Studying in the Netherlands attracts thousands of ambitious international students every year because of its English-taught programmes, strong industry links, high quality of life and relatively straightforward visa process. The challenge is cost. Non-EEA tuition fees often range from €13,000 to €25,000 per year, plus living expenses. Fortunately, a range of government-backed and university excellence scholarships still make it possible for talented students to study with significant or full financial support in 2026 and 2027.
This guide covers the most realistic fully funded and high-value Netherlands scholarships 2026 options available to international students, along with eligibility criteria, what each award actually covers, application timelines and official links. Deadlines and participating institutions change annually, so always confirm details on the university or programme website before applying.
Why the Netherlands Remains Attractive for Scholarship Seekers
Dutch universities consistently rank well in global tables, particularly in engineering, agriculture, social sciences, law and life sciences. Most master’s programmes and a growing number of bachelor’s degrees are taught in English. Students can work part-time during studies, and post-study residence options allow graduates to search for work after completing their degree.
While the Orange Knowledge Programme closed at the end of 2024 and is no longer accepting new applications, the Netherlands still offers government-supported grants and strong university-level awards. The most accessible government-linked option is the NL Scholarship (formerly the Holland Scholarship). True full-ride opportunities exist mainly through Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees and a limited number of university excellence schemes.
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See Also:
- Fully Funded Netherlands Scholarships 2026 for International Students: Your Complete Guide to Studying Without Paying Full Tuition
- Sweden Scholarships for International Students 2026: How to Study Free in Europe
- UK Government Scholarships 2026 for International Students (Fully Funded): Complete Application Guide
NL Scholarship (Formerly Holland Scholarship)
The NL Scholarship is the flagship government-supported award for international students. It is financed jointly by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and participating Dutch higher education institutions.
Key details:
- Amount: €5,000 paid in the first year of studies (not a full-tuition scholarship)
- Level: Full-time bachelor’s or master’s programmes
- Eligibility: Non-EEA nationality; applying to a participating institution; no previous degree from a Dutch higher education institution
- Application: Through the chosen university (no central portal)
- Status for 2026-2027: Applications opened on 1 November 2025; institution-specific deadlines typically fall between January and May 2026
Participating research universities for the 2026-2027 cycle include Eindhoven University of Technology, Maastricht University, Radboud University, University of Groningen, University of Twente, Utrecht University, VU Amsterdam and Wageningen University & Research, among others. A larger number of universities of applied sciences also participate. The list changes yearly.
Official information and the current list of participating institutions are available on the Study in NL website: NL Scholarship page.
While the €5,000 contribution helps with first-year costs, most students still need to cover the remaining tuition and living expenses. It is often combinable with university-specific awards.
Fully Funded University Excellence Scholarships
Several Dutch universities offer more substantial awards that cover full tuition plus living support for outstanding international master’s applicants.
Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship
This is one of the strongest fully funded options. It combines the university’s High Potential Scholarship with the NL Scholarship and provides full coverage for selected non-EU/EEA students admitted to participating master’s programmes.
Coverage typically includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Living expenses of approximately €20,150 for a 13-month programme or €38,750 for a 25-month programme
- Health and liability insurance
- Visa application costs
- Pre-academic training costs
Around 18 scholarships are awarded each year. Applicants must hold non-EU/EEA nationality (no dual EU nationality), be 35 or younger on 1 September of the start year, demonstrate excellent academic results (generally GPA of 7.5/10 or equivalent), and have submitted a complete master’s application by the early December deadline. Scholarship applications usually run from October to early February.
Check the official page for the latest participating programmes and exact dates: Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship.
TU Delft Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship
TU Delft, one of Europe’s leading technical universities, awards this scholarship to excellent international applicants for its two-year regular MSc programmes.
