Study in the Netherlands: Scholarships, Opportunities, and How to Apply

The Netherlands is a leading destination for international students, offering a wide range of English-taught programs, internationally recognized degrees, and generous scholarship opportunities. With a reputation for high academic standards and innovative teaching methods, Dutch universities consistently rank among the best in Europe.

🎓 Types of Scholarships Available in the Netherlands

1. Holland Scholarship

• Funded by: Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science + Dutch research universities.
• Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA students applying for a bachelor’s or master’s program.
• Value: One-time grant of €5,000 for the first year of study.
• Note: Does not cover full tuition or living costs, but is a significant financial boost.

2. Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS)

• Target Group: Talented students from specific non-EU countries (including India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam, etc.).
• Value: Varies by university; can cover partial or full tuition, and sometimes living expenses.
• Eligibility: Varies by university and program. Must be accepted to a participating institution.

3. Erasmus+ Scholarships

• For: Exchange and joint master’s degree students.
• Coverage: Tuition fees, travel, and monthly stipend.
• Eligibility: Offered through EU programs; must apply through a consortium or partner university.

4. University-Specific Scholarships

Many Dutch universities offer their own scholarships:

• Leiden University Excellence Scholarships (LExS)
• TU Delft Excellence Scholarships
• University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
• Radboud Scholarship Programme
• VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme

These scholarships may cover:

• Full/partial tuition
• Monthly allowance
• Visa costs
• Health insurance

📝 How to Apply for Scholarships

✅ General Steps:

1. Choose a University and Program
   • Ensure the program is eligible for scholarship schemes (especially the Holland Scholarship or OTS).
2. Check Scholarship Eligibility
   • Visit the university’s official website to find detailed scholarship options and criteria.
   • Review application deadlines, which may differ from academic admission deadlines.
3. Prepare Required Documents
   • Academic transcripts
   • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
   • Motivation letter / Statement of purpose
   • Letters of recommendation
   • Passport copy
4. Apply for Admission
   • Apply to your chosen program.
5. Submit Scholarship Application
   • Some scholarships are automatic upon admission.
   • Others require a separate application, usually through the university’s online portal.
6. Wait for Notification
   • Scholarship results are typically announced between April and June for September intakes.

💼 Job Opportunities for International Students in the Netherlands

✅ During Studies:

• Allowed to work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year.
• Full-time during holidays (June to August).
• Work permit required: Employers must apply for a work permit (TWV) on your behalf.
• Internships: Allowed and often integrated into university programs.

✅ After Graduation:

• Orientation Year Permit (Zoekjaar)
  • Allows international graduates to stay in the Netherlands for up to 1 year to find work.
  • No restrictions on type of work during this period.
  • Eligible if you graduated from a Dutch university or from top 200 global universities abroad.

✅ Long-term Opportunities:

• After finding employment, graduates can switch to a highly skilled migrant visa.
• This is a pathway to permanent residence and even Dutch citizenship in the long term.

📅 Application Timeline