Fully Funded Scholarships in the Netherlands You Shouldn’t Miss

The Netherlands has become one of Europe’s most attractive study destinations for international students, offering world-class education, multicultural exposure, and numerous fully funded scholarships. Whether you are pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or PhD studies, several scholarship programs can help you study in the Netherlands without worrying about tuition and living expenses.

This article highlights the top fully funded scholarships in the Netherlands that you shouldn’t miss in 2025 and how to apply for them successfully.

1. Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)

The Orange Knowledge Programme, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is one of the most prestigious scholarships available to international students, especially from developing countries. It covers full tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, and travel costs.

Eligible Fields:

• Agriculture and Food Security
• Water Management
• Governance and Human Rights
• Public Health and Gender Equality

Eligibility:
Applicants must be mid-career professionals who are motivated to contribute to the development of their home countries.

 

2. Holland Government Scholarship

The Holland Scholarship, offered by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, is designed for students outside the European Economic Area (EEA). It supports bachelor’s and master’s degree programs at participating Dutch universities.

Coverage:
While this scholarship does not always cover full expenses, some universities complement it with additional funding to make it fully funded, covering tuition, accommodation, and living costs.

Participating Universities Include:

• University of Amsterdam
• Leiden University
• Utrecht University
• Erasmus University Rotterdam

 

3. Erasmus University Holland Scholarship

Erasmus University Rotterdam offers the Erasmus Holland Scholarship for exceptional non-EEA students applying for bachelor’s or master’s programs. The scholarship is based on academic excellence and financial need.

Benefits:

• Full tuition coverage
• Allowance for living expenses
• Health insurance and visa costs

This scholarship allows students to study in one of Europe’s most innovative and globally connected universities.

 

4. Maastricht University Holland-High Potential Scholarship

Maastricht University offers a fully funded scholarship for highly talented international students pursuing master’s programs. This is one of the most competitive scholarships in the Netherlands.

Benefits Include:

• Full tuition fee waiver
• Monthly stipend of about €13,800 per year
• Visa and health insurance coverage

Eligibility:
Students must have excellent academic records and meet admission criteria for Maastricht University’s postgraduate programs.

 

5. TU Delft Excellence Scholarships (Justus & Louise van Effen Scholarship)

The Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is one of the most sought-after awards for engineering and technology students.

Coverage:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance
• Travel and visa expenses

Eligibility:
Open to outstanding students from all non-EU countries who have been admitted to a master’s program at TU Delft.

 

6. Radboud University Scholarship Programme

Radboud University offers fully funded scholarships for excellent non-EEA students applying for master’s degrees in various disciplines.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fee waiver
• Visa and residence permit fees
• Health insurance
• Monthly stipend

This scholarship allows students to study in one of the Netherlands’ top research institutions known for its student-centered learning approach.

 

7. Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)

The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship provides full financial support for talented international students enrolling in master’s programs.

Benefits:

• Full or partial tuition coverage
• Travel allowances
• Access to mentorship and research opportunities

This scholarship rewards academic excellence and leadership potential across diverse fields such as law, social sciences, humanities, and international relations.

 

8. University of Twente Scholarship (UTS)

The University of Twente Scholarship is open to excellent students from both EU and non-EU countries who wish to pursue master’s programs in science, engineering, or social sciences.

Coverage:

• Full tuition fees
• Annual living allowance
• Research and project funding

Students demonstrating outstanding academic and leadership abilities are encouraged to apply.

 

9. Utrecht Excellence Scholarship

The Utrecht Excellence Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity for international students outside the EEA applying for master’s programs.

Benefits:

• Full tuition coverage
• Living expenses stipend
• Access to international research networks

Utrecht University, known for its focus on sustainability and innovation, attracts global talent through this competitive program.

 

10. VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme (VUFP)

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) offers the VU Fellowship Programme, providing full financial support to outstanding international master’s students.

Coverage:

• Full tuition fee waiver
• Monthly allowance for living expenses
• Visa and insurance costs

This program aims to support bright minds committed to academic excellence and social impact.

 

Tips for Applying Successfully

1. Start Early: Research deadlines and eligibility requirements well in advance.
2. Prepare a Strong Motivation Letter: Emphasize your goals, academic achievements, and leadership potential.
3. Gather Excellent Recommendations: Obtain letters from academic or professional referees.
4. Meet Language Requirements: Most programs require English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL).
5. Tailor Each Application: Customize your documents for each university and scholarship.

 

Conclusion

The Netherlands offers a wide range of fully funded scholarships for international students seeking high-quality education in a multicultural environment. From government-sponsored programs like the Orange Knowledge Programme to university-based scholarships such as Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship and TU Delft Excellence Scholarship, there are endless opportunities to study tuition-free.

If you aspire to study abroad in 2025, the Netherlands should be at the top of your list. With careful preparation and a strong application, you can secure one of these life-changing scholarships and begin your journey toward academic and professional success.

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