If you are a student from Ghana and want to study in the Netherlands, there are a few scholarship routes you can realistically aim for. The main ones are government-funded programmes, university scholarships or fee waivers, and Erasmus Mundus master's grants. Each one has different rules, and most are competitive, so it helps to start early and check the official source for the exact year.
Main scholarship routes
For most students from Ghana, the most common options are:
- Government scholarships such as Holland Scholarship or other national schemes offered through Dutch universities
- University scholarships, fee waivers, or tuition discounts
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
- Programme-specific awards from a faculty, school, or department
Some scholarships are for bachelor's study, but many of the strongest options are for master's students. Always check whether the award is for non-EU students, specific countries, or a specific subject area.
Government and national programmes
The Dutch government and partner organisations sometimes support international students through national-level scholarship schemes. A well-known example is the Holland Scholarship, which is often linked to Dutch higher education institutions and is usually aimed at talented students from outside the European Economic Area.
What these scholarships often require:
- An offer or conditional offer from a participating Dutch university
- Strong academic results
- A good motivation letter
- Proof of English language ability, if the programme needs it
These awards are usually competitive and may be partial, not full funding. They often open once a year, but the exact window changes by institution. Check the university scholarship page and the official national or institutional source.
University scholarships and tuition waivers
Many Dutch universities offer their own scholarships for international students. These can be partial tuition waivers, full tuition awards, or small grants for living costs. Some are open to all international applicants, while others are only for students from selected countries or for specific programmes.
Common things universities ask for:
- Excellent grades in your previous studies
- A degree that matches the course you want to join
- A clear study plan or motivation statement
- Recommendation letters
- Proof of English, often IELTS or TOEFL, if required by the programme
These scholarships often open between autumn and early spring for courses that start the following academic year, but this is not fixed. Some deadlines come before the admission deadline, so read the programme page carefully.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Erasmus Mundus is one of the strongest international funding routes for master's students. It is funded by the European Union and offered by a consortium of universities in more than one country. Some programmes include study in the Netherlands for one semester or more.
Why it matters for students from Ghana:
- It is open to students from many countries, including Ghana
- It often offers a scholarship that can cover tuition and part of living costs
- You apply directly to the programme, not to a single university
What they usually want:
- A strong bachelor's degree
- Good English test results, if the programme requires them
- References
- A strong CV and motivation letter
- Sometimes proof of relevant work, research, or projects
These calls usually open once a year, often in autumn, with deadlines commonly in winter or early spring. Check the official Erasmus Mundus programme page for the exact dates.
What makes a profile competitive
Scholarships are not only about grades. Selection teams also want to see that you are a serious fit for the programme and can finish the degree.
A strong profile usually includes:
- Clear grades from your secondary school or university
- An up-to-date CV
- A focused motivation letter
- English test results, if you already have them
- References from teachers, lecturers, or employers
- Scans of your diploma and transcripts
Some scholarships ask for more documents, such as a research proposal, portfolio, or proof of financial need. If your documents are ready and organised, it is easier to apply quickly when a call opens. It also helps admissions teams understand your background fast if they search for students like you.
When to apply and what to check
There is no single scholarship calendar for all Dutch universities. Dates change by programme, faculty, and funding body. A good rule is to start checking 9 to 12 months before you want to begin studying.
Look for these official sources:
- The university's admissions page
- The university's scholarship page
- The scholarship's own website or call page
- The Dutch national immigration authority for visa and residence rules
For visa and residence permits, do not rely on social media. Always check the Dutch national immigration authority and the university, because the university often guides admitted students through the process.
How to improve your chances
You cannot control the competition, but you can control your preparation. The best thing you can do is make your profile complete, honest, and easy to review.
Helpful steps:
- Choose programmes that match your grades and subject background
- Apply to more than one scholarship if you are eligible
- Tailor each motivation letter to the programme
- Upload clean scans of your documents
- Use a simple email address and keep your contact details current
If you are still waiting for one document, check whether the scholarship accepts a temporary file or conditional application. Some do, but others do not. Read the rules carefully.
Common questions
Can a student from Ghana get a full scholarship in the Netherlands?
Yes, but full scholarships are limited and highly competitive. Many awards are partial, so check exactly what costs are covered on the official scholarship page.
Do I need an admission offer before I apply for a scholarship?
Often yes, but not always. Some scholarships need a university offer first, while others let you apply at the same time. Always check the order on the programme page.
Should I apply even if my grades are not perfect?
Yes, if you meet the basic entry rules and your profile is strong in other ways. Good motivation, relevant experience, and complete documents can still matter a lot.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, so you are ready when a scholarship or programme opens. Admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.