Netherlands Scholarships: Including Holland Scholarship for Non-EU Students

Scholarships play a vital role in making higher education accessible to students around the globe. They provide financial support that can alleviate the burden of tuition fees and living expenses, enabling students to focus on their academic pursuits. For many, a scholarship can turn the dream of studying abroad into a reality, opening doors to new opportunities in a globalized workforce.

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Overview of Scholarships in the Netherlands (2026 Update)

The Netherlands continues to be a top destination for international students, though the landscape of available funding has shifted. Here is the current 2026 outlook:

NL Scholarship: The flagship program for non-EEA students entering Bachelor’s or Master’s programs.
Erasmus+: The primary network for European mobility and Joint Master Degrees.
Fulbright Netherlands: Prestigious exchange grants for U.S. and Dutch citizens.
Institutional Scholarships: With the end of the Orange Knowledge Programme, individual university grants (like the Radboud Scholarship) have become even more critical.

Government-Backed Scholarships

NL Scholarship (Formerly Holland Scholarship)

The NL Scholarship is the rebranded version of the well-known Holland Scholarship. Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, it targets international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).

Grant Amount: A one-time payment of €5,000 awarded in the first year of study.
Focus: It is a partial scholarship meant to help with initial relocation and tuition costs, rather than a full ride.
2026 Deadlines: Most applications close on February 1, 2026, or May 1, 2026, depending on the specific university.

Important Note: Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)

Notice: As of 2024/2025, the Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) has been officially discontinued. No new scholarship rounds are available for 2026. Professionals previously looking at OKP should now explore the MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP) if applicable to their region.

Non-Government & Exchange Scholarships

Erasmus+ and Erasmus Mundus

Erasmus+ remains the gold standard for European mobility. For students outside the EU, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are particularly valuable.

Full Funding: These programs often cover tuition, travel, and a monthly living allowance.
Global Reach: While it is an EU initiative, it is open to students worldwide.
Application: Deadlines for the 2026 intake typically fall between December 2025 and February 2026.

Fulbright Program

The Fulbright Program facilitates exchange specifically between the U.S. and the Netherlands.

Grant Details: In 2026, many Fulbright grants to the Netherlands provide a monthly allowance of approximately €1,750, plus travel costs and insurance.
Academic Level: Available for Master’s, PhD research, and teaching assistantships.

Specific Scholarships for Students Outside the EU

Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS)

While some countries have phased out OTS in favor of the NL Scholarship, it remains a vital path for students from specific regions like India and South Africa.

Variation: Unlike the fixed NL Scholarship, OTS amounts vary by university—some offer a 25% tuition discount, while others offer a 100% waiver.
Network: It is managed by Nuffic Neso offices in the participating countries.

Application Process for 2026

Eligibility Criteria

To be successful in the 2026 application cycle for the NL Scholarship, you must:

Hold Non-EEA Nationality: You must not be a citizen of an EU/EEA country.
Be a First-Time Student: You must not have a previous degree from a Dutch educational institution.
Meet Academic Excellence: Most institutions require a high GPA (often 7.5/10 or higher) and strong English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+).

How to Apply

Apply to the University First: You generally cannot apply for the scholarship until you have submitted an application for a specific Bachelor’s or Master’s program.
Prepare a Motivation Letter: Most 2026 committees place heavy weight on a 500-word motivation letter explaining your “academic ambition.”
Check the “Grantfinder”: Use the official Study in NL Grantfinder to see which specific universities are participating this year.

Benefits of Studying in the Netherlands with Scholarships

Financial Relief: While many Dutch scholarships are “partial,” they significantly lower the barrier to entry, especially for the high institutional fees charged to non-EU students.
World-Class Research: The Netherlands consistently has 10+ universities in the Top 200 Global Rankings.
Post-Study Opportunities: Scholarship recipients are often well-positioned to apply for the “Orientation Year” (Zoekjaar) visa, which allows you to stay and work in the Netherlands for one year after graduation.

Academic Opportunities

The Netherlands is home to some of the world’s top universities, offering exceptional academic programs in a range of fields. Scholarships not only provide financial support but also create valuable academic opportunities, including:

High-Quality Education: Access to internationally recognized programs taught by experienced faculty.
Diverse Learning Environment: Interact with a multicultural student body, enhancing personal and academic growth.
Global Networking: Connect with peers and professionals, opening doors to future career prospects.

Overall, studying in the Netherlands with scholarships offers a unique combination of financial and academic benefits, ensuring a transformative educational experience.