Study in the Netherlands – Scholarship Overview
The Netherlands is one of the most popular study destinations in Europe for Bangladeshi students due to its high-quality education, large number of English-taught programs, strong job market, and internationally recognized universities. Although tuition fees are higher than Germany or Italy, many scholarships are available for international students, especially at the Master's level.
Types of Scholarships in the Netherlands
1. NL Scholarship (Former Holland Scholarship)
The NL Scholarship is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education and participating Dutch universities. This scholarship is available for international students applying for Bachelor's and Master's programs.
Coverage
- One-time scholarship amount: 5,000 EUR
This scholarship helps reduce tuition and initial study expenses but does not cover full tuition or living costs.
Eligible Majors: Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Social Sciences, Arts, Science
Apply Here:
https://www.studyinnl.org/finances/nl-scholarship
2. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship (Fully Funded)
Many Dutch universities participate in Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree programs.
Coverage
- Full tuition fee
- Monthly living stipend: approximately 1,400 EUR/month
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
Eligible Majors: AI, Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Environmental Science, Public Health, Business
Apply Here:
https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-catalogue_en
3. Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)
The Orange Knowledge Programme is funded by the Dutch Government and focuses on professional development and higher education.
Coverage
- Full tuition fee
- Living expenses support
- Travel costs
- Visa costs
- Health insurance
Eligible Majors: Agriculture, Water Management, Environment, Public Administration, Development Studies
Apply Here:
https://www.studyinnl.org/finances/orange-knowledge-programme
4. University Scholarships
Many Dutch universities offer scholarships specifically for international students.
Coverage
- Scholarship amount: 2,500 – 25,000 EUR
- Partial tuition fee waiver
- Full tuition fee waiver (limited scholarships)
Eligible Majors: Engineering, Business, AI, Computer Science, Economics, Science, Arts
Popular University Scholarship Portals
Delft University of Technology
Apply Here:
https://www.tudelft.nl/en/education/practical-matters/scholarships
University of Amsterdam
Apply Here:
https://www.uva.nl/en/education/masters/scholarships-and-loans
Eindhoven University of Technology
Apply Here:
https://www.tue.nl/en/education/become-a-tue-student/scholarships
Who Can Apply
The Netherlands welcomes international students at Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels. Most scholarships are awarded based on academic merit. Students usually apply to a university first and then apply for scholarships. Most scholarships focus on academic achievement, motivation, and future career goals. Strong academic records and a good Statement of Purpose increase the chances of receiving funding.
Eligibility & Qualification
- Must be an international student
- Good academic performance (usually 70–85%+)
- HSC/A-Level for Bachelor's admission
- Bachelor's degree for Master's admission
- Master's degree for PhD admission
- IELTS/TOEFL required for English-taught programs
Required Documents (University + Scholarship)
Documents Required
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Passport copy
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Recommendation letters
- IELTS/TOEFL score
- Passport-size photographs
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Steps
- Choose a university and program
- Check scholarship eligibility
- Apply for admission
- Submit scholarship application (if required)
- Upload all supporting documents
- Receive admission offer
- Wait for scholarship decision
- Confirm enrollment
Visa Required Documents
Student Visa Documents
- Valid passport
- University admission letter
- Financial proof
- Proof of accommodation
- Visa application form
- Health insurance documents
- Passport-size photographs
Student Visa Process (Step-by-Step)
Steps
- Receive university admission letter
- Prepare visa documents
- University usually applies for residence permit on behalf of the student
- Submit required documents
- Receive visa/residence permit approval
- Travel to the Netherlands
Netherlands Cost Overview (2026 Approx.)
Estimated First-Year Cost
- Tuition Fee: 8,000 – 25,000 EUR/year
- Living Cost: 10,000 – 15,000 EUR/year
- Health Insurance & Other Costs: 1,000 – 3,000 EUR
???? Total Estimated Cost: 19,000 – 43,000 EUR/year