused funding, while Fontys partners with companies like Philips for industry-sponsored aid. Deadlines range from February 1 to October 15, depending on the institution.

Renewable awards often require maintaining academic performance. Multi-year grants may have tax implications, so consult local regulations. Pre-academic training is mandatory for some programs, like Maastricht’s pre-master’s tracks.

Participating Universities and Institutions

Dutch universities offer diverse pathways for global students through recognized programs. Over 35 institutions participate in funding initiatives, blending research excellence with career-focused training.

Research Universities

Top-ranked schools like TU Delft specialize in engineering, while Wageningen University leads in agriculture. Erasmus Rotterdam and Utrecht University feature in QS Top 150, offering programs aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Universities of Applied Sciences

Institutions like HAN and Fontys emphasize hands-on learning. Hotelschool The Hague excels in hospitality, partnering with global brands. These university applied sciences programs often include internships with companies like Philips.

Verifying Legitimacy and Updates

Always cross-check institutions via the official StudyinNL portal. NUFFIC’s Code of Conduct ensures quality standards. For 2025-2026, Avans University joins the list, expanding options in design and technology.

Contact international offices directly for program exclusions (e.g., theology). Beware of fraudulent offers—legitimate awards never require upfront fees. This higher education network supports over 122 nationalities annually.

Financial Benefits and Coverage Details

Financial aid packages for international students vary significantly in coverage and benefits. While some awards focus on tuition, others include living expenses or research grants. Understanding these differences helps applicants choose the right scholarship for their needs.

NL Scholarship: €5,000 One-Time Grant

The NL Scholarship offers a fixed €5,000 payout within the first three months of study. This non-renewable grant suits short-term programs or students with partial funding. Taxes reduce the net amount to approximately €4,300.

HAN University Awards

At HAN, students can earn up to €12,500 over four years. Payments are semester-based (€2,500) and require maintaining 45 ECTS credits per academic year. Health insurance deductions (€120/month) apply to gross amounts.

Maastricht’s Full-Coverage Option

Maastricht University provides comprehensive support, including a €600/month housing allowance. The package covers tuition, books (€500/year), and mandatory Dutch health insurance. Below is a cost comparison for two cities:

Expense	Amsterdam	Enschede
Rent (shared)	€800	€450
Food	€300	€200
Transport	€100	€50

Master’s candidates at research universities often receive higher stipends than bachelor’s students. Note that visa fees for dependents (€207 each) are excluded from all funding packages. A Dutch bank account is mandatory for disbursements.

How to Apply for Netherlands Scholarships

Securing financial aid for international education requires careful planning and timely submissions. Each institution has unique steps, but a systematic approach simplifies the process. Below is a breakdown of key phases to streamline your application.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Start by registering on Studielink, the national portal for Dutch higher education. Next, complete the institution-specific form, often requiring a 500-word motivation letter. Interviews (like Maastricht’s April sessions) may follow for competitive awards.

Track progress via the university’s website. Many portals, like HAN’s, allow document uploads and status checks. Late submissions face strict penalties unless exceptions apply (e.g., visa delays).

Required Documents

Prepare these essentials:

• Motivation letter: Align with Problem-Based Learning (PBL) principles if applying to Maastricht.
• Authenticated transcripts: Apostilled or certified copies for non-EU applicants.
• CV: Highlight academic projects and leadership roles.

Reference letters must come from institutional emails. Video submissions (3-minute max) should address career goals and program fit.

Deadlines and Key Dates for 2025–2026

Mark these critical deadlines:

Institution	Deadline	Follow-Up
HAN University	May 1 / Oct 19	Rolling approvals
Maastricht	February 1	April interviews

NUFFIC’s Code of Conduct declaration is mandatory post-March 2025. Use accredited translation services for non-English documents to avoid rejections.

Conclusion

Securing financial aid for studies abroad demands strategy and prompt action. Early applications boost success rates—Dutch programs approve 28% more candidates than global averages. Students should connect with university advisors before deadlines to clarify requirements.

Combining multiple grants maximizes coverage, especially for master’s programs. Avoid errors like missing document certifications or generic motivation letters. STEM fields will see 15% higher funding in 2026, per recent policy updates.

Always adhere to NUFFIC’s integrity code during applications. “Preparation and authenticity opened doors for my research,” notes a Utrecht alum. Start visa processes early to ensure a smooth academic year abroad.

For more information, explore the official scholarship website mentioned in this article:

FAQ

Who can apply for Dutch scholarships?

Students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who are enrolled in full-time bachelor’s or master’s programs at participating institutions can apply.

What financial support does the NL Scholarship offer?

The NL Scholarship, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, provides a one-time grant of €5,000 to eligible students.

Which universities participate in these programs?

Institutions like HAN University of Applied Sciences, Maastricht University, and research universities such as Utrecht and Groningen offer scholarships.

Are there scholarships for academic excellence?

Yes, some universities provide honors scholarships for high-achieving students, often covering partial or full tuition fees.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants typically need a motivation letter, CV, proof of enrollment, and sometimes recommendation letters. Specific requirements vary by institution.

When is the deadline to apply for 2025-2026?

Deadlines differ per university, but most applications close by March 2025. Check the institution’s website for exact dates.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships?

Yes, but each scholarship has its own criteria. Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements before submitting applications.

Do these scholarships cover living expenses?

Some, like Maastricht University’s full-coverage option, include living costs. Others, such as the NL Scholarship, are partial grants.