If you’ve been thinking about studying abroad in Europe, the Netherlands should be high on your list. From world-class universities to the famous canals and cozy bikes-everywhere culture — it’s an incredible place to study.
But let’s get real: international tuition and living costs aren’t exactly cheap. Good news though — there are several excellent scholarships for international students in 2025, and I’m about to break them down for you.
📌 Why Study in the Netherlands?
- Over 2,100+ English-taught degree programs
- Ranked as one of the most open-minded, student-friendly countries in Europe
- Excellent post-study work opportunities through the Orientation Year visa
- Home to some of the world’s top universities like Delft University of Technology, University of Amsterdam, and Leiden University
📋 Top Scholarships for International Students in the Netherlands (2025)
1️⃣ Holland Scholarship
- Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education and participating universities
- One-time award of €5,000 for first-year students
- Open to non-EEA (non-European) students applying for Bachelor’s or Master’s programs
2️⃣ Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS)
- Designed specifically for students from selected countries outside the EU
- Covers partial or full tuition fees, sometimes living costs
- Offered by participating Dutch higher education institutions
3️⃣ Erasmus+ Scholarships
- For students joining exchange or joint Master’s degree programs in the Netherlands
- Covers tuition, travel, and living expenses depending on the program
- Available for both EU and non-EU students
4️⃣ NN Future Matters Scholarship
- For students from select countries pursuing a Master’s degree in finance, risk management, or economics
- Covers €5,000–€20,000 towards tuition fees
- Partnered with top universities like the University of Amsterdam
5️⃣ Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
- Merit-based scholarship for non-EU Master’s students
- Covers 25%–100% of tuition fees
- Super competitive — strong academic track record needed
📊 Scholarship Comparison Table
| Scholarship Name | Degree Level | Coverage | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holland Scholarship | Bachelor’s, Master’s | €5,000 one-time grant | Non-EEA international students |
| Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS) | Bachelor’s, Master’s | Partial/full tuition, sometimes living | Select non-EU countries |
| Erasmus+ Scholarships | Exchange, Master’s | Tuition, travel, living expenses | EU & non-EU students |
| NN Future Matters Scholarship | Master’s | €5,000–€20,000 tuition support | Non-EU finance/economics students |
| Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) | Master’s | 25–100% tuition fee coverage | Non-EU students |
📌 How to Boost Your Chances
- Apply early — most deadlines are in January–May 2025
- Prepare a standout personal statement explaining why you chose the Netherlands
- Get recommendation letters from academic or professional referees
- Emphasize extracurricular activities, internships, or leadership roles
Feedback: A lot of applicants focus too much on grades and forget the personal part. Dutch universities value open-minded, curious people — let your personality shine in your application!
📅 Scholarship Application Timeline
| Month | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
| November–February | Major scholarship applications open |
| March–May | Deadlines for Holland Scholarship, OTS, etc. |
| June–August | Admission decisions and scholarship offers |
| August–September | Student visa and travel arrangements |
🎯 Final Thoughts
Studying in the Netherlands in 2025 is more possible than you might think. With English-taught programs in almost every field and great scholarships like the Holland and Orange Tulip Scholarships, you could get significant financial help toward your dream degree.
Pro Tip: Some universities like Utrecht University and University of Groningen also offer their own merit scholarships for international students — so don’t forget to check each university’s website when applying.
