The Netherlands is one of the most attractive destinations for international students, offering high-quality education, a vibrant international community, and numerous funding opportunities. If you’re looking to study in the Netherlands without financial burden, here are the top fully funded government scholarships available for international students.
1. Holland Scholarship
The Holland Scholarship is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science and is aimed at international students outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
Eligibility
- Must be a non-EEA international student.
- Applying for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program at participating Dutch universities.
Benefits
- €5,000 grant for the first year of study.
- Available at numerous research universities and universities of applied sciences.
2. Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)
The Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) is a fully funded scholarship initiative by the Dutch government, targeting mid-career professionals from developing countries.
Eligibility
- Must be a citizen of an OKP-participating country.
- Have relevant work experience and employer support.
- Applying for short courses or master’s programs at participating Dutch institutions.
Benefits
- Covers tuition fees, travel expenses, visa costs, and living allowances.
- Focuses on sustainable and social development sectors.
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMDs)
This scholarship program is co-funded by the European Union and includes several Dutch universities as participants.
Eligibility
- Open to students from all nationalities.
- Applying for a joint master’s degree program in participating institutions.
Benefits
- Covers full tuition fees.
- Provides a monthly stipend for living expenses.
- Covers travel and insurance costs.
4. Netherlands Fellowship Programmes (NFP) (Now Integrated into OKP)
The Netherlands Fellowship Programmes, now part of OKP, were originally designed to support professionals from developing countries in upgrading their skills through higher education in the Netherlands.
5. Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS)
Offered by the University of Amsterdam (UvA), this scholarship provides full financial support to outstanding international students.
Eligibility
- Must be a non-EU/EEA student.
- Accepted into an English-taught master’s program at the University of Amsterdam.
Benefits
- Covers tuition fees and living expenses.
- Offers additional financial aid based on academic excellence.
Conclusion
The Netherlands offers multiple fully funded government scholarships, allowing international students to pursue high-quality education without financial stress. If you are looking to study in the Netherlands, consider applying for these opportunities to secure funding for your academic journey.
Tips for Applying
- Start your application early.
- Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria.
- Prepare a compelling personal statement and strong recommendation letters.
- Keep track of deadlines to avoid last-minute stress.
By securing one of these prestigious scholarships, you can experience world-class education in the Netherlands and advance your academic and professional career!