Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students in the Netherlands 2026: Submit Application Now

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Introduction

Have you ever dreamed of studying in Europe without worrying about tuition fees, living costs, or visa stress? You’re not alone—and that dream is very achievable. Fully funded scholarships for international students in the Netherlands 2026 are opening doors for thousands of talented students from around the world to study at top-ranked Dutch universities with little to no financial burden.

The Netherlands is known for its world-class education system, English-taught programs, innovative research culture, and welcoming environment for international students. In 2026, the Dutch government, universities, and global organizations are offering generous scholarship programs that cover tuition, accommodation, monthly stipends, insurance, and even travel costs.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn about the best Netherlands fully funded scholarships for international students, who is eligible, what benefits you can expect, how to apply step by step, and how to improve your chances of winning. If studying abroad in 2026 is on your vision board, this article is your roadmap.

Why Study in the Netherlands as an International Student?

The Netherlands consistently ranks among the best study destinations in the world—and for good reason.

Key Benefits of Studying in the Netherlands

• Over 2,000 English-taught programs at bachelor’s and master’s levels

• Globally ranked universities like University of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology, and Leiden University

• Strong focus on innovation, research, and practical learning

• Excellent post-study work opportunities

• Multicultural, safe, and student-friendly society

According to data from Study in NL, the Netherlands hosts more than 122,000 international students, and the number continues to grow every year.

When you combine these advantages with fully funded scholarships for international students in the Netherlands 2026, studying abroad becomes not just possible—but sustainable.

What Does “Fully Funded Scholarship” Really Mean?

Not all scholarships are created equal. A fully funded scholarship typically covers all major study-related expenses, removing financial stress from your academic journey.

What Is Usually Covered?

• Full tuition fees

• Monthly living allowance (€900–€1,500 on average)

• Accommodation support

• Health insurance

• Visa and residence permit costs

• Round-trip airfare (for selected programs)

This level of support allows you to focus fully on your studies, research, and personal growth—without needing part-time work to survive.

Top Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students in the Netherlands 2026

Below are the most reputable and competitive Dutch government scholarships for international students and university-funded options available in 2026.

1. Holland Scholarship (Government-Backed)

Although partially funded in structure, many universities top it up to function like a full award.

Who it’s for: Non-EU/EEA international students
Study level: Bachelor’s and Master’s
Funding: Up to €5,000–€10,000 (first year, sometimes renewable)

Why it matters:
It is one of the most accessible Netherlands scholarships 2026 for foreign students, supported by the Dutch Ministry of Education.

👉 Official source: Nuffic – Holland Scholarship

2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJM)

One of the most prestigious fully funded master’s scholarships in the Netherlands.

Who it’s for: International students worldwide
Study level: Master’s
Funding includes:

• Full tuition

• Monthly stipend (~€1,400)

• Travel and relocation allowance

Students study in multiple European countries, including the Netherlands.

👉 Official site: Erasmus Mundus

3. Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)

Designed to strengthen global capacity by supporting professionals and students from developing countries.

Who it’s for: Professionals from selected countries
Study level: Short courses and Master’s programs
Coverage: Tuition, travel, living costs, insurance

This program strongly supports African and developing-country applicants.

👉 Official info: Orange Knowledge Programme

4. University of Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship

A top option among Netherlands fully funded scholarships for international students.

Who it’s for: High-achieving non-EU students
Study level: Master’s
Funding: €25,000 (covers tuition + living expenses)

Highly competitive and merit-based.

👉 University page: University of Amsterdam Scholarships

5. Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LEX)

Who it’s for: Outstanding international students
Study level: Master’s
Coverage: Partial to full tuition (varies by award)

While not always fully funded, it can be combined with external funding.

👉 Official site: Leiden University Scholarships

Comparison Table: Top Scholarships in the Netherlands 2026

Eligibility Criteria for Netherlands Scholarships 2026

While requirements vary, most fully funded scholarships for international students in the Netherlands 2026 share similar criteria.

General Requirements

• Non-EU/EEA nationality (for most programs)

• Strong academic record

• Bachelor’s degree for master’s programs

• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)

• Motivation letter

• Academic or professional references

Some programs also prioritize:

• Leadership potential

• Development impact

• Relevant work experience

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying early and correctly can make all the difference.

Step 1: Choose Your Program

Select a Dutch university and eligible course first.

👉 Start here: Study in NL Programs

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

• Academic transcripts

• CV (Europass format recommended)

• Motivation letter

• Recommendation letters

• English test results

Step 3: Apply for Admission

Most scholarships require admission first before scholarship consideration.

Step 4: Apply for the Scholarship

Submit scholarship applications through:

• University portals

• Erasmus Mundus system

• Government scholarship platforms

Step 5: Prepare for Interviews (If Required)

Some scholarships include interviews—confidence and clarity matter.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning

Want to stand out among thousands of applicants?

• Tailor your motivation letter to each scholarship

• Show clear career goals and impact

• Apply to multiple scholarships

• Highlight leadership, volunteering, or research experience

• Submit applications before deadlines

According to admissions experts cited by Times Higher Education, early and well-structured applications significantly improve success rates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are there fully funded scholarships in the Netherlands for 2026?

