The Netherlands has become one of the top non-English native countries for international students, offering high-quality education entirely in English, globally ranked universities, and strong post-study work opportunities across Europe. Known for innovation, business, engineering, and research excellence, the Netherlands attracts thousands of students every year. To make education more accessible, the Dutch government and universities provide several scholarship programs that strongly support the Netherlands student visa process. These scholarships help students manage tuition and living costs while significantly improving visa approval chances. In this article, we cover the best Netherlands student visa scholarship programs, their benefits, eligibility, and how they help students study in the Netherlands successfully.
Why Choose the Netherlands with a Scholarship?
The Netherlands offers a perfect blend of academic excellence, affordability (compared to the UK/USA), and EU-wide career access. Scholarships make it even more attractive.
Key benefits include:
- World-ranked Dutch universities
- 100% English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs
- Scholarships accepted as visa financial proof
- Orientation Year (1-year post-study work visa)
- Strong job market in tech, business, logistics, and engineering
- Safe, international, and student-friendly environment
Scholarships mainly help cover tuition fees and living expenses, which are critical for visa approval.
How Scholarships Help in Netherlands Student Visa Approval
For a Netherlands student visa / residence permit, students must show:
- Tuition fee payment or funding proof
- Proof of sufficient living funds
- Genuine intention to study
A recognized scholarship:
- Reduces or replaces personal fund requirements
- Acts as strong financial proof
- Improves credibility of the visa application
- Shows academic merit and seriousness
Government and top-university scholarships are highly trusted by Dutch immigration authorities.
1. Holland Scholarship
Type: Partially funded
Level: Bachelor’s / Master’s
Funded by: Dutch Government
The Holland Scholarship is the most popular scholarship in the Netherlands for international students.
Benefits:
- €5,000 one-time grant
- Tuition fee support
- Accepted as visa financial proof
- Simple eligibility criteria
Ideal for first-year international students.
2. Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS)
Type: Partially / fully funded
Level: Bachelor’s / Master’s
Designed for students from selected countries (including India).
Benefits:
- Tuition fee waivers or reductions
- Living cost support (selected universities)
- Strong reputation for visa approval
Highly popular among Indian and Asian students.
3. Erasmus+ Scholarships (For Netherlands Programs)
Type: Fully funded
Level: Master’s / Exchange
Funded by the European Union.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel expenses
- Health insurance
One of the strongest scholarships for EU student visa credibility.
4. University of Amsterdam (UvA) Merit Scholarships
Type: Merit-based
Level: Master’s
University of Amsterdam is one of Europe’s top universities.
Benefits:
- Partial to full tuition fee waivers
- High academic reputation
- Strong visa success rate
Best for high-performing students.
5. Leiden University Excellence Scholarships (LExS)
Type: Merit-based
Level: Master’s
Leiden University is among the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe.
Benefits:
- €10,000–€15,000 tuition reduction
- Strong academic credibility
- Accepted for visa financial proof
Excellent for research and academic-focused students.
6. TU Delft Excellence Scholarships
Type: Fully / partially funded
Level: Master’s
TU Delft is globally recognized for engineering and technology.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fee coverage (selected scholarships)
- Living allowance
- Strong industry connections
Highly respected for visa and career outcomes.
7. Radboud University Scholarships
Type: Partially funded
Level: Master’s
Radboud University is known for science, business, and health programs.
Benefits:
- Significant tuition fee reduction
- Lower living cost city
- High visa approval rate
Good option for budget-conscious students.
Eligibility Criteria for Netherlands Scholarships
Common requirements include:
- Strong academic background
- English proficiency (IELTS / TOEFL)
- Offer letter from Dutch university
- Motivation letter / SOP
- Academic consistency
Some scholarships may require leadership or extracurricular achievements.
How to Apply for Netherlands Student Visa with Scholarship
Step-by-Step Process:
- Choose course and university
- Apply for admission
- Apply for scholarship (if separate)
- Receive offer + scholarship confirmation
- Pay remaining tuition (if required)
- University applies for residence permit on your behalf
- Collect visa and residence card
Scholarship details should be clearly mentioned in your visa file.
Tips to Maximize Scholarship + Visa Success
- Apply early (8–12 months in advance)
- Target Holland, OTS, and Erasmus+ first
- Choose well-ranked public universities
- Write a strong motivation letter
- Combine scholarship with personal funds if needed
Clear financial planning improves visa success rates.
Who Should Apply for Netherlands Scholarships?
These scholarships are ideal for:
- Business, IT, engineering, and logistics students
- Students targeting EU job markets
- Research-oriented candidates
- Students seeking English-taught programs in Europe
The Netherlands offers excellent long-term career benefits.
Final Thoughts
The Netherlands student visa scholarship program ecosystem makes studying in the Netherlands affordable, globally competitive, and career-focused. Scholarships play a crucial role in reducing costs and strengthening student visa applications. With English-taught programs, world-ranked universities, and strong post-study work opportunities, the Netherlands is an excellent destination for international students. With proper planning and timely applications, studying in the Netherlands with scholarship support is completely achievable.
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