Coverage:
- Full tuition fees (statutory or institutional rate depending on nationality)
- Contribution toward living expenses
- Renewable into the second year subject to satisfactory academic progress (typically at least 48 ECTS in the first year)
Two scholarships are available per faculty. Applicants must be excellent international candidates (roughly top 10% level), have a bachelor’s degree from outside the Netherlands, and submit a complete MSc application plus the scholarship form and reference letter(s) by 1 December for the following September intake. Joint education programmes are excluded.
Official details: TU Delft Scholarships page.
University of Groningen Eric Bleumink Fellowship
This fully funded award targets talented students from selected developing countries for master’s programmes (MSc, MA or LL.M.).
Coverage includes:
- Full tuition
- International travel
- Monthly subsistence allowance
- Books
- Health insurance
There is no separate scholarship application. Candidates must complete their master’s application early (typically by 1 December) and receive a provisional or unconditional admission offer before February. The Admission Office and faculties then nominate suitable candidates. The fellowship is limited in number and highly competitive.
Check eligibility countries and the current process on the University of Groningen website.
Other notable university awards include the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship / Excellence Scholarship at the University of Amsterdam, VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme, Leiden University Excellence Scholarships, and various awards at Utrecht, Radboud and Wageningen. Amounts and coverage vary from partial tuition reductions to more substantial packages.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters remain the most reliable route to genuinely full funding for master’s study in Europe, including programmes that involve Dutch universities. These are integrated international programmes delivered by consortia of at least three institutions from different countries. Students study in at least two countries and often receive a joint or multiple degree.
Standard scholarship coverage for selected students:
- Full participation (tuition) costs
- Monthly living allowance of €1,400 for the duration of the programme (up to 24 months)
- Travel and installation contributions
- Insurance
Applications are submitted directly to the consortium running each programme. Most deadlines fall between October and January for programmes starting the following academic year. You can browse the official catalogue of current Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters here: Erasmus Mundus Catalogue.
Many programmes include Dutch partners or study periods in the Netherlands. New programmes are added each year, so check the catalogue and individual programme websites for 2026 and 2027 intakes.
Practical Application Tips for Higher Success Rates
Competition for fully funded awards is intense. Strong applications share common characteristics:
- Excellent academic record with high grades and relevant coursework
- Clear motivation letter explaining why the specific programme and the Netherlands fit your goals
- Strong recommendation letters from academic or professional referees
- Meeting English language requirements early (usually IELTS 6.5–7.0 or equivalent)
- Applying well before deadlines and ensuring the full admission file is complete
Start by identifying 3–5 realistic programmes, then check each university’s scholarship page for exact eligibility, required documents and deadlines. Apply for admission and the scholarship in parallel where required. Keep copies of all submissions and follow up professionally if needed.
Additional resources:
- Official Study in the Netherlands portal: studyinnl.org
- Nuffic (Netherlands organisation for internationalisation in education): nuffic.nl
Living Costs and Other Considerations
Even with a strong scholarship, budget for living costs in the Netherlands. Average monthly expenses for a student (accommodation, food, transport, insurance) typically range from €900 to €1,300 depending on the city. Amsterdam and Utrecht are more expensive than cities such as Groningen, Maastricht or Wageningen.
Most scholarships do not cover flights home during the programme or family expenses. Part-time work is possible for international students (up to 16 hours per week during term time), but it should not be relied upon as the primary funding source.
Conclusion: Take Action Early
Fully funded Netherlands scholarships 2026 for international students exist, but they reward preparation and academic excellence rather than volume of applications. The NL Scholarship provides useful first-year support at many institutions, while Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters and select university awards such as the Maastricht NL-High Potential and TU Delft van Effen scholarships offer the most comprehensive coverage.
Begin researching programmes and scholarship pages at least 8–12 months before your intended start date. Verify every deadline and requirement on the official university or consortium website, prepare strong supporting documents, and apply early. With focused effort, studying in the Netherlands with substantial or full financial support remains an achievable goal for high-achieving international students.
Start with the Study in NL scholarship overview and the Erasmus Mundus catalogue today, then move to the specific university pages for the programmes that match your academic profile.
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