Learn about grants and financial support options available to international students studying in the Netherlands, and find out if you’re eligible for a scholarship.
Find out if you’re eligible for funding
Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity, but it also comes with financial considerations. Whether you’re a citizen of an EU country or beyond, there may be options available to help fund your studies.
Types of financial support available
Government-funded scholarships and grants: These are national scholarships funded by the Dutch government, often awarded to non-EU/EEA students based on academic merit or national partnership agreements.
Institutional scholarships: These are university-specific scholarships, typically funded by the universities themselves or through alumni donations and industry partnerships.
Industry-funded scholarships: Some scholarships target students in specific fields (like high-tech or sustainable energy) or are funded by regional partnerships and innovation clusters.
Grants or loans from your country: Don’t forget to explore financial aid or scholarship opportunities offered by your own government or local institutions that support studying abroad.
Tuition fees
Because scholarships and grants are limited and not guaranteed, you will likely need to cover (at least part of) the costs yourself. In that case, it’s important to be aware that tuition fees in the Netherlands vary based on your nationality, the university you choose, and the specific Master’s programme.
EU-EFTA students likely have to pay the statutory tuition fee: € 2695 per year (academic year 2026/2027).
Non EU/EFTA students likely have to pay the institutional tuition fee: fees can range from from € 18,000 to over € 25,000 (academic year 2026/2027).
Always check the exact costs on the university’s website and factor in additional living expenses when planning your budget.
Find out if you’re eligible
Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity — but it also comes with financial considerations. Luckily, the Netherlands offers a range of grants and scholarships designed to support international students. Whether you’re from the EU, EEA, or beyond, there may be options available to help fund your studies.
Types of financial support available
Government-funded grants and scholarships: These include options like the Holland Scholarship, designed for non-EEA students enrolling in Dutch higher education. It offers a one-time grant of €5,000.
Institutional scholarships: Many universities of applied sciences (UAS) in the Netherlands offer their own scholarships for talented international students. These may be based on academic merit, motivation, or financial need.
Regional/sector-specific funding: As a student entering the high-tech sector, you may qualify for funding initiatives that promote STEM education and workforce development in the Netherlands.
Grants from your home country: Don’t forget to explore financial aid or scholarship opportunities offered by your own government or local institutions that support studying abroad.
Who can apply?
Eligibility criteria vary depending on the type of grant. In general, you may be eligible if you:
Have been accepted (or are in the process of applying) to a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s programme at a Dutch university of applied sciences
Hold a non-Dutch nationality (though some grants are also open to EU students)
Meet the specific academic and language requirements of your chosen programme
Have not previously studied in the Netherlands (for some scholarships)
Demonstrate financial need or academic excellence, depending on the grant
Whether you’re from the EU, EEA, or beyond, there may be options available to help fund your studies.
When to apply?
Timing matters. Application periods for grants typically align with study programme deadlines. For most September intakes, applications open between November and March. Always check the deadline for each specific grant and begin preparing early.
Many grants require:
A letter of motivation
Academic transcripts
Proof of admission or application
A reference letter
A clear budget plan or explanation of financial need
Download our free scholarship guide and find out your funding options
