Discover top Netherlands scholarships for Master’s and PhD programs in 2025. Learn eligibility, benefits, application process, fully funded options, and tips to improve your selection chances. Ideal for international students seeking study opportunities in the Netherlands.
Explore Dutch scholarships offering full support for postgraduate degrees.
The Netherlands is one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for higher education, especially for international students interested in high-quality Master’s and PhD programs. Every year, thousands of students wonder: “Are there Netherlands scholarships for Master’s and PhD programs?”
The answer is YES — and there are many!
The Netherlands offers a wide range of fully funded and partially funded scholarships for postgraduate students. These include government-sponsored programs, university scholarships, research fellowships, and scholarships funded by Dutch organizations or international partnerships.
1. Why Study in the Netherlands?
International students choose the Netherlands for several compelling reasons:
1.1 Top-Ranked Universities
The Netherlands hosts some of the best universities in Europe, known for research excellence, innovative teaching, and strong global rankings.
1.2 English-Taught Programs
More than 2,000 Master’s and PhD programs are offered in 100% English, making it ideal for global students.
1.3 Affordable Compared to Other Western Countries
Living and tuition costs are relatively lower than in the US, UK, or Australia.
1.4 International Environment
The Netherlands is highly multicultural, welcoming over 100,000 international students annually.
1.5 Strong Job Opportunities
The country has a booming job market in technology, business, science, logistics, agriculture, artificial intelligence, and engineering.
2. Types of Netherlands Scholarships for Master’s & PhD Students
Netherlands scholarships can be categorized into:
2.1 Government Scholarships
- Netherlands Government Scholarship (Orange Knowledge Program)
- Holland Scholarship
- Erasmus+ Scholarships
2.2 University Scholarships
Dutch universities offer numerous scholarships such as:
- Leiden Excellence Scholarship
- Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
- Utrecht Excellence Scholarship
- TU Delft Justus & Louise van Effen Scholarship
- Maastricht High Potential Scholarship
- Radboud Scholarship Program
2.3 Organization & Research Scholarships
- Nuffic Scholarships
- Fulbright Scholarships (for US students)
- Research Fellowships funded by Dutch labs and institutions
2.4 Fully Funded vs. Partially Funded
- Fully funded: Covers tuition, living allowance, travel, insurance
- Partial: Covers tuition or part of tuition
3. Fully Funded Netherlands Scholarships for Master’s and PhD Programs
Below are the most prestigious and fully funded options.
3.1 Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)
One of the most popular scholarships for international students.
What It Covers
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel allowances
- Insurance
- Visa cost assistance
Who Can Apply
Professionals from OKP-eligible countries who aim to contribute to sustainable development in their home country.
Programs Offered
- Master’s programs
- Short courses
3.2 Netherlands Government Scholarship (for Master’s & Short Courses)
This is a fully funded scholarship offered by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Benefits
- Full tuition fee
- Monthly stipend
- Health insurance
- Visa support
- Travel coverage
Eligibility
- International applicants from specific countries
- Strong academic or professional background
3.3 Erasmus+ Scholarship (Europe-wide — includes Netherlands Universities)
A fully funded European scholarship available for Master’s and sometimes PhD programs.
Covers
- Full tuition
- Monthly allowance
- Travel
- Insurance
- Accommodation support
Fields
Business, engineering, computer science, social sciences, environmental science, etc.
3.4 High Potential Scholarship (Maastricht University)
A fully funded scholarship aimed at highly talented students.
Benefits
- Tuition fee coverage
- €12,000–€13,800 annual living stipend
- Insurance
- Visa costs
Eligibility
- Non-EU international students applying for a Master’s degree
3.5 University of Twente Scholarship (UTS)
This scholarship offers generous financial support for Master’s students.
Covers
- €3,000–€22,000 stipend annually
- Optional additional funding for excellent students
3.6 TU Delft Fully Funded Scholarship
Highly competitive engineering and technology scholarship.
Benefits
- Full tuition
- €12,000–€15,000 living allowance
- International exposure
- Mentorship
Eligibility
- High academic performance
- Engineering and technology fields
3.7 Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LexS)
Highly competitive for Master’s students.
Covers
- Full or partial tuition
- Monthly allowance (in some cases)
3.8 Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship
For outstanding Master’s applicants.
Benefits
- €25,000 grant (covers tuition + living expenses)
4. PhD Scholarships in the Netherlands
PhD in the Netherlands is unique because PhD researchers are treated as employees, not students.
Benefits for PhD Scholars
- Monthly salary (€2,500–€3,400 approx.)
- Employment contract
- Research funding and resources
- Paid vacation days
- Health insurance
Top Institutions Offering PhD Funding
- Delft University of Technology
- Wageningen University
- Leiden University
- University of Groningen
- Utrecht University
- Eindhoven University of Technology
PhD positions are fully funded by default, so applicants rarely need separate scholarships.
