Scholarships in Netherlands for master’s students

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Introduction

The Netherlands has become one of Europe’s most popular destinations for international students pursuing higher education. With its world-class universities, innovative research opportunities, and English-taught master’s programs, the country attracts thousands of students each year.

However, tuition fees for international students in the Netherlands can range from €8,000 to €20,000 per year, depending on the university and program. To help ease this financial burden, the Dutch government, universities, and private organizations provide numerous scholarships for master’s students in the Netherlands 2025.

This guide highlights the best scholarships in the Netherlands for international master’s students, along with eligibility criteria, benefits, and application deadlines.

Why Study a Master’s in the Netherlands?

  • High-quality education at universities like Delft University of Technology, University of Amsterdam, Leiden University, and Erasmus University Rotterdam.

  • Wide range of English-taught programs (over 2,100 master’s courses).

  • Strong research culture and global career opportunities.

  • Affordable tuition compared to the US/UK, with many scholarships available.

  • Multicultural environment in a welcoming and innovative country.

Top Scholarships in the Netherlands for Master’s Students 2025

1. Holland Scholarship (by the Dutch Ministry of Education)

  • Coverage: €5,000 for the first year of study.

  • Eligibility: Non-EEA international students applying for master’s programs at participating Dutch universities.

  • Deadline: February–May 2025 (varies by institution).

2. Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)

  • Coverage: Full tuition fees, visa, travel, insurance, and living allowance.

  • Eligibility: Mid-career professionals from OKP-eligible countries, applying for short courses or master’s degrees.

  • Deadline: March and September 2025 (depending on program).

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships

  • Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel, and insurance.

  • Eligibility: International students admitted to Erasmus Mundus joint programs (some hosted by Dutch universities).

  • Deadline: December 2024–January 2025.

4. Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (University of Amsterdam)

  • Coverage: Up to €25,000 covering tuition and living expenses.

  • Eligibility: Outstanding non-EU/EEA students applying to master’s programs at the University of Amsterdam.

  • Deadline: January–February 2025.

5. Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)

  • Coverage: 25%–100% tuition fee reduction.

  • Eligibility: Non-EEA students with excellent academic results applying to Leiden University master’s programs.

  • Deadline: February & October 2025 (depending on intake).

6. TU Delft Excellence Scholarship (Justus & Louise van Effen Scholarship)

  • Coverage: Full tuition fee coverage + monthly living allowance (€30,000 annually).

  • Eligibility: High-achieving international students applying for master’s programs at TU Delft.

  • Deadline: December 2024–January 2025.

7. Utrecht Excellence Scholarships

  • Coverage: Full tuition or tuition + €11,000 living expenses.

  • Eligibility: Outstanding non-EEA students applying to selected master’s programs at Utrecht University.

  • Deadline: January–February 2025.

8. VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme (VUFP)

  • Coverage: Full tuition fee waiver.

  • Eligibility: Non-EEA international students admitted to master’s programs at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

  • Deadline: February 2025.

9. Erasmus University Holland Scholarship

  • Coverage: €5,000–€15,000 for one year.

  • Eligibility: Non-EEA students applying to master’s programs at Erasmus University Rotterdam.

  • Deadline: February–May 2025.

10. Radboud University Scholarship Programme

  • Coverage: Partial tuition reduction (down to €2,530 from €17,000) + visa and health insurance.

  • Eligibility: Non-EEA students applying to master’s programs at Radboud University.

  • Deadline: January–February 2025.

General Eligibility for Master’s Scholarships in the Netherlands

  1. Non-EEA nationality (for most scholarships).

  2. Strong academic background with excellent grades.

  3. Admission to a Dutch university master’s program.

  4. Proof of English proficiency – IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent.

  5. Motivation letter and recommendation letters.

  6. Specific requirements (varies by scholarship: leadership, work experience, or research background).

Application Process

  1. Research your program and scholarship options.

  2. Apply for admission to a Dutch university master’s program.

  3. Prepare required documents:

    • Academic transcripts

    • Proof of English proficiency

    • Motivation/cover letter

    • CV/Resume

    • Recommendation letters

  4. Apply for scholarships through university portals or national platforms.

  5. Submit applications before deadlines.

Deadlines for Scholarships in the Netherlands 2025

  • TU Delft Excellence Scholarship: December 2024–January 2025.

  • Utrecht Excellence Scholarship: January–February 2025.

  • Amsterdam Merit Scholarship: January–February 2025.

  • Leiden LExS: February 2025.

  • VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme: February 2025.

  • Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP): March & September 2025.

  • Holland Scholarship: February–May 2025.

👉 Always check official university websites for exact dates.

Tips to Win a Scholarship in the Netherlands

  1. Apply early – many scholarships close months before the academic year begins.

  2. Highlight your achievements – academic, leadership, or professional.

  3. Write a strong motivation letter explaining why you want to study in the Netherlands.

  4. Apply to multiple universities and scholarships.

  5. Prepare excellent recommendation letters from professors or employers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are master’s scholarships in the Netherlands fully funded?
Yes, scholarships like TU Delft Excellence Scholarship and Orange Knowledge Programme cover full tuition and living expenses.

2. Do I need to know Dutch?
No, most master’s programs are taught in English, but learning Dutch is helpful for daily life and jobs.

3. What is the average cost of studying in the Netherlands without scholarships?
Tuition ranges from €8,000–€20,000 per year plus living costs of around €10,000 annually.

4. Can I work while studying in the Netherlands?
Yes, international students can work part-time (up to 16 hours/week or full-time during holidays).

5. When should I apply for 2025 scholarships?
Most deadlines fall between December 2024 – May 2025.

Conclusion

The Netherlands offers a wide range of scholarships for international master’s students in 2025, from government-funded programs like the Holland Scholarship and OKP, to university-specific awards like TU Delft Excellence, Leiden LExS, Utrecht Excellence, and Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

With tuition costs supported and sometimes fully covered, these scholarships make studying in the Netherlands affordable for talented students worldwide. If you are planning to pursue a master’s abroad, the Netherlands is one of the best and most accessible destinations.

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