Scholarships in Netherlands for Indian Students: The Ultimate 2026-27 Guide

Studying in the Netherlands offers strong career value, especially in fields like technology, engineering, and management. But the cost can be a major barrier, with expenses easily crossing ₹18–20 lakhs per year. Without financial support, many qualified students either drop the idea or take on high-interest education loans.

This is where scholarship in the Netherlands makes a critical difference. Top Dutch universities like TU Delft, Leiden University and others offer exclusive scholarships for Indian students that cover tuition fees and living costs.

In this guide, you’ll find the top scholarships in the Netherlands, eligibility details, deadlines, and expert-backed tips to help you apply smart and stand out in the 2026–27 intake.

Indian students can access three main types of scholarships in the Netherlands: government-funded, university-specific, and private or EU-supported programmes. These scholarships range from partial tuition discounts to fully funded awards covering tuition, living costs, and travel expenses. International students must compare the best scholarships in the Netherlands before applying.

The Netherlands government scholarship for Indian students is designed to attract talented international students and strengthen academic cooperation between the Netherlands and other countries, including India.

These awards are competitive but widely recognised for their transparency and support structure.

Many top Dutch universities run their own merit-based or need-based scholarships for international students. There are many fully funded scholarships in the Netherlands, and living expenses, making them highly sought after by Indian applicants. 

Some universities offer a 100% scholarship in the Netherlands for exceptional candidates. These scholarships often require excellent academic records and strong motivation letters.

Private foundations and EU partnerships also provide funding for Indian students pursuing degrees in the Netherlands, especially in research, sustainability, and innovation-related fields.

These programmes are ideal for students aiming to gain both academic and professional exposure across multiple European countries.

Studying in the Netherlands can be expensive, but several top scholarships in the Netherlands for Indian students can reduce your tuition and living costs significantly. Here is a list of the top 15 scholarships in the Netherlands for Indian students 2026–27 to make your study plans more affordable.

This scholarship helps international students with part of their tuition fee. It’s offered by several top universities in the Netherlands to support talented students from outside the EU/EEA. Students should keep track of the NL Scholarship 2026 deadline before applying.

• Type: Partial tuition scholarship
• Award (€ value): €5,000 (one-time payment, not full tuition)
• Eligibility:
  • Non-EEA students
  • Applying for a full-time bachelor’s or Master’s programs in the Netherlands at one of the participating Dutch higher education institutions
• Deadline: Varies by institution (usually between February and May)
• How to apply:
  • Apply directly to a participating Dutch university
  • Follow that institution’s specific application instructions for the NL Scholarship
• Official link: NL Scholarship

This is a fully funded scholarship for top students who want to study a master’s degree at Maastricht University. Masters scholarships in Netherlands help graduates continue their academic journey. It includes tuition, living costs, and more. 

• Type: Full scholarship for master’s programs (includes NL Scholarship + High Potential Scholarship)
• Award (€ value): Up to €34,000 per year
  • Tuition fee: Paid directly to the university
  • Living expenses: €15,925 (13-month program) or €30,625 (25-month program)
  • Health & liability insurance: €700
  • Visa application cost: At cost
• Eligibility:
  • Non-EU/EEA national
  • Applying for a full-time master’s program at Maastricht University
  • Meet admission requirements and have not previously studied in the Netherlands under a degree-seeking program
  • Age 35 or younger as of 1 September 2025
• Deadline: 1 February 2026 (23:59 CET)
• How to apply:
  • Apply to a participating master’s program at Maastricht University
  • After submitting your program application, fill out the scholarship application form
  • Upload required documents (CV, motivation letter, proof of academic excellence, etc.)
• Official link: Maastricht University, NL-High Potential Scholarship

These scholarships in Netherlands are for excellent non-EU/EEA students who want to pursue an English-taught master’s program at Radboud University. It reduces your tuition and helps with other costs.

