Study in the Netherlands for Free: Ultimate Guide to Fully Funded Scholarships 2026–2027

Dreaming of studying in Europe but worried about the cost? You aren’t alone. The Netherlands has become one of the top destinations for international students, thanks to its massive range of English-taught degrees and high-quality lifestyle. But here’s the best part: you don’t have to break the bank to get there.

In today’s post, I’m breaking down the 4 most prestigious fully funded scholarships, grants, and fellowships available for the 2026–2027 academic year. Whether you’re eyeing a Bachelor’s or a Master’s, your journey to the Netherlands starts here.

netherland-best-scholarship

1. The NL Scholarship (Formerly Holland Scholarship)

Financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, this scholarship is designed for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).

Level of Study: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
Scholarship Value: €5,000 (awarded in the first year).
Deadlines: Typically February 1st or May 1st.
Official Page: Study in NL – NL Scholarship

2. Utrecht Excellence Scholarship (UES)

Utrecht University offers this highly selective scholarship for top-tier international students looking to pursue a Master’s degree.

Level of Study: Master’s degree only.
Scholarship Value: Tuition fees OR Tuition fees + living stipend (~€11,000).
Deadline: February 1st.
Official Page: Utrecht Excellence Scholarships – Masters

3. Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship

One of the most generous “fully funded” packages in the Netherlands, aimed at highly talented students from outside the EU.

Level of Study: Master’s degree only.
Scholarship Value: €30,000+ (Covers full tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and visa costs).
Deadline: February 1st.
Official Page: Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship

4. Radboud Scholarship Programme

Radboud University offers a selective number of scholarships to talented non-EEA students.

Level of Study: Master’s degree only.
Scholarship Value: Partial or full tuition (reduction to EU rates), plus visa and insurance costs.
Deadline: January 31st.
Official Page: Radboud Scholarship Programme

📝 Required Documents Checklist

When applying, you will generally need to upload:

Passport Copy
Proof of Admission (Conditional or Unconditional)
Motivation Letter
CV / Resume
Transcripts & Diplomas
English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)

🔗 Quick Application Links

Studielink: The official national portal for all Dutch university applications. You must register here first!
StudyFinder: Use this to search for even more scholarships specific to your country or field.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where I will cover 4-5 more fully funded scholarship options!

Motivation Letter Template

To help you stand out, I have drafted a Motivation Letter Template specifically for a Dutch scholarship and a CV Guide focused on what Dutch universities value (academic excellence and extracurricular impact).

1. Motivation Letter Template

Focus: Personalize the bracketed sections [ ] with your specific details.

Subject: Application for [Name of Scholarship, e.g., Maastricht High Potential Scholarship]

Dear Selection Committee,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Name of Scholarship] to pursue a Master’s degree in [Name of Program] at [University Name]. As an aspiring [Your Professional Goal, e.g., Data Scientist or Human Rights Advocate] from [Your Country], I am driven by a commitment to academic excellence and a desire to contribute to the international community in the Netherlands.

Why This Program and University? My academic background in [Your Previous Degree] has provided me with a solid foundation in [Key Skill/Topic]. I have chosen [University Name] because of its [mention a specific research group, a teaching style like Problem-Based Learning, or a specific module]. I am particularly interested in the work of [Professor’s Name or Lab], which aligns perfectly with my research interest in [Your Specific Interest].

Why Me? (The “Top Talent” Angle) During my undergraduate studies, I maintained a GPA of [Your GPA], ranking in the top [10/5]% of my class. Beyond academics, I have [mention a major project, internship, or leadership role]. For example, when I [describe a brief challenge you solved], I developed the resilience and cross-cultural communication skills necessary to thrive in the Dutch “International Classroom.”

Future Goals and Impact Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus entirely on my studies and engage with the Dutch culture. Upon graduation, I intend to [Your Goal, e.g., return to my home country to implement X, or work in an international NGO]. I am eager to act as an ambassador for [University Name], fostering deeper connections between the Netherlands and [Your Country].

Thank you for your time and for considering my application.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

2. CV Tips for Dutch Scholarships

Dutch universities prefer a clean, chronological CV (usually 1–2 pages). Use these sections:

Academic Profile: Place this at the top. Include your GPA and any academic awards, honors, or dean’s list mentions.
Education: Clearly state your degree, institution, and graduation date. If your thesis was relevant to the Master’s you are applying for, list the title.
Work/Internship Experience: Use bullet points starting with action verbs (e.g., “Coordinated,” “Analyzed,” “Developed”).
Extracurriculars: Dutch universities value “well-rounded” students. Include volunteer work, student council roles, or sports.
Skills: Mention English proficiency levels (e.g., IELTS 7.5) and any technical software (Python, SPSS, Excel).

Important Reminder for Dutch Applications:

The “Nuffic” Certificate: If you are from certain countries (like China or Vietnam), you may need a Nuffic certificate for your visa. Check the Nuffic website early, as this can take time!

Would you like me to review a draft of your motivation letter once you have filled in your specific details?

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