Scholarships in the Netherlands for International Students 2025

Studying in the Netherlands is a dream for many students from all over the world. With its world-class universities, high-quality teaching methods, and internationally accepted degrees, the Netherlands has quickly become one of the biggest centers for international higher education. However, tuition fees and living expenses can be a concern. The good news is that you can apply to a number of scholarships in the Netherlands for international students for the academic year 2025–2026. These options include partial and fully funded scholarships in the Netherlands for international students. Scholarships can cover diverse needs including tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and travel stipend.

There are many options to help you financially for either a bachelor’s program, master’s degree, or a PhD. Some great institutions like Delft University of Technology, Erasmus University, University of Groningen, Utrecht University, Radboud University, and the University of Amsterdam have several exclusive scholarship programs available for talented students.

In this blog, we will take a look at some of the best scholarships in Netherlands 2025, their benefits, and how you can apply.

1. Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships – TU Delft

The Holland Scholarship for International master’s students at Delft University of Technology is a fully funded scholarship. The annual award is €30,000 and will cover tuition, accommodation and living costs.

Level of Study: Masters

Institution: Delft University of Technology

2. Erasmus University MBA Scholarship

This scheme provides partial funding, that is funding of a maximum of 50% of the MBA tuition fees at RSM Erasmus University. It is one of the most popular Netherlands scholarships for international students pursuing a business qualification. 

Level of Study: MBA

Institution: RSM Erasmus University

3. Eric Bleumink Scholarships – University of Groningen

This scholarship is to study in the Netherlands in 2023, is fully funded, and covers tuition, travel, books, health insurance, living costs of master’s students from anywhere in the world.

Level of Study: Masters

Institution: University of Groningen

4. Utrecht Excellence Scholarship

There are 25 awards for fully funded master’s scholarships in Netherlands, tuition fees and a grant of £11,000 for living costs.

Level of Study: Masters

Institution: Utrecht University

5. Radboud University Scholarship

The award of this scholarship provides international master’s students with a substantial reduction of tuition fees from approximately €16,000 to just €2,209 per year. 

Level of Study: Masters 

Institution: Radboud University

6. Maastricht University Scholarship

This fully funded masters scholarship for tuition, visa, health insurance, and €23,750 in living expenses. 

Level of Study: Masters 

Institution: Maastricht University

7. University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship

Scholarship awards range from € 2,000 to € 25,000 depending on the faculty, which is notably one of the flexible scholarships in Netherlands for Indian students and other candidates.  

Level of study: Masters 

Institution: University of Amsterdam  

8. University of Twente Scholarship

Around 50 scholarships to shield candidates from potential study costs between € 3,000 to € 22,000 per year, extendable for a second year.  

Level of study: Masters 

Institution: University of Twente  

9. NL Scholarship (Holland Government Scholarship)

Offered to both bachelor and master’s students, this Netherlands bachelor scholarship provides financial assistance of €5,000 to help students study in Netherlands. This is one of the most commonly selected Netherlands scholarships for Indian students. 

Level of Study: Undergraduate/Masters

Institution: Participating universities

10. Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LexS)

This scholarship is provided by the university to master’s students with outstanding academic performance. Eligible students will be awarded €15,000 a year. 

Level of Study: Masters

Institution: Leiden University

11. ISS Scholarship Fund – Erasmus University Rotterdam

This program provides outstanding masters students with a grant of a 40% tuition award. 

Level of Study: Masters

Institution: Erasmus University Rotterdam 

12. Other Internationally Funded Programs

Students in the Netherlands have also had a couple of opportunities across the globe as indicated below: 

• Facebook PhD Fellowship – doctoral studies worldwide. 
• Human Frontier Science Program Postdoctoral Fellowships – for postdoctoral research. 
• Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program – which include tuition, accommodation, travel. 
• Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program – PhD studies. 
• IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program – supports PhD students in mathematics. 
• Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowships – fund PhD and postdoctoral studies.

How to Apply for Scholarship in Netherlands?

If you’re wondering how to get a scholarship in the Netherlands, here are some general steps: 

• Find eligible programs on the official university website.
• Compile documents (transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and proof of English proficiency – IELTS/TOEFL).
• Finally, submit the online application within the deadline.
• Then, wait for the decision through the selection process (it may require an interview!).
• Lastly, receive your scholarship award letter and complete your visa formalities.

Each university has its own processes so make sure you check them before applying!

FAQs

Ques. 1. Are there fully funded scholarships in Netherlands for international students?

Ans.  Yes. There are programs such as TU Delft’s Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship and the Maastricht University Scholarship that offer full funding that includes tuition, living expenses and health insurance. 

Ques. 2. Can Indian students apply for scholarships in the Netherlands?

Ans.  Yes. Many Universities offer scholarships in Netherlands for Indian students such for a bachelor or a master program. 

Ques. 3. Are there fully funded scholarships in Netherlands for undergraduate students?

Ans.  Yes, the NL Scholarship provides funding to undergraduate and master’s students. It offers €5,000 towards the tuition.

Ques. 4. How competitive are scholarships in the Netherlands 2025?

Ans.  There is fierce competition for these – especially the fully funded scholarships – so good academic performance, your letter of motivation, extracurricular, etc. will help increase your likelihood.  Having a very strong academic record will help a lot too. 

Ques. 5. What is the deadline to apply for scholarship in Netherlands for international students?

Ans.  Deadlines vary by university and program and there are just so many variables out there; therefore, it is best to check the official university websites regularly for updated information for 2025.