Imagine completing a masterโs degree at a highly ranked Dutch university while your tuition, living costs, travel, and insurance are covered. For international students targeting the 2026โ2027 and 2027โ2028 intakes, the Netherlands still offers several realistic fully funded pathways, even after the closure of the Orange Knowledge Programme at the end of 2024.
Dutch universities are known for strong research, practical teaching, and excellent graduate outcomes. Most masterโs programmes are taught in English and last one or two years. The main barrier for non-EEA students is the institutional tuition fee, which typically ranges from about โฌ13,000 to โฌ25,000 per year. A small number of competitive scholarships close this gap completely.
This guide focuses on the strongest fully funded and high-value options currently available, with direct links so you can verify details and apply.
Why Consider Studying in the Netherlands in 2026?
The Netherlands combines high academic quality with relatively practical study conditions. English is widely spoken, many programmes have strong industry links, and living costs are more manageable than in several other Western European countries once scholarship support is in place. Graduates also have access to post-study work options.
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For the latest overview of studying and funding in the country, start with the official Study in NL portal: https://www.studyinnl.org/.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
Erasmus Mundus remains the most reliable fully funded route. These joint masterโs programmes are run by consortia of European universities, many of which include Dutch partners such as the University of Groningen, Radboud University, Erasmus University Rotterdam, or the University of Twente.
Successful applicants usually receive:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- A monthly living allowance of approximately โฌ1,400
- Travel and installation support
- Health insurance
- Funding for the full duration of the programme (typically 24 months)
You apply directly to the specific consortium, not through a central portal. Deadlines commonly fall between October and January for a September start. Selection is highly competitive and based on academic merit, motivation, and relevant experience.
Find current programmes and application windows through the official Erasmus+ resources: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/. Search for โErasmus Mundus Joint Mastersโ plus your field of study.
Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship
This is one of the most generous university-specific awards. It offers full scholarships that typically cover:
- Tuition fee waiver
- Living allowance (โฌ20,150 for 13 months or โฌ38,750 for 25 months)
- Health and liability insurance
- Visa costs
- Pre-academic training where required
Around 21 full scholarships are available each year for highly talented non-EU/EEA masterโs students. Applicants generally need a strong academic record (often equivalent to a GPA of 7.5/10 or higher), must not have previously pursued degree-seeking education in the Netherlands, and are usually under 35 at the start of the programme. You must first apply for admission to a participating masterโs programme.
Check the latest eligibility, participating programmes, and deadlines on the official Maastricht University site: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/ (search for โNL-High Potential Scholarshipโ).
TU Delft Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship
TU Delft awards this excellence scholarship to outstanding international students admitted to its regular two-year MSc programmes. Benefits usually include:
- Full tuition fees (at the applicable rate for your nationality)
- A contribution toward living expenses
- Support for up to two years, subject to academic progress (typically at least 48 ECTS in the first year)
Approximately two scholarships are offered per faculty. Applicants need excellent prior results (indicatively top 10 percent) and must submit a complete MSc application plus the scholarship form and reference letter(s) by the early December deadline (commonly 1 December).
Official details are available on the TU Delft scholarships page: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/education/practical-matters/scholarships.
Eric Bleumink Fellowship (University of Groningen)
The Eric Bleumink Fund supports talented students from eligible developing countries with fully funded masterโs study at the University of Groningen. Coverage typically includes:
- Full tuition
- International travel
- Living allowance
- Books
- Health insurance
Only a limited number of awards are made each year. There is no separate scholarship application form; you apply for admission to a Groningen masterโs programme (usually by early December), and the university nominates suitable candidates.
Confirm current eligibility countries and requirements here: https://www.rug.nl/education/scholarships/eric-bleumink-fellowship.
See Also:
- Fully Funded Netherlands Scholarships 2026: How International Students Can Study Tuition-Free
- How to Dramatically Increase Your Chances of Winning Scholarships in 2026
- Fully Funded Netherlands Scholarships 2026 for International Students: Your Complete Guide to Studying Without Paying Full Tuition
Useful Partial Funding: The NL Scholarship
The NL Scholarship (formerly the Holland Scholarship) provides a one-time grant of โฌ5,000 in the first year of a full-time bachelorโs or masterโs programme. It is explicitly partial and does not cover full tuition or living costs. It is open to non-EEA nationals who have not previously earned a degree in the Netherlands and who apply to a participating institution.
Applications for the 2026โ2027 academic year opened in November 2025. Deadlines vary by university, often falling between February and May. You apply through the institution itself.
Full details, participating universities, and eligibility criteria are on the official page: https://www.studyinnl.org/finances/nl-scholarship.
Practical Application Tips
- Apply for the degree programme first or at the same time as the scholarship. Many fully funded awards require a complete admissions application.
- Start preparing documents early. Strong grades, a clear motivation letter, and solid references make a significant difference.
- Always verify deadlines and requirements on official university or programme websites, as they change yearly.
- Budget for initial arrival costs and visa proof-of-funds requirements, even with a full scholarship.
- Check whether any partial awards can be combined with university fee reductions.
Additional helpful resources:
- Official Study in NL finances and scholarships overview: https://www.studyinnl.org/finances
- Nuffic (Netherlands organisation for internationalisation in education): https://www.nuffic.nl/en
Final Thoughts
Fully funded study in the Netherlands in 2026 is realistic for a limited number of high-performing international students, particularly at masterโs level through Erasmus Mundus and targeted university excellence scholarships at institutions such as Maastricht, TU Delft, and Groningen. Success depends on early preparation, strong academic credentials, and careful attention to official deadlines and requirements.
Use the links above to confirm the latest information for your target programme and intake. With the right match, you can focus on your studies and career goals rather than the cost of tuition.
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