The Ultimate Netherlands Scholarship Guide for Indian & International Students

You’ve been Googling universities at 2 AM, running the numbers on tuition fees, and wondering – “Is studying in the Netherlands even possible for someone like me?” The answer is yes, and it’s more affordable than you think.

The Netherlands is one of the most scholarship-friendly study destinations in Europe, offering dozens of scholarships for international students and Indian students each year.

If you’re searching for scholarships to study in the Netherlands, you’re not alone. Thousands of Indian and international students choose the Netherlands every year because of its world-class universities, English-taught programs, and generous funding opportunities.

Whether you’re eyeing a scholarship for MS, exploring a scholarship for MBA, or simply looking for the best overseas education scholarships available, this guide has everything you need to know.

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Top 10 Scholarships for International Students in the Netherlands

The Netherlands offers a strong mix of government-funded and university-funded scholarships for international students in the Netherlands, including several options specifically popular among Indian students pursuing master’s degrees.

Most of these cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both, and are awarded on the basis of academic merit, motivation, and sometimes financial need. Here are the top 10 scholarships to study in the Netherlands.

Overview Table for Scholarships in the Netherlands

Here’s a quick snapshot of the top scholarships for international students in the Netherlands, from one-time grants to fully funded awards:

Detailed Breakdown of the Top 10 Netherlands Scholarships

With so many scholarships for Indian students and international applicants available, it’s important to understand exactly what each one offers, who can apply, and when to apply. Here is a complete breakdown:

Holland Scholarship

The Holland Scholarship is one of the most well-known scholarships for international students in the Netherlands. It is funded jointly by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and participating Dutch universities, making it one of the most credible and accessible overseas education scholarships available.

Eligibility:

Open to non-EEA students (including Indian students) enrolling in a bachelor’s or master’s degree at a participating Dutch higher education institution. Applicants must not have studied in the Netherlands before.

Deadline:

Varies by university, typically between February and May each year.

Amount / Benefits:

€5,000 awarded as a one-time payment in the first year of study.

Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS)

The Orange Tulip Scholarship is a flagship scholarship for Indian students offered exclusively to students from select countries, including India. It is administered through Nuffic Neso India and is one of the most targeted study abroad scholarships for Indian applicants specifically.

Eligibility:

Indian nationals applying to participating Dutch universities for a bachelor’s or master’s program. Each university sets its own selection criteria, but strong academic performance is typically required.

Deadline:

January to May, depending on the participating institution.

Amount / Benefits:

Partial to full tuition waiver, varying by university and program. Some institutions offer additional benefits such as accommodation support.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Funded by the European Union, the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships available globally. Many Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJMD) programs are hosted partly or fully in the Netherlands, making this a strong option for students looking to study masters in the Netherlands with scholarship.

Eligibility:

Open to all nationalities including Indian students. Applicants must apply to a specific Erasmus Mundus program (not the university directly). A strong academic record and relevant experience are essential.

Deadline:

Typically January to March.

Amount / Benefits:

Full tuition fees in all partner universities + a monthly living allowance of about €1,000 to €4,000 – travelling and installing allowances.

Utrecht Excellence Scholarship

Offered by Utrecht University, one of the Netherlands’ oldest and most respected institutions, the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship targets the very best international master’s applicants. This is an ideal scholarship for MS students in fields such as life sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

Eligibility:

Non-EEA students applying to select master’s programs at Utrecht University. Applicants must be in the top 10% of their undergraduate class.

Deadline:

February 1st for programs starting in September.

Amount / Benefits:

Full tuition waiver + €11,000 per year to cover living expenses. Duration matches the length of the master’s program (typically 1-2 years).

Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship is available to outstanding non-EEA students admitted to a master’s program at Leiden University. It is a merit-based education scholarship with flexible award tiers depending on the student’s academic profile.

Eligibility:

Non-EEA students applying to an eligible Leiden University master’s program. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement.

Deadline:

February to March, depending on the program.

Amount / Benefits:

The LExS is awarded for the duration of the master’s program across five award levels: €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500, or €19,000 off the tuition fee, depending on the applicant’s academic profile and the program applied to.

TU Delft Fellowship

The TU Delft Fellowship is one of the most popular scholarships for international students in the Netherlands, particularly for those pursuing engineering, technology, and applied sciences.

Eligibility:

Outstanding non-EEA students applying to a TU Delft master’s program. Applicants are expected to be among the top graduates from their home institution.

Deadline:

February 1st for September intake, varies by program.

Amount / Benefits:

Full tuition waiver + €18,000 per year living allowance. This is one of the most generous individual scholarships available in the Netherlands.

University of Twente Scholarship (UTS)

The University of Twente Scholarship is offered by the University of Twente, one of the Netherlands’ leading technical universities, to attract talented non-EEA students for its master’s programs. It is a strong option for students interested in technology, engineering, business, and behavioral sciences.

Eligibility:

Non-EEA students applying to an eligible University of Twente master’s program. Must demonstrate strong academic performance, typically a GPA equivalent to a Dutch 7.5 or above.

Deadline:

February 1st for programs starting in September.

Amount / Benefits:

€3,000 to €22,000 per year, depending on the program and applicant profile. Some awards cover full tuition while others offer a partial waiver.

Maastricht University Holland Scholarship

The Maastricht University Holland Scholarship is offered by Maastricht University, known for its unique Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach and strong international student community. It is a solid study abroad scholarship option for non-EEA students looking to pursue a master’s in the Netherlands.

Eligibility:

Non-EEA students applying to an eligible master’s program at Maastricht University. Must have a strong academic record and meet the program’s admission requirements.

Deadline:

February 1st for programs starting in September.

Amount / Benefits:

A fully covered package including tuition fees, health insurance (€700), visa costs, and living expenses of €20,150 (13 months) or €38,750 (25 months).

Amsterdam Merit Scholarship

Offered by the University of Amsterdam (UvA), the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship is designed for top international master’s students. UvA is consistently ranked among the world’s top 100 universities, and this scholarship is among its most competitive awards.

Eligibility:

Non-EEA students applying to a full-time UvA master’s program. Must have outstanding academic results and a compelling motivation.

Deadline:

January 15th for September intake.

Amount / Benefits:

A full scholarship of €25,900.

NFP – Netherlands Fellowship Programme

The Netherlands Fellowship Programme (NFP) is a government-funded education scholarship aimed at mid-career professionals from developing countries, including India, who wish to pursue a master’s or PhD in the Netherlands. It is administered by Nuffic and focuses on capacity building in eligible countries.

Eligibility:

Nationals of eligible developing countries (India is included) who are employed and wish to pursue a master’s or PhD in the Netherlands. Applicants must have a job offer or employment confirmation and demonstrate that their studies will contribute to development in their home country.

Deadline:

Depends on the program, the applications normally open in the autumn for the next academic year.

Amount / Benefits:

Full tuition fee + monthly living allowance + traveling expenses + health insurance. Basically a fully-paid scholarship to those who are eligible.

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Is Studying in the Netherlands Worth It for Indian & International Students?

The Netherlands combines world-class universities, a high number of English-taught programs, and some of Europe’s most accessible scholarships, making it a smart choice for Indian and international students looking to study abroad.

From the Holland Scholarship to the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship, there is real funding available for motivated students who know how to get scholarships to study abroad.

Whether you are looking for a scholarship for MBA in the Netherlands, for MS, or scholarship for Indian students in Europe, the options in this guide give you a strong starting point.

That said, scholarships are competitive and may not cover every expense. If you need help navigating admissions, finding the right scholarship, or exploring education loan options, Nomad Credit’s study abroad consultants are here to guide you.

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