If you are a student from Japan and want to study in the Netherlands, there are a few scholarship routes you can realistically compete for. The main ones are Dutch government programmes, university scholarships and fee waivers, and Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters. Each has its own rules, and the best match depends on your level, subject, and profile.
Main scholarship types
Most scholarships in the Netherlands are not full funding for everyone. Many cover part of the tuition fee, and some also give a living-cost grant. For students from Japan, the most common options are:
- Government-linked scholarships, such as the Holland Scholarship or Orange Tulip Scholarship, when available for your country and programme
- University scholarships and tuition waivers
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, if you apply for a joint master's programme
- External grants from foundations, your home university, or private organisations
Always check the official scholarship page of the university or the scholarship provider. The names, value, and rules can change from year to year.
Government and national programmes
Two names you may often see are the Holland Scholarship and the Orange Tulip Scholarship. These are not automatic awards. They are competitive and usually only available for certain universities, programmes, and nationalities.
- Holland Scholarship: usually for non-EEA students who start a bachelor's or master's programme in the Netherlands. It is often a one-time award, not a full tuition scholarship. Check the official Dutch higher education site and the university page for the current amount and eligible programmes.
- Orange Tulip Scholarship: in some years, this programme has been offered through Dutch institutions and local partners in selected countries, including Japan or Asia-focused routes. The exact list changes, so check the Nuffic or participating university pages.
These scholarships often require strong grades, a clear study plan, and timely admission documents. Some ask for a nomination by the university after you apply for admission.
University scholarships and fee waivers
Many students from Japan win support through the university itself. This is often the most realistic route if you have strong grades and a focused application.
- Tuition waivers: reduce part of the tuition fee. They are often tied to high academic performance or a specific faculty.
- Merit scholarships: may be based on grades, motivation, leadership, or the match with the programme.
- Need-aware awards: some universities ask about financial need, but many scholarships are merit-based only.
Typical requirements include:
- a strong GPA or class rank
- an admission offer or an application in progress
- an English test result, such as IELTS or TOEFL, if the programme asks for it
- a motivation letter
- letters of recommendation
- a CV or resume
Many university scholarships open around the same time as admission, often months before the study start date. Some require you to apply for admission first, then submit the scholarship form. Others use one combined application. Check the programme page carefully.
Erasmus Mundus and joint master's programmes
If you want a master's degree, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters can be one of the strongest options. These are international programmes taught by a consortium of universities in Europe and sometimes beyond.
For many students, this is attractive because the scholarship can be generous. It may cover tuition, travel, installation, and a monthly allowance. But it is also highly competitive.
- You usually need an excellent academic record
- You need a strong, specific motivation for the field
- You must meet the language and academic entry rules of the joint programme
- You usually apply directly to the programme, not to a separate national office
Deadlines are usually early, often between autumn and winter for the next academic year. Check the official Erasmus Mundus programme page for the current round.
What a strong profile looks like
A strong profile can help even before you apply. Scholarship committees usually look for proof that you are ready for the course and that you will finish well.
- Good grades and a clear academic record
- A study field that matches your past education
- English proof, if needed
- Motivation that is clear and specific
- Documents that are complete and easy to check
Useful documents often include:
- passport copy
- degree certificate or proof of current study
- transcripts
- CV
- motivation letter
- reference letters
- language test result
If you have a clear field, level of study, and document set ready, you can move faster when a scholarship opens. That matters because some awards close soon after the admissions round starts.
When scholarships usually open
There is no single calendar for all Dutch scholarships. In general, many opportunities open many months before the academic year begins.
- For bachelor's and master's programmes, scholarship calls often open in autumn or winter for the next year
- Some university deadlines fall between January and April
- Erasmus Mundus deadlines are often in the same period, but can vary by programme
- Some smaller faculty awards open later, after admission starts
Check three official sources first:
- the university's admissions page
- the scholarship's own site or the university scholarship page
- the Dutch higher education information site, such as Study in NL or Nuffic, for general guidance
Common questions
Can a student from Japan get a full scholarship in the Netherlands?
Yes, but full funding is competitive and not common. Erasmus Mundus and a few university awards may cover a lot, but many scholarships only cover part of the cost. Check each official page to see what is included.
Do I need an admission offer before I apply for a scholarship?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Many scholarships ask you to apply for admission first. Others let you apply for both at the same time. The programme page will say which process to follow.
Is English enough, or do I need Dutch?
Most international programmes in the Netherlands are taught in English, so Dutch is often not required for admission. Some scholarships still expect strong English scores. Always check the exact language rule on the programme page.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, so you are ready when a scholarship or programme asks for details. 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.