5. Eligibility Requirements for Netherlands Scholarships
Eligibility varies by scholarship, but general requirements include:
5.1 Academic Requirements
- Strong academic background
- Bachelor’s degree for Master’s
- Master’s degree for PhD (in most cases)
5.2 English Language Requirements
Most programs require:
- IELTS 6.5 or above
- TOEFL 80+ (internet-based)
Some universities accept alternative tests or offer waivers.
5.3 Professional Experience (Required for Some)
Examples:
- Orange Knowledge Program requires work experience
- MBA programs require professional experience
5.4 Other Requirements
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Research proposal (for PhD)
- Strong CV
6. Benefits of Netherlands Scholarships
Applying for scholarships in the Netherlands can give you:
6.1 Financial Support
- Tuition fee coverage
- Monthly stipend
- Health insurance
- Research funding (for PhD)
6.2 Professional Development
- Access to world-class labs
- International networking
- Research opportunities
6.3 Work Opportunities After Graduation
Students can apply for the Orientation Year Permit, allowing them to work in the Netherlands for one year after graduation.
7. How to Apply for Netherlands Scholarships (Step-by-Step)
Follow this structured process to increase your success rate.
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Select a Master’s or PhD program that matches your academic and career goals.
Step 2: Check Scholarship Deadlines
Be aware that deadlines differ by university and scholarship type.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Common documents include:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- CV/Resume
- Statement of purpose
- Research proposal (PhD)
- Recommendation letters
- English test score
Step 4: Apply for Admission First
Most Dutch scholarships require university admission before applying for funding.
Step 5: Submit Scholarship Application
Fill the online form and upload necessary documents.
Step 6: Prepare for Interviews (If Required)
Some scholarships include an interview stage.
Step 7: Wait for Results
Scholarship committees review applications in several rounds.
8. Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Netherlands Scholarship
8.1 Start Early
Scholarship deadlines in the Netherlands can be 6–10 months before intake.
8.2 Write a Strong Personal Statement
Highlight:
- Career goals
- Academic achievements
- Leadership qualities
- Why the Netherlands
- Why this program
8.3 Obtain Strong Recommendation Letters
Preferably from:
- Professors
- Supervisors
- Employers
8.4 Apply to Multiple Scholarships
Applying to 3–5 different scholarships increases your chances.
8.5 Tailor Your Application
Never use the same SOP or research proposal for all universities.
8.6 Maintain High Grades
Dutch universities value academic excellence.
8.7 Show Impact
Mention:
- Community service
- Projects
- Publications
- Research work
9. High-Demand Fields for Scholarships in the Netherlands
Scholarships are easier to secure in fields with shortages:
- Data Science & AI
- Engineering
- Agriculture & Food Science
- Environmental Science
- Logistics & Supply Chain
- Business & Economics
- Public Health
- Medical & Biomedical Sciences
10. Cost of Studying Without a Scholarship
If you don’t secure funding, here’s the average cost:
10.1 Tuition Fees
- Master’s: €8,000–€22,000 per year
- PhD: Usually free (paid position)
10.2 Living Cost
€800–€1,200 per month depending on the city.
Scholarships can drastically reduce or completely eliminate these costs.
11. Careers After Studying in the Netherlands
The country offers strong employment opportunities in:
- Water Management
- Renewable Energy
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Healthcare
- Agriculture
- Economics
- Finance
- Logistics
- Environmental Science
The Dutch government allows graduates to stay and find work with a one-year job search visa.
12. Conclusion
Are there Netherlands scholarships for Master’s and PhD programs?
Absolutely — and they are plentiful, competitive, and highly rewarding.
The Netherlands is one of the best destinations for international students seeking scholarships, thanks to its fully funded programs, top universities, high-quality education, and strong job market.
Whether you are applying for a Master’s program, a research-heavy PhD, or a professional postgraduate degree, the Netherlands offers excellent funding opportunities.
With the right preparation, strong documents, and early application, you can significantly increase your chances of winning a Netherlands scholarship.
Also Read: Which Canadian Scholarships Are Available for International Students in 2025?
Sources
Study in Netherlands+2upGrad+2
FAQs
1. Are there fully funded scholarships in the Netherlands for Master’s programs?
Yes. Netherlands Scholarships Options like the Orange Knowledge Programme, Erasmus+, and university-specific scholarships offer full funding.
2. Are PhD programs in the Netherlands Scholarships fully funded?
Most PhD positions are fully funded because PhD candidates are treated as employees with salaries.
3. Do I need IELTS to apply for a Netherlands scholarship?
Yes, Netherlands Scholarshipsmost programs require IELTS 6.5+, but alternatives like TOEFL or university waivers may apply.
4. Is the cost of living high in the Netherlands Scholarships?
Living expenses range from €800 to €1,200 monthly depending on the city.
5. Can I work while studying in the Netherlands Scholarships?
Yes.Netherlands Scholarships International students can work limited hours during studies.
6. Is it hard to get a Netherlands scholarship?
Scholarships are competitive, but strong documentation and academic records improve your chances.
7. What is the best time to apply for Netherlands scholarships?
Applications usually open between October and April depending on the university.