If you are from Bangladesh and want to study in the Netherlands, you can compete for several types of scholarships, but most are competitive and not guaranteed. The main options are government-linked awards, university scholarships or fee waivers, and Erasmus Mundus programmes. Each one has its own rules, so always check the official scholarship site and the university programme page.
Main scholarship types
Most students from Bangladesh look at these routes first:
- Government scholarships - usually linked to a country, a region, or a specific exchange scheme.
- University scholarships - fee waivers, tuition discounts, or merit awards from Dutch universities.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters - a European programme with a strong scholarship, but very competitive.
- External scholarships - awards from foundations, employers, or international organisations.
For most students, the best chance is to apply to several options at once, if the rules allow it.
Government and public programmes
Some scholarships are funded by governments or public bodies. The best-known route for many international students is the Orange Tulip Scholarship network, where some Dutch institutions offer support to students from selected countries, including Bangladesh in some years and at some institutions. The exact list changes, so check the official Orange Tulip Scholarship page and the university's own page.
You may also find bilateral or exchange scholarships through your home country, a Dutch embassy partner, or a development programme. These usually ask for:
- a strong academic record
- proof that you meet the language level for the programme
- a motivation letter
- references or recommendation letters
- sometimes proof of work experience or leadership
Openings are often tied to the university admission cycle. Many start in autumn or winter for the next academic year, but some open earlier. Check the official scholarship page each year.
University scholarships and tuition waivers
Many Dutch universities offer their own scholarships for international students. These can be full tuition awards, partial tuition waivers, or a cash award for living costs. They are usually more common for master's programmes than for bachelor's programmes.
Typical selection criteria include:
- excellent grades in your previous degree
- a relevant academic background
- clear motivation for the programme
- English test results, if required
- a complete application sent before the scholarship deadline
Some universities automatically consider you when you apply for admission. Others need a separate scholarship form. Deadlines are often earlier than the admission deadline, so check the programme page carefully.
Examples of the kinds of awards you may see are merit scholarships, excellence scholarships, faculty awards, and country-based waivers. Do not assume they cover all costs. Always read what is included, such as tuition only, or tuition plus living support.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Erasmus Mundus is one of the strongest scholarship routes for international students, including students from Bangladesh. These are joint master's degrees run by a group of European universities. If you win a scholarship, it usually includes tuition, travel support, installation costs, and a monthly allowance, but the exact package depends on the programme.
This route is realistic if you have:
- a good bachelor's degree
- a strong academic transcript
- good English
- a clear study plan
- good references and a strong motivation letter
Applications usually open once a year, often in the autumn or winter for studies starting the following academic year. Deadlines vary by programme, so use the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue and the programme website.
What a strong profile usually needs
Scholarship panels want proof, not just interest. A strong profile can help you stand out, especially when many students have similar grades.
Useful documents often include:
- passport copy
- degree certificate and transcript
- English test result, if you already have one
- CV
- motivation letter
- two recommendation letters
- portfolio or work samples, if your field needs them
Keep your documents clear and ready in digital form. If a scholarship asks for extra proof such as ranking, publication, volunteer work, or professional experience, add it only if it is real and official. A good application is complete, honest, and easy to read.
When to start and how to plan
Start early. For many scholarships, you should begin checking one year before your planned start date. Some students begin with the programme page, then the scholarship page, then the admissions page. That order helps because scholarship rules often depend on admission rules.
- Check the university's admissions page for entry rules.
- Check the scholarship's own site for eligibility and documents.
- Check whether you need both admission and scholarship forms.
- Look for earlier scholarship deadlines, not just admission deadlines.
If you are waiting for final exam results, some programmes may let you apply with current documents first and send the final ones later. This is not always possible, so confirm on the official page.
Common questions
Can a student from Bangladesh get a full scholarship in the Netherlands?
Yes, sometimes, but it is competitive and not common. Erasmus Mundus and some university or government-funded awards can cover a lot, but you must meet the exact rules and apply early.
Do I need perfect grades?
No, but strong grades help. Many scholarships also look at the match between your background and the programme, your motivation, and the quality of your documents.
Should I apply for admission first or scholarship first?
Usually you need both, but the order depends on the scheme. Some scholarships need an admission application first, while others use one combined form. Check the university or scholarship instructions.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, so you are ready when scholarships and admissions teams search for students like you. 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.