If you are from the Philippines and want to study in the Netherlands, there are a few scholarship routes worth checking. The most realistic ones are university scholarships, Erasmus Mundus programmes, and some government or partner schemes, depending on your level and subject.
Most scholarships are competitive. A strong profile helps a lot: good grades, clear motivation, proof of English, and the right documents ready on time.
What scholarship routes exist
There is no single scholarship for all students from the Philippines. You usually need to look at several options at the same time.
- University scholarships - fee waivers or awards from Dutch universities.
- Erasmus Mundus - joint master's programmes with scholarships for selected students.
- Government or partner scholarships - these change often and may be limited to certain fields, countries, or universities.
- External scholarships - support from foundations, employers, or organisations in your home country or abroad.
For each option, always check the official scholarship page and the university admissions page. That is the only safe way to confirm who can apply and what is included.
University scholarships in the Netherlands
Many Dutch universities offer their own scholarships for talented international students. These can be partial tuition waivers, a fixed cash award, or both.
They are often aimed at master's students, especially in fields where the university wants strong international applicants. Some bachelor's scholarships exist too, but they are less common.
- Usually for non-EU/EEA students, which includes most students from the Philippines.
- Often based on grades, motivation, and fit with the programme.
- May require a separate scholarship form in addition to the admission application.
- Sometimes the university only considers you after you have applied for admission.
Deadlines are often earlier than the programme deadline, especially for master's awards. Many open in autumn or winter for study starting the next academic year, but this varies by university. Check the programme page and scholarship page for the exact dates.
Erasmus Mundus scholarships
Erasmus Mundus is one of the strongest options if you want a fully funded master's degree. These are joint programmes run by several universities in Europe, and the scholarship is usually awarded to a small number of top applicants.
It is competitive, but Filipino students can and do apply. You do not need to live in Europe before applying.
- Usually open to students with a relevant bachelor's degree.
- Strong academic results matter a lot.
- You normally need a clear motivation letter, CV, diploma, transcript, and proof of English.
- Some programmes also ask for recommendation letters or a passport copy.
Applications often open once a year, commonly in autumn, winter, or early spring, depending on the programme. Always check the official Erasmus Mundus programme page because each consortium sets its own deadline and requirements.
Government and partner scholarships
Government scholarships for study in the Netherlands do exist, but they are limited and can change from year to year. Some are tied to specific countries, universities, fields, or partnerships.
For students from the Philippines, these can be realistic only if the scheme explicitly includes your nationality or your target university.
- Check the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science pages, and the Dutch higher education scholarship listings.
- Check the scholarship's own site for nationality rules.
- Look at embassy pages and partner organisation pages for country-specific calls.
Because these programmes change often, it is better to treat them as bonus options, not your only plan.
What most scholarships usually require
Most scholarship committees want evidence that you can succeed in the programme. The better prepared your file is, the easier it is to compare you with other applicants.
- Academic records - diploma and transcript, often with English copies.
- English proof - IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test, unless the programme accepts a waiver.
- Motivation letter - why this programme, why now, and why the scholarship matters.
- CV - education, work, projects, volunteering, and skills.
- References - some programmes ask for one or two recommendation letters.
- Passport copy - often needed for identity checks.
Some scholarships also ask for a portfolio, research proposal, or proof of leadership. Read the instructions carefully. If a document is missing or late, many applications are rejected automatically.
How to make your profile stronger
A strong profile does not guarantee funding, but it can make you more competitive. Universities and scholarship committees look for clear evidence, not just claims.
- Keep your grades and transcript ready in clean, readable scans.
- Write a short but focused motivation letter for each programme.
- Show relevant work, internships, student projects, or volunteering.
- List your English level honestly and include test results if you have them.
- Prepare all documents early, before the application opens.
If you are still finishing school or your bachelor's degree, you can still prepare. A clear academic path, good English, and a well-organised document set can help admissions teams see you faster.
When to start looking
Start early. For many Dutch master's programmes and scholarships, the best time to look is several months before the deadline, often in autumn for the following academic year.
- Check university pages regularly from September onward.
- Look at Erasmus Mundus programmes as soon as they publish their call.
- Prepare documents before deadlines open, not after.
- Watch for separate scholarship deadlines, which may be earlier than admission deadlines.
If you wait until the last minute, you may miss the scholarship even if you still can apply for admission.
Common questions
Can a student from the Philippines get a fully funded scholarship in the Netherlands?
Yes, it is possible, especially through Erasmus Mundus and some university or partner scholarships. But these are competitive, and you should not expect funding automatically.
Do I need admission before I apply for a scholarship?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Some scholarships need a separate application, while others consider you automatically when you apply for admission. Check the university's scholarship page.
What if I do not have IELTS yet?
Some programmes require a test before they review your application. Others may accept proof that your previous education was in English, but this is up to the university. Always check the programme page.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
That gives you a simple way to be visible to universities while you keep checking official scholarship pages and preparing your own applications.
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.