If you are from Australia and want to study in the Netherlands, you can compete for some scholarships, but not all of them. The main options are university scholarships, Erasmus Mundus programmes, and a few Dutch or international funding schemes. Your chances improve a lot if your profile is complete and your documents are ready early.
What Australians can usually apply for
There is no single scholarship for all Australian students. Most awards are tied to a course, a university, or a specific programme type.
- University scholarships - these are often the most realistic option for non-EU students.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters - these are international master's programmes with scholarships attached.
- Dutch government or partner schemes - these exist, but many are limited by nationality, level of study, or subject.
- Faculty or merit waivers - sometimes a university reduces tuition for strong applicants.
Always check the university admissions page or the scholarship's own site. Rules can change by year and by programme.
University scholarships and tuition waivers
For many Australian students, university scholarships are the most realistic place to start. These are usually for bachelor's, master's, or exchange students, depending on the school.
They often ask for:
- strong grades
- a clear motivation letter
- proof of English, such as IELTS or TOEFL, if the programme asks for it
- a CV or résumé
- recommendation letters
- transcripts and diploma copies
Some universities offer a partial fee waiver. Others give a fixed scholarship amount for living costs or tuition. A few cover both, but that is less common.
When they open: many university scholarship calls open once a year, often around autumn or winter for programmes starting the following academic year. Some close before the study application deadline, so check early on the programme page.
Erasmus Mundus joint masters
Erasmus Mundus is one of the best-known options for international students. It is usually for master's level study, and it can include a scholarship for selected students.
What you usually need:
- a relevant bachelor's degree or near-completion if the programme allows it
- good academic results
- English language proof if required
- motivation letter
- CV
- references
Selection is competitive. The scholarship often goes together with admission to the programme, so you apply to the master's itself, not only to the funding. Check the official Erasmus Mundus programme page for the exact documents and deadline. Calls often open in autumn and close in winter or early spring for the next intake.
Dutch government and national schemes
Some Dutch scholarship schemes are open to students from outside the EU and EEA, which can include Australians. Others are only for specific partner countries, fields, or exchange formats.
These schemes can ask for:
- non-EU or non-EEA citizenship
- admission to a Dutch higher education institution
- a full-time degree or exchange place
- a high academic record
- a strong study plan or motivation statement
Do not assume a government-funded scholarship is available for your course. Some are only for short stays or specific institutions. The safest source is the official scholarship page or the Dutch national education site linked there. Check each year, because eligibility can shift.
What makes a strong application
Scholarship committees usually want proof that you can handle the programme and finish it well. A strong profile is not only about grades. It is also about how complete and clear your file is.
Helpful documents and signs of strength include:
- clear transcripts with grading scale if possible
- a diploma or expected graduation letter
- English test results that meet the programme minimum
- a focused motivation letter that matches the course
- work, research, or project experience linked to your field
- well-written recommendation letters from teachers or employers
If a scholarship asks for extra essays or a portfolio, answer the question directly. Keep your writing simple and specific. Show why this programme fits your past study and your future plan.
When to start and what to check
Start early. For many Dutch scholarships, the best time to begin is several months before the deadline.
- Check the university admissions page for the programme deadline.
- Check the scholarship's own site for funding deadlines and rules.
- Check the national immigration authority if you also need a student visa or residence permit.
- Make sure your passport, transcripts, and English proof are ready before you apply.
Some scholarships require you to apply for admission first. Others ask for both the study application and the scholarship form at the same time. Missing one step can remove you from the selection.
Common questions
Can an Australian student get a fully funded scholarship in the Netherlands?
Sometimes, yes, but it is competitive and not common. Erasmus Mundus and a few university awards can cover a lot, but many scholarships are partial. Always read the official terms.
Do I need a very high GPA?
Usually, strong grades help a lot. Some programmes also look at your motivation, your degree match, and your documents. There is no fixed grade that works everywhere.
Should I apply if my documents are not perfect yet?
Only if the scholarship rules allow it. Some programmes accept pending documents, but many do not. If you are missing papers, check the official deadline rules first and prepare the rest as soon as possible.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, so universities can see if you are a match. 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.