If you are from Ukraine and want to study in the Netherlands, you can look at government schemes, university scholarships, and Erasmus Mundus programmes. Competition is strong, but a clear profile, good documents, and early timing can help a lot.
What you can realistically compete for
Most students from Ukraine usually look at three main types of funding:
- government-funded schemes, including some bilateral or aid-based programmes
- university scholarships and tuition waivers
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
There is no single scholarship for everyone from Ukraine. What you can apply for depends on your level, subject, grades, English level, and whether the programme is bachelor, master, or research.
- Bachelor students usually find fewer full scholarships. Partial fee discounts are more common.
- Master students usually have more options, especially merit-based awards.
- PhD candidates are often hired as employees, so funding works differently from a scholarship.
Check the university admissions page and scholarship page first. They explain who is eligible and which documents matter most.
Government programmes and public funding
Some students expect a Dutch government scholarship, but these are limited and often aimed at specific countries, subjects, or institutional partnerships. For Ukraine, the exact options can change by year, so the safest place to check is the Dutch university's scholarship page and the official government or programme website linked there.
Common features of government-style funding are:
- you must meet nationality or residence rules
- you usually need an offer, or at least a strong application, from a Dutch institution
- the award is often partial, not full
- you may need to show strong grades, motivation, and financial need or merit
Application windows usually open many months before the start of study. For many programmes, this is in autumn or winter for the following academic year. Always check the official site, because deadlines can differ by university and programme.
University scholarships and tuition waivers
University scholarships are the most realistic option for many students from Ukraine. Dutch universities often offer merit scholarships for international students, sometimes with a fee reduction instead of a full award.
Typical requirements include:
- a strong academic record
- proof of English, such as IELTS or TOEFL, if the programme asks for it
- a motivation letter
- a CV
- references or recommendation letters
- sometimes a portfolio for creative subjects
Some scholarships are only for students who already applied to the programme. Others need a separate scholarship application. This is why you should read the programme page carefully. The admissions office can often see whether you are a good match if your profile is complete.
When they open:
- often from late autumn to early spring for programmes starting in September
- sometimes earlier for selective awards
- sometimes only once a year
Do not wait for the deadline. Some universities review scholarship candidates as soon as applications come in.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Erasmus Mundus is one of the best-known options for international master students. These programmes are run by groups of universities in Europe and sometimes beyond. They can offer full or partial scholarships, depending on the programme and competition.
What they usually look for:
- excellent previous study results
- a clear match between your background and the master
- strong English
- a good motivation letter
- sometimes work experience, depending on the subject
Applications usually open once a year, often in autumn, for study starting the next academic year. Deadlines are often in winter or early spring, but each programme sets its own date. The official Erasmus Mundus programme page is the source to check.
This route is competitive. A strong, well-organised file matters a lot. If your documents show a clear study story, it is easier for reviewers to understand why you fit the programme.
What documents make your profile stronger
For scholarships in the Netherlands, a complete profile can help admissions teams and scholarship committees see you faster. It does not guarantee funding, but it can make your application easier to trust and compare.
Useful documents usually include:
- passport or ID
- degree diploma or current transcript
- English test results, if required
- CV
- motivation letter
- references
- portfolio, if needed
Tips for a stronger application:
- keep your grades and dates clear
- show how your previous study links to the next programme
- use simple English and direct examples
- upload documents in good quality and correct formats
- check names, dates, and spelling twice
If you are missing one item, check whether the programme allows a later upload. Some do, some do not.
How to plan your search
A practical search plan helps you avoid missing a chance:
- make a shortlist of Dutch universities and masters that fit your field
- check each programme page for scholarship links
- read the scholarship rules before you apply to the course
- note the earliest deadline, not just the final one
- prepare documents before applications open
Also check whether the scholarship is only for certain subjects, such as STEM, business, arts, or development studies. Many awards are tied to a specific faculty or programme, not the whole university.
If you need a visa later, remember that scholarship rules and immigration rules are separate. The national immigration authority is the official source for visa and residence questions.
Common questions
Can students from Ukraine get full funding in the Netherlands?
Sometimes, yes, but full funding is hard to get and very competitive. Many awards are partial, so check whether they cover tuition only, or tuition plus living costs.
Do I need an admission offer before I apply for a scholarship?
It depends on the scholarship. Some need an offer first, while others let you apply at the same time. The programme page is the official place to check.
When should I start preparing?
Start as early as possible, ideally many months before the deadline. Scholarship windows often open in autumn or winter for study in the next academic year.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, so Dutch universities can see your fit faster. 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.