• Type: Partial scholarship for master’s programs
• Award (€ value):
  • Tuition reduced to €2,695 (same as for EU/EEA students)
  • Costs for visa, residence permit, health insurance and liability insurance for your stay in the Netherlands (Aon Student Insurance)
• Eligibility:
  • Non-EU/EEA passport holder.
  • Not eligible for the lower EU/EEA tuition fee.
  • Bachelor’s degree obtained outside the Netherlands (no previous Dutch degrees; exchange allowed if part of your foreign Bachelor’s).
  • Meets English language requirements for the chosen Master’s.
  • Fully admitted to an English-taught Master’s starting 1 September 2026.
  • Meets Dutch visa requirements.
  • Enrolled full-time in the same Master’s program for the scholarship year.
• Deadline: 31 January 2026 (23:59 CET)
• How to apply:
  • Apply for admission to a master’s program via the OSIRIS system
  • Indicate during your application that you wish to apply for the Radboud Scholarship
  • Upload required documents (motivation letter, reference letters, CV, etc.)
• Official link: Radboud Scholarship Programme

The Utrecht Excellence scholarships in Netherlands are for outstanding international students applying to a master’s program at Utrecht University. It helps cover tuition and possibly living costs.

• Type: Merit-based scholarship for master’s programs
• Award (€ value):
  • Either full tuition coverage
  • The tuition fee plus the yearly living fund required by the IND for a student residence permit.
• Eligibility:
  • Top 10% of your class.
  • Non-EU/EEA passport holder and not eligible for Dutch study grants/loans.
  • Secondary school or Bachelor’s (or both) completed outside the Netherlands.
  • Applied for an eligible international Master’s starting 1 September 2025 (check programme page for participation).
• Deadline: 1 February (23:59 CET)
• How to apply:
  • Apply to an eligible master’s program through the university’s OSIRIS application system
  • After submitting the program application, upload the scholarship application (motivation letter, proof of academic excellence, etc).
  • You must submit the scholarship request before the program deadline
• Official link: Utrecht Excellence Scholarship

Aimed at talented students who show strong academic merit. Covers study and living expenses for a master’s at the University of Groningen.

• Type: Full scholarship for master’s programs (1 or 2 years)
• Award (€ value): Covers
  • Tuition fee
  • International travel
  • Subsistence
  • Books
  • Health insurance
• Eligibility:
  • Excellent academic performance
  • Obtained conditional admission to a master’s program at the University of Groningen
  • Good command of English (meeting program requirements)
  • Availability for the full program duration
  • In good health
  • No other means of financing the study
• Deadline: 1 December (nomination by the faculty)
• How to apply:
  • Students cannot apply directly
  • Academic departments nominate eligible candidates who have received conditional admission
  • Selection is based on nominations
• Official link: Eric Bleumink Fund

Study in multiple countries through one joint master’s degree. Funding is program-based and supports both study and travel.

• Type: Full scholarship for joint master’s programs across multiple countries
• Award (€ value): Varies by program; typically covers
  • Visa
  • Travel
  • Monthly allowance for the entire duration of the study
• Eligibility:
  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Additional criteria set by each program consortium
• Deadline: Varies by each EMJM program (usually between October and January)
• How to apply:
  • Apply directly to the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s program of your choice via the program’s website
  • Select “applying for Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Netherlands” during your program application
• Official link: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters

The Orange Knowledge Programme 2026 focuses on professional development and training. Focuses on short courses or master’s linked to development sectors.

• Type: Short course or master’s degree scholarship
• Award (€ value): Covers tuition fee, travel, insurance, and living costs (exact value varies per course/institution)
• Eligibility:
  • Mid-career professionals from OKP partner countries
  • Must be nominated by their employer
  • Must meet Dutch institution admission requirements
• Deadline: Varies by institution and course (common application rounds: February and June)
• How to apply:
  • Choose an eligible course and a Dutch institution from the OKP list
  • Apply for the course and indicate interest in OKP
  • Submit a scholarship application through the institution
• Official link: Orange Knowledge Programme – Individual Scholarships

Created for students from Neso countries, including India. Offers study fee support through Dutch universities.

• Type: Partial tuition scholarship
• Award (€ value): Varies by university and program; can range from partial to full tuition fee coverage
• Eligibility:
  • Indian students (and students from other Neso countries)
  • Applying for a bachelor’s or master’s program at participating Dutch institutions
  • Must meet the admission requirements of the chosen Dutch university
• Deadline: Varies by university (typically between January and May)
• How to apply:
  • Choose a participating Dutch institution
  • Apply for admission to the academic program
  • Submit a separate Orange Tulip Scholarship application via the local Nuffic Neso office (Neso India)
• Official link: N/A

TU Delft supports outstanding international students through full funding. Aimed at academic achievers joining 2-year MSc programs.

