Hey there, future globetrotters and knowledge seekers! If studying in the Netherlands – the land of tulips, windmills, and world-class universities – has been on your radar, this is your sign to make it happen. The best part? There’s a whole rainbow of scholarships waiting to make your Dutch dreams a reality.
Buckle up as we dive into the top 10 scholarships that could be your golden ticket to a Dutch degree in 2025. Plus, we’ve got the scoop on ditching the IELTS (yes, really!) and what scores you’ll need for alternative English tests.
1# Holland Scholarship
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- Degree Level: Bachelor’s or Postgrad
- The Goods: €5,000 for your first year of study (that’s like a year’s worth of stroopwafels… almost!)
- Eligibility: Non-EEA students heading to a participating Dutch university
- Deadline: February 2025
- Link: https://www.studyinnl.org/finances/nl-scholarship
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2# Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS)
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- Degree Level: Bachelor’s or Master’s (depends on the country and university)
- The Goods: Partial tuition waiver and/or living expenses – think of it as a Dutch care package
- Eligibility: Varies, so check if your country is on the list!
- Deadline: March 2025
- Link: https://vu.nl/en/education/more-about/incoming-master-scholarships
3# Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM)
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- Degree Level: Master’s (with a unique twist: you’ll study in multiple European countries)
- The Goods: FULL tuition coverage, a monthly allowance, and even travel/insurance – this is the VIP package of scholarships
- Eligibility: Open to students worldwide, but you need to apply to a specific EMJM program
- Deadline: February 2025
- Link: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/opportunities-for-individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters
4# Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships
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- Degree Level: Master’s, PhD
- The Goods: Tuition waiver, monthly stipend, and travel costs
- Eligibility: US citizens with a bachelor’s degree
- Deadline: October 2024
- Link: https://www.ru.nl/en/education/scholarships/fulbright-radboud-scholarships
5# Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship (AES)
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- Degree Level: Master’s
- The Goods: Full tuition waiver and living expenses
- Eligibility: Non-EEA students with excellent academic records enrolling in a master’s program at the University of Amsterdam
- Deadline: January/February 2025
- Link: https://www.uva.nl/en/education/fees-and-funding/masters-scholarships-and-loans/amsterdam-merit-scholarship/amsterdam-merit-scholarship.html
6# Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
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- Degree Level: Master’s, PhD
- The Goods: €10,000, €15,000, or total tuition fee waiver
- Eligibility: Non-EEA students with excellent academic records enrolling in a master’s program at Leiden University
- Deadline: October 2024
- Link: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/scholarships/sea/leiden-university-excellence-scholarship-lexs
7# Utrecht Excellence Scholarship
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- Degree Level: Master’s, PhD
- The Goods: Tuition fee waiver or tuition fee plus €11,000 for living expenses
- Eligibility: Prospective international students who are among the top of their class and enroll in a Utrecht University master’s programme
- Deadline: 1 February, 2025 / 1 May 2025 (depending on your program)
- Link: https://www.uu.nl/en/masters/general-information/application-and-admission/scholarships-and-grants/utrecht-excellence-scholarships
8# TU Delft Excellence Scholarships
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- Degree Level: Master’s
- The Goods: Full tuition fee for a TU Delft MSc programme and a monthly allowance of €1,000 for 2 years
- Eligibility: Excellent international MSc applicants admitted to one of the TU Delft MSc programmes
- Deadline: Before 1 December 2024
- Link: https://www.tudelft.nl/onderwijs/opleidingen/praktische-zaken/scholarships
9# Erik Bleumink Scholarships
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- Degree Level: Master’s
- The Goods: Tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and health insurance
- Eligibility: Students from developing countries applying for a master’s program at the University of Groningen
- Deadline: 1 December 2024
- Link: https://www.rug.nl/education/scholarships/eric-bleumink-fund?lang=en
10# Maastricht University Holland-High Potential Scholarship
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- Degree Level: Master’s
- The Goods: Tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend
- Eligibility: Students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) with excellent academic results enrolling in a master’s program at Maastricht University
- Deadline: 1 February 2025
- Link: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/support/your-studies-begin/international-students-coming-maastricht/scholarships/maastricht
List of IELTS Alternative Tests Accepted in Netherlands for Above-Mentioned Scholarship Admissions for 2025 intake
If the IELTS isn’t your cup of tea, fear not! Many Dutch universities welcome scores from other English tests. Here’s what you need to aim for:
- TOEFL iBT: 90+ (think of it as your ticket to a Dutch pancake feast)
- PTE Academic: 62+ (enough to buy a bike and cycle like a local)
- Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (the higher, the better – think of it as your Dutch language superpower)
Remember: Even if a scholarship doesn’t require IELTS, the university itself might. Always double-check those requirements to avoid any surprises!
Your Dutch Adventure Awaits!
So there you have it – your roadmap to studying in the Netherlands, scholarships and all. Apply, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the Dutch “gezelligheid” (that’s coziness and good vibes) firsthand!
Stay tuned for more updates and detailed guides on how to navigate your way through the application process, life in the Netherlands, and tips to make the most of your international education journey. Cheers to your future Dutch adventure!