How to Find Scholarships to Study in the Netherlands

In short: Find available scholarships to study in the Netherlands. Learn about application steps, language tests, document legalization, and key funding options.

6 min read

International students can apply for university grants, national awards, and degree funding in the Netherlands. Most awards require an eligible admission offer alongside strong academic records. You will also need verified English test results.

Key Takeaways

• Dutch universities and national funds offer partial and full funding opportunities.
• Most scholarships require an admission offer from an eligible degree programme first.
• International applicants must prepare apostilled transcripts and certified translations.
• Standard English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL are required for English-taught programmes.

Types of Scholarships Available in the Netherlands

Higher education in the Netherlands includes research universities and universities of applied sciences. Both types of institutions offer funding options for international candidates. You can apply for university awards, national schemes, or departmental grants.

University-Specific Merit Scholarships

Many Dutch institutions run their own scholarship funds for talented international students. These awards target master's degree applicants, though some funding exists for bachelor's degrees. Merit awards evaluate your previous grade point average, academic honours, and reference letters.

Merit scholarships usually cover full tuition or offer a partial fee reduction. Some awards also provide a stipend for living costs. You can confirm the exact award structure on the institution's admissions portal.

National and Government-Backed Schemes

National scholarship initiatives encourage global academic talent to enrol in Dutch higher education. These programmes receive funding from national education ministries and partner universities, providing contributions toward living expenses and tuition fees.

National schemes are competitive and require early applications. Because submission windows operate on strict annual schedules, check the official scholarship portal or the institution's website for current dates.

Faculty and Departmental Grants

Academic faculties often manage private endowments and research grants. Engineering, science, and economics departments frequently offer targeted funding to attract top candidates. These grants may cover tuition, laboratory costs, or field research fees.

To discover your study options, you can find the programmes that match your CV (free) across verified institutions.

Standard Entry and Scholarship Requirements

Securing a scholarship requires a systematic plan. Most funding bodies don't review standalone scholarship applications; you must secure academic admission or submit your study application at the same time.

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Application Timeline for Dutch Scholarships:

[Early Stage] Research programmes and prepare language tests

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[Application Stage] Submit university applications and request funding

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[Decision Stage] Receive admission decisions and scholarship awards

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[Final Stage] Complete visa processing and arrange student housing

Academic Admission

Your first milestone is an offer of admission from an eligible Dutch study programme. Dutch universities assess your previous degree to verify that it meets national standards.

Follow these practical steps to apply:

1. Select an accredited bachelor's or master's programme taught in English.
2. Submit your academic records, CV, and motivation letter through the institution portal.
3. State your intention to apply for scholarships within the application form.
4. Pay any required institutional application fee.
5. Receive your conditional or unconditional admission decision.

Academic Records and Grading Standards

Scholarship committees look for consistent academic achievement. Most competitive awards require top grades in your previous studies. You must provide official transcripts showing all coursework and your final cumulative score.

Grading scales differ across countries. Ask your university registrar for an official grade explanation sheet if your school doesn't use a standard scale. This document helps admissions teams evaluate your grades fairly.

Language Proficiency Scores

English-taught programmes require valid proof of English language proficiency. Universities set strict minimum score requirements that you must meet before scholarship deadlines.

Accepted tests typically include:

• Academic IELTS test scores.
• TOEFL iBT test scores.
• Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency certificates.

Review the exact score thresholds required on the institution's admissions page. Test results must remain valid on the date your study programme begins.

Document Preparation for Latin American Applicants

Applicants from Latin American countries must complete specific legalisation steps for their academic records. Preparing these documents early helps you avoid missing tight deadlines.

The Hague Apostille Convention

Many countries are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. This includes Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay. An apostille authenticates the signature and seal on your academic records.

Follow this document order:

1. Request original degree certificates and transcripts from your university registrar.
2. Get the documents validated by your national Ministry of Education if required.
3. Submit the validated records to your national Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Hague Apostille.
4. Keep clear digital scans of both sides of each apostilled document.

Certified Translations

Dutch universities accept academic documents in English, Dutch, German, or French. If your original records are in Spanish or Portuguese, you must obtain certified translations.

• Use an officially registered, sworn translator in your country or in the Netherlands.
• Ensure the translator stamps and signs every page of the translated text.
• Submit the certified translation together with a copy of the apostilled original document.

Diploma Equivalency

Dutch universities evaluate international qualifications against the Dutch education system. A Latin American Licenciatura or Título Profesional is often evaluated against a Dutch academic or professional degree. In many cases, graduates can apply directly to master programmes. You can read more in our guide to study in Netherlands: visa, costs and universities.

Managing Living Expenses and Student Budgets

Even with a tuition scholarship, you'll need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover living costs and obtain a residence permit.

Your monthly student budget should account for:

• Student housing and accommodation deposits
• Food and groceries
• Mandatory health insurance
• Local transport and bicycle costs
• Study supplies, textbooks, and software

Check the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service website and your host university portal for current monthly maintenance amounts.

Proof of Funds for Immigration

Non-EU students require a residence permit to study in the Netherlands. The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service sets a standard monthly living cost amount that you must prove before arriving. Once you are admitted, your host university submits this visa application on your behalf.

To satisfy immigration rules, you can provide:

• An official scholarship award letter covering your living expenses
• A personal bank statement showing sufficient funds in your name
• An official sponsorship letter from a recognised financial sponsor

Combining Scholarships with Private Funds

Many Dutch awards offer partial funding, such as a tuition reduction or a fixed allowance. You must fund the remaining balance through personal savings, family support, or student loans.

Explore external grants from your national education ministry or research council. Many governments run loan and grant schemes that combine with Dutch university awards.

Student Employment Rules

Non-EU students with a valid residence permit can work under specific legal limits. Dutch regulations govern both term-time working hours and seasonal employment.

The employer must obtain a work permit on your behalf before you start. Check the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service portal for current student work regulations and hourly limits.

For questions about application timelines, consult our help centre or check what ForiForeign costs.

How ForiForeign Can Help

ForiForeign assists international applicants through the Fori-Study service, providing scored matches from 4,000+ universities in 40 countries on board and about 60,000 programmes for international students.

For $149, paid once, you can explore all 8 matches and choose any 5 to apply. We prepare your applications end to end and provide complete visa application processing after an eligible offer, from your own laptop. Second Chance is included, offering 8 new matches for the next cycle if the first brings no eligible offer.

Start your journey at foriforeign.com and upload your CV and see your matches.

Explore more study guides and international education resources at foriforeign.com/blog.

Your next step: Find the programmes that match your profile.