• Type: Full scholarship for master’s programs
• Award (€ value):
  • Full tuition fee coverage for 2 years (Non-EU institutional rate)
  • Contribution to living expenses
• Eligibility:
  • Amongst the top 10% of graduates in his/her previous study programme
  • Conditionally admitted to one of the 2-year regular TU Delft MSc programs
  • Submitted a complete MSc application before the scholarship deadline
• Deadline: 1 December 2025 (23:59 CET)
• How to apply:
  • Apply for an MSc program at TU Delft
  • Upload a scholarship application form and two reference letters with the MSc application
  • Clearly indicate interest in the scholarship in your application
• Official link: Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships

Designed for top performers applying for a Master’s at Leiden University. Offers partial fee support for selected programs.

• Type: Partial tuition fee scholarship
• Award (€ value):
  • €10,000 / €15,000 / €17,500 / €18,500 / €19,000
  • Award level is final and not negotiable
  • Does not cover the full study cost
• Eligibility:
  • Excellent academic results (top 10% indication)
  • Applying for a full-time Master’s starting in September
  • Not for Leiden Law School LLM (non-advanced) or MSc programmes
  • Non-EEA/non-EFTA passport holders
  • Not already holding a Leiden University Master’s (a few programme-specific exceptions)
  • Not for programmes starting in February
  • Cannot combine with a full external scholarship
• Deadline: 1 February
• How to Apply:
  • Apply for Master’s admission first and submit the application fee if needed
  • Go to the Scholarships section in the same portal
  • Select LExS (if visible) and upload a motivation letter (max. 500 words, PDF)
  • Submit before deadline (late submissions not considered)
• Selection:
  • Around 25 scholarships yearly
  • Results sent by email before the end of April
• Official link: Scholarship page on the Leiden University website

A merit-based award for top-performing international students pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Twente. Offers financial support plus a chance to compete for the UTS additional scholarship in the second year.

• Type: Scholarship for excellent non-EU/EER students applying for MSc programs
• Award (€ value):
  • €3,000 – €22,000 for one year
  • Possible second-year continuation for two-year programs (performance-based):
    • Average grade ≥ 7/10 by end of Q3
    • Minimum 50% of credits earned by the end of Q3
  • Money is paid to the student, not directly to the tuition
• Eligibility:
  • (Provisional) admission to a qualifying UT Master’s for 2026–27 (September start)
  • Student number required
  • Top 5–10% of class (academic excellence)
  • Meets visa conditions (if applicable)
  • English: IELTS 6.5 (speaking 6.0) / TOEFL iBT 90 (speaking 20)
  • Not eligible for the Dutch study loan
  • Not a graduate of UT
  • Not EU/EEA, not Dutch, not current UT student
  • Not for ITC Faculty programs / pre-Master / statutory tuition fee payers
• Deadline:
  • Round 1: 15 Oct 2025 – 1 Feb 2026 (16:00 CET)
  • Round 2: 1 Feb 2026 – 1 May 2026 (16:00 CET)
  • Round 1 rejections cannot reapply in Round 2
• How to apply:
  • Apply for a UT Master’s and receive conditional admission
  • Apply for UTS using your student number in the scholarship portal
  • The UTS application is separate from the course admission
• Official link: University of Twente Scholarship website

Supports early-career researchers advancing behavioural science in the Netherlands. Covers research costs or working visits abroad. PhD scholarships in the Netherlands for international students offer strong research opportunities.

• Type: Funding grant for behavioural research or working visits abroad
• Award (€ value): Cash grant up to €10,000
• Eligibility:
  • PhD candidates or researchers within 4 years of PhD completion. 
  • Research area: biological, psychological, and/or social determinants of human behaviour in the Netherlands
• Deadline: Open until 14 November 2025
• How to apply:
  • Submit the application form following the guidelines provided for the Van der Gaag Grant
• Official link: KNAW Van der Gaag Grant page

A merit-based scholarship supporting talented non-EU/EEA students to study in the Netherlands for a Master’s at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. 

