Introduction

Higher education in the Netherlands may be a rewarding experience, as the country is noted for its strong academic programmes and diversified cultural surroundings. 

However, many international students are concerned about the cost of education. Fortunately, there are a plethora of fully funded scholarships available in the Netherlands to help reduce the financial load.

In this blog article, we'll look at the top ten fully funded scholarships in the Netherlands, giving ambitious scholars the information they need to make their academic aspirations a reality.

1. Holland Scholarship

The Holland Scholarship provides financial assistance to non-EU/EEA overseas students pursuing bachelor's or master's degrees in the Netherlands. Eligible applicants must have a strong academic record. To apply, students must apply directly to their preferred Dutch higher education institution. The application deadlines vary by institution but are typically between January and May.

2. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship supports collaborative master's or doctorate degrees with European partner universities, with an emphasis on mobility and diversity. It is open to international students who are applying to specific Erasmus Mundus programmes. To apply, go to the website of the relevant Erasmus Mundus programme. Depending on the programme, application dates typically range from December to February.

3. Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship

The Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship provides full tuition coverage as well as additional assistance to extremely bright non-EU/EEA master's degree students at the University of Amsterdam. Candidates must have an outstanding academic record to be considered. Students are automatically considered for admission during the master's programme application process. The application date is usually January 15th, with modest variances depending on the programme of study.

4. TU Delft Excellence Scholarship

For outstanding overseas students enrolling in selected MSc programmes at TU Delft, the TU Delft Excellence Scholarship provides full or partial tuition coverage as well as a contribution to living expenses. Eligible applicants should have a strong academic record. To apply, submit your scholarship application along with your MSc programme application. Annually, the application deadline is December 1st.

5. VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme

The VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme covers tuition and gives a living stipend to excellent overseas students pursuing a master's degree at VU University Amsterdam. Candidates must be in the top 10% of their graduating class to be considered. To apply, submit a master's programme application as well as a VUFP application. Application deadlines vary for each programme but are typically in January or February.

6. Utrecht Excellence Scholarship

The Utrecht Excellence Scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a grant for living expenses for master's studies. Eligible applicants must have an outstanding academic record. To apply, submit an application for a qualifying master's course as well as an application for the Excellence Scholarship. Application deadlines differ for each programme and are typically in January or February.

7. Eric Bleumink Fund Scholarships

The University of Groningen offers Eric Bleumink Fund Scholarships to students from underdeveloped countries completing a master's or PhD programme. Candidates must have outstanding academic credentials to be considered. To apply, go to the website of the University of Groningen for more information and the application process. The application date for these scholarships is usually in December.

8. Orange Knowledge Programme

The Orange Knowledge Programme strives to improve professional growth by providing scholarships for short courses, master's degrees, and PhD studies. It covers tuition, travel expenses, insurance, and other costs. The eligibility conditions differ depending on the country and scheme. To apply, go to the Netherlands Fellowship Programmes (NFP) website and look for relevant application information and dates.

9. Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship

Maastricht University High Potential Scholarships are intended for high-achieving non-EU/EEA master's students. Candidates must have an outstanding academic record to be considered. To apply, submit an application for a master's degree programme that is qualified, and if you meet the criteria, you will be invited to apply for the scholarship. The application deadline is usually in February.

10. Leiden University Excellence Scholarship

The Excellence Scholarship is available at Leiden University for outstanding international students pursuing master's degrees. The scholarship covers tuition and provides varied levels of living expense assistance. Academic excellence is one of the eligibility criteria. To apply, submit your application for a master's degree programme that is qualified, and you will be automatically considered for the award. Deadlines vary by programme, although they are usually in January or February.

11. Radboud Scholarship Programme

The Radboud Scholarship Programme provides financial assistance to talented non-EEA students pursuing a master's degree at Radboud University. These scholarships cover tuition and provide a stipend for living expenses. Academic excellence and nationality are two of the eligibility criteria. To apply, submit a master's programme application as well as a scholarship application. Deadlines vary for each programme but are typically in April.

12. PThU Van der Veen-Schenkeveld Scholarship

The PThU Van der Veen-Schenkeveld Scholarship is given to international students studying theology at the Protestant Theological University (PThU) in the Netherlands for a research master's or doctoral degree. Academic excellence and an accepted research proposal are required for eligibility. To apply, go to the PThU website and follow the application requirements and deadlines.

Conclusion

Studying in the Netherlands can be a life-changing experience, and these fully funded scholarships allow exceptional overseas students to have access to a high-quality education without financial constraints. 

Each scholarship has its own set of criteria and application process, so prospective applicants should do their homework and plan ahead of time. 

Students can embark on a journey of academic success and personal growth in one of Europe's most lively educational cities by taking advantage of these opportunities.