Yes — there are fully funded scholarships in the Netherlands for 2026 open (or expected) for international students, especially for master’s and PhD studies as well as specific training programmes. These scholarships can cover tuition, living expenses, insurance, and sometimes travel costs, depending on the award.

🎓 Examples of Fully Funded Scholarships in the Netherlands for 2026

1. Maastricht University Holland-High Potential Scholarship

• Offers full funding (tuition + living stipend + insurance) for international master’s students.

2. Utrecht Excellence Scholarship

• Provides full support for talented international master’s and PhD applicants.

3. Eric Bleumink Scholarships (University of Groningen)

• Fully funded scholarships covering tuition and living costs for master’s candidates.

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

• Full funding awards for master’s students at Delft University of Technology.

5. Radboud University Fully Funded Scholarships

• Some scholarship tracks cover full tuition and associated costs.

6. Fully Funded PhD Fellowships at Dutch Universities

• Several PhD roles (e.g., at University of Twente, Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Amsterdam) are offered with full funding across the duration of the research.

These programmes may have specific eligibility criteria (e.g., academic merit, research proposals, nationality restrictions), and deadlines often fall in late 2025 through early 2026, so it’s important to check exact dates and requirements on official university or scholarship portals.

2. Can I study in the Netherlands for free?

Short answer: yes—but only with the right scholarship.

Here’s the honest breakdown 👇

You cannot study in the Netherlands for free by default. Dutch universities charge tuition to everyone, especially non-EU/EEA students. However, you can study at zero personal cost if you secure a fully funded scholarship.

How studying “for free” is possible

With a fully funded scholarship, your major expenses are covered, including:

• ✅ Full tuition fees

• ✅ Monthly living allowance

• ✅ Health insurance

• ✅ Visa/residence permit costs

• ✅ Sometimes travel (flight) costs

In that case, you’re essentially studying for free—because you’re not paying out of pocket.

Scholarships that make this possible

Some well-known options include:

• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

• Orange Knowledge Programme

• University Excellence Scholarships (UvA, Groningen, TU Delft, Maastricht)

• Fully funded PhD positions (these are salaried roles)

Important reality check

• These scholarships are highly competitive

• Most are for Master’s and PhD levels

• Bachelor’s programs are rarely fully funded

• Strong academics + good motivation letters matter a lot

Bottom line

👉 Yes, you can study in the Netherlands for free—but only if you win a fully funded scholarship.
Without one, tuition and living costs apply.

3. Do I need IELTS for Dutch scholarships?

In most cases, yes—you need IELTS for Dutch scholarships, especially if you’re applying to English-taught programs. The Netherlands offers thousands of programs taught entirely in English, and universities use IELTS to confirm you can study and communicate effectively.

Typically, scholarships and universities require:

• IELTS Academic

• An overall score of 6.5–7.0, with no band below 6.0 (requirements vary by school and program)

However, there are exceptions. You may not need IELTS if:

• You completed your previous degree entirely in English

• Your university provides an official English-medium instruction letter

• You are from a recognized English-speaking country

• The university accepts alternatives like TOEFL, Cambridge English, or internal language tests

Important note: Scholarships follow university language rules, so even if a scholarship doesn’t list IELTS, the university might.

👉 Always check the specific university and scholarship page to confirm language requirements before applying.

4. When should I apply for Netherlands scholarships 2026?

To maximize your chances for Netherlands scholarships 2026, you should start preparing and applying early — typically between mid-2025 and early 2026. Most fully funded and merit-based scholarships open their application windows several months before academic year intake, which usually begins in September 2026.

Here’s a typical timeline:

• June – September 2025: Research programs and scholarship options.

• September – December 2025: Submit university admission applications, since many scholarships require admission first.

• October 2025 – January 2026: Scholarship applications are usually open for programs like Erasmus Mundus, Orange Knowledge Programme, and university excellence awards.

• January – March 2026: Some later deadlines occur, especially for graduate or field-specific awards.

Deadlines vary widely by institution and scholarship, so always check official pages early. Starting early gives you time to gather transcripts, write strong motivation letters, and secure recommendation letters — all crucial for success.

5. Can I work while on a scholarship?

Yes, you can work while on a scholarship in the Netherlands, but there are important rules and limitations you must follow. Most international students are legally allowed to work part-time alongside their studies, even if they are fully funded.

Work limits for international students

• Up to 16 hours per week during the academic year, or

• Full-time during summer months (usually June–August)

Your employer must apply for a work permit (TWV) on your behalf. You cannot work legally without it.

Scholarship conditions to watch

Some fully funded scholarships:

• Limit the number of working hours, or

• Discourage paid work to ensure academic focus

PhD candidates are an exception—they are paid employees, not students.

Key takeaway

Working is allowed, but your studies and scholarship obligations come first. Always check both immigration rules and your scholarship contract before accepting a job.

Conclusion

The opportunity to study abroad doesn’t have to come with lifelong debt. Fully funded scholarships for international students in the Netherlands 2026 offer a life-changing chance to earn a globally respected degree, experience European culture, and build an international career—without financial stress.

From Erasmus Mundus to Dutch university excellence programs, the options are real, competitive, and achievable with the right preparation. Start researching early, prepare strong documents, and apply boldly.

👉 Take action today: shortlist your programs, prepare your documents, and don’t miss your chance to study in the Netherlands in 2026. If you found this guide helpful, share it with someone who dreams of studying abroad!