• Type: Tuition fee scholarship
• Award (€ value):
  • Covers full tuition fees
  • One-year or two-year programs
  • Extension for year two only if 100% first-year ECTS are completed
  • Automatic consideration for NL Scholarship (€5,000 or €10,000, first year only)
• Eligibility:
  • Non-EU/EEA passport and not eligible for the lower Dutch tuition fee
  • No Dutch nationality
  • GPA equivalent to Dutch 8.0 (high academic standing)
  • Conditionally/unconditionally admitted to full-time English-taught Master’s starting September 2026
  • The degree used for admission must be obtained outside the Netherlands
  • Not for the February intake or joint programs with external admission
  • Very selective, small number of awards
• Deadline:
  • Master’s application advised before 1 December 2025
  • VUFP application: 1 February 2026 (23:59 CET)
• How to apply:
  • Apply for a Master’s (Studielink + VU dashboard) from 1 October 2025
  • Submit the VUFP application in the VU dashboard from 1 November 2025
    • Upload one PDF: GPA proof/transcript + grading scale
    • Apply for only one Master’s with VUFP
    • Submission allowed only once (incomplete = rejected)
  • Selection based on GPA + motivation
• Official link: VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP)

Non-EU/EEA students joining Bachelor’s or Master’s programs at HAN can get partial financial support. Awards are performance-based and require strong academic progress.

• Type: Partial scholarships for non-EU/EEA students (Bachelor’s and Master’s programs)
• Award (€ value):
• For Bachelor’s students:
  1. HAN NL Scholarship: Up to €12,500
     • €2,500 in Semester 1 + €2,500 in Semester 2
     • Then €2,500 per year for the next 3 years (45 credits per year required)
  2. Honours Scholarship: Up to €7,500
     • Selection-based, no application needed
     • €2,500 starting Year 2 + €2,500 per year onward (45 credits per year required)
     • Only for students who did not receive the HAN NL Scholarship in Year 1
• For Master’s students:
  1. HAN NL Scholarship: €5,000
     • €2,500 in Semester 1 + €2,500 in Semester 2
  2. Honours Scholarship: €2,500
     • One-time payment in Semester 2
     • Selection-based, no application needed
• Eligibility:
  1. Non-EU/EEA nationality (excluding Suriname)
  2. Institutional tuition fee payer
  3. No degree from a Dutch institution
  4. Not previously enrolled in a Dutch university/university of applied sciences degree
  5. Accepted into a full-time English-taught degree at HAN
  6. English requirement:
     • IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 90 / Cambridge CAE or CPE
• Deadline:
  1. Not specified in the provided information
• How to apply (for HAN NL Scholarship only):
  1. Apply and get accepted into a degree program
  2. Prepare scholarship application
  3. Submit application
  4. Receive notification
  5. Accept the scholarship offer
• (Honours Scholarship — automatic selection, no application)
• Official link: HAN Scholarships page

An opportunity for outstanding international (non-EU/EEA) students to join the University of Amsterdam and receive financial support based on merit. The value and terms vary by faculty, reflecting different levels of coverage.

• Type: Merit-based scholarship for non-EU/EEA students applying to a Bachelor’s or Master’s program
• Award (€ value): Varies by faculty and program; examples range from €2,000 to €25,000.
• Eligibility:
  • Non-EU/EEA passport holder
  • Applied for admission to a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s program at UvA 
  • Not eligible for Dutch study grants or loans (Studiefinanciering)
  • Excellent academic performance (top class/ GPA equivalent)
• Deadline: Varies by faculty. For example, one faculty lists 15 January for Master’s programs.
• How to apply:
  • Apply for the degree program first at UvA
  • Submit the scholarship application via the faculty/graduate school admissions office before the deadline
  • Include required documents (academic transcripts, CV, motivation letter, proof of excellence)
• Official link: Amsterdam Merit Scholarship – University of Amsterdam

Knowing how to apply for scholarships in the Netherlands helps improve chances of success. Follow these quick steps to stay on track and submit a strong application.

• List Dutch universities and available Netherlands Scholarship for indian students 2026

• You can study in Netherlands with scholarship if you meet the eligibility rules.

• SOP (why you want to study)
• LOR (from teacher or employer)
• CV or Resume
• Transcripts and degree certificates
• Language test scores (if required)

• Apply for the academic program first
• Then apply for the scholarship (if separate)

• Some scholarships in the Netherlands ask for an online interview
• Be ready to explain your goals and motivation

• Watch your email for updates or results
• Start preparing for a student visa for the Netherlands and travel if selected

Applying for scholarships in the Netherlands may seem challenging at first, but with the right plan, it becomes manageable. Start by researching the right programs, checking your eligibility, and preparing strong documents like your SOP, LOR, and CV. Stick to deadlines, follow up after applying, and stay confident throughout the process.

Looking for guidance or expert help with the application process for Dutch scholarships? You can explore resources and support through platforms like Leap Scholar to boost your chances of studying in the Netherlands with a scholarship.