If you are from India and want to study in the Netherlands, there are a few scholarship paths that are worth your time. The most realistic options are university scholarships, Erasmus Mundus joint master's scholarships, and some government or partner programmes. Most are competitive, so a strong profile and complete documents matter a lot.
What types of scholarships are realistic
Not every scholarship is open to every student, and many awards are aimed at master's students rather than bachelor's students. Start with the options that match your level, field, and nationality.
- University scholarships - many Dutch universities offer merit-based awards, fee waivers, or partial tuition discounts for international students.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees - these are international master's programmes funded by the European Union. They often include tuition support and a monthly allowance, but they are very competitive.
- Government or partner scholarships - some programmes are funded by the Dutch government, Dutch institutions, or external partners. Eligibility can be narrow, and some are only for certain countries or fields.
- Faculty or departmental awards - some schools have smaller grants for students with strong grades, research potential, or special talent.
For the exact list, always check the scholarship page on the university website and the scholarship's own official site.
University scholarships and fee waivers
University scholarships are often the most practical option because you apply at the same time as your programme, or soon after. Some are automatic if you meet the academic rules, while others need a separate scholarship form.
- Typical requirements - strong grades, a relevant degree, proof of English, motivation letter, CV, and sometimes references.
- Who gets selected - often students with excellent academic records, clear goals, and a profile that fits the programme very well.
- What support looks like - partial tuition reduction, a one-time grant, or in some cases a full scholarship with living support.
Deadlines usually come before or around the programme deadline, and many universities open scholarship applications once a year for the next intake. Some are linked to September start dates, so check early in the autumn or winter before you want to begin.
Erasmus Mundus joint master's programmes
Erasmus Mundus is one of the best-known full funding routes for master's students. These programmes are shared by universities in several countries, and many students spend time in more than one place during the degree.
- Typical requirements - a strong bachelor's degree, good English, a relevant study background, motivation letter, CV, and academic references.
- Selection style - these programmes look at academic strength, fit with the programme, and international profile.
- When they open - many open in autumn for the following academic year, with deadlines often in winter or early spring. Exact dates differ by programme.
Because the competition is high, apply to more than one programme if your background fits. Read the joint programme website carefully, since each consortium can ask for slightly different documents.
Government and partner scholarships
Some Dutch scholarship schemes are funded by the government, a ministry, or a partner organisation. These can be useful, but they are often limited to certain fields, countries, or institutions.
- Typical requirements - admission to an eligible Dutch university, a strong academic record, and sometimes work experience or a specific nationality.
- What to check - whether India is eligible, whether the award is for bachelor's or master's level, and whether the scholarship covers tuition only or also living costs.
- Where to verify - the official scholarship site, the university admissions page, and the Dutch national study or immigration pages when the scholarship affects your residence status.
Do not rely on old lists or social media posts. Scholarship rules can change from year to year, so always use the current official page.
What a strong profile usually needs
Most scholarship committees want clear proof that you can handle the course and contribute to the programme. A neat, complete file can help your application feel stronger and easier to trust.
- Education documents - degree certificate, mark sheets or transcript, and if needed a grading scale explanation.
- English proof - IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test, if the programme asks for it.
- CV - short and clear, with education, projects, internships, research, and relevant skills.
- Motivation letter - explain why this programme, why the Netherlands, and how the scholarship helps your goals.
- References - academic referees who know your work and can comment on your strengths.
- Extra evidence - portfolio, publications, volunteering, awards, or work experience if relevant to the course.
Keep your documents ready in good quality scans. Many scholarship deadlines are short, and missing papers can make a strong application look incomplete.
How to plan your timing
The safest plan is to look at scholarships before you submit your final study choice. Many opportunities open months before the course starts, and some require you to already have applied for admission.
- Check the programme page first, then the scholarship page.
- Make a calendar for admission deadlines, scholarship deadlines, and test dates.
- Prepare your transcripts, passport copy, references, and English test early.
- Read the exact rules for your university, since some awards are only for specific faculties or intakes.
If a scholarship says you must first get an offer, apply for the study programme early. If it says you can apply at the same time, do both together and keep all files consistent.
Common questions
Can Indian students get full scholarships in the Netherlands?
Yes, some can, but they are highly competitive. Erasmus Mundus and a few university or partner awards may cover most or all costs, but you should always check the official terms.
Do I need admission before I apply for a scholarship?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Many scholarships need a study application first, while others are separate. The university's admissions page will usually explain the order.
Are bachelor's scholarships common?
They are less common than master's scholarships. Most major funding options in the Netherlands are aimed at master's students, so bachelor's applicants should check each university carefully.
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.
This can help you get noticed by the right programmes faster, especially when scholarship or admission teams are looking for students with a clear fit.
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.