If you are from Kazakhstan and want to study in the Netherlands, you can look at a few realistic funding paths. The main ones are university scholarships, some government-linked schemes, Erasmus Mundus, and smaller waivers or tuition discounts. Most are competitive, so a strong profile and complete documents matter a lot.
What scholarships are realistic
For most students from Kazakhstan, the most realistic options are merit-based scholarships from Dutch universities and Erasmus Mundus programmes. Some Dutch government or international schemes can also fit, but they often have strict country, level, or subject rules.
- University scholarships: usually the most common option for international students.
- Erasmus Mundus: for joint master's programmes across several European universities.
- Government-linked awards: fewer in number, often tied to specific agreements or partner countries.
- Fee waivers and tuition discounts: smaller than full scholarships, but still useful.
Always check the university's admissions page and the scholarship's own site. Rules can change by year, by faculty, and by programme.
University scholarships and waivers
Many Dutch universities offer their own scholarships for talented international students. These are often aimed at master's applicants, but some universities also have awards for bachelor's or exchange students.
- Usual requirements: strong grades, a relevant degree, and a good motivation letter.
- Often needed: English test results, passport copy, CV, references, and transcripts.
- Sometimes needed: proof of excellence such as top class rank, awards, or research experience.
These scholarships are often partial. They may reduce tuition, cover part of living costs, or give a fixed award amount. Full coverage is less common.
Deadlines are usually early, often several months before the study start date. Many scholarships open at the same time as programme applications or shortly after. Some close in winter or early spring for courses starting in September, but you should always check the programme page.
Erasmus Mundus programmes
Erasmus Mundus joint master's programmes are among the best-known options for international students. They are very competitive, but they can be a strong fit if your academic record is good and your field matches the programme.
- Usually for master's level only.
- Often includes study at two or more universities in different countries.
- May cover tuition and may also include a monthly grant, travel support, and insurance, depending on the programme.
What they usually want:
- A strong bachelor's degree or final-year status.
- Good English level, usually proven by IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test.
- A clear study plan and motivation letter.
- Recommendation letters and transcripts.
Applications often open once a year, usually in the autumn or early winter for the next academic year. Check the official Erasmus Mundus programme page, because dates differ by programme.
Government-linked and other national schemes
Some students hope for Dutch government scholarships, but these are limited and not available for every nationality or every level of study. The Netherlands has several international funding channels, but most of them have narrow rules.
For Kazakh students, the key point is to check whether your programme and nationality are on the current eligibility list. Do not assume that a scholarship is open to all international students.
- Check the Dutch national scholarship pages and the national immigration or education sources where relevant.
- Look at bilateral or partner-country schemes if your university mentions them.
- Watch for faculty or subject-specific awards, which can be easier to match than broad national programmes.
These awards may ask for proof of admission, a strong academic record, and sometimes proof that you cannot study without funding. The official source will say what counts.
What a strong profile usually includes
Scholarship committees want to see that you can succeed in the programme and use the funding well. A clear, complete profile helps a lot, especially if many applicants have similar grades.
- Education: your latest diploma or transcript, translated if needed.
- English level: an accepted test result, if required by the programme.
- Motivation letter: simple, specific, and matched to the course.
- CV: short and clear, with study, work, projects, and skills.
- References: if the scholarship asks for them, get them early.
- Documents: passport, degree copies, and any proof of awards or research.
If your documents are missing or unclear, you may lose the chance even if your grades are good. Many scholarships first screen for complete files, then compare academic strength.
How to apply without missing key steps
Start by choosing the programme, not just the scholarship. In many cases, you must first apply for admission to the university before you can be considered for funding.
- Read the programme page and the scholarship page together.
- Check whether you need separate scholarship forms or automatic consideration.
- Prepare scanned copies of your documents before the deadline period begins.
- Write one motivation letter for the course and adapt it for each scholarship if needed.
Useful timing tips:
- Many master's scholarships open in autumn for the next academic year.
- Some university awards close months before the final admission deadline.
- Erasmus Mundus deadlines usually differ by consortium and programme.
If you are unsure, contact the university admissions office or the scholarship contact named on the official site. They can confirm whether your documents are enough and whether you can apply from Kazakhstan.
Common questions
Can I get a full scholarship in the Netherlands?
It is possible, but it is not the usual result. Full funding is more common in some Erasmus Mundus programmes and in a small number of university awards. Most scholarships are partial, so check the exact coverage before you apply.
Do I need an offer before I apply for a scholarship?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Some scholarships need a separate admission application first, while others review you at the same time. The programme page or scholarship page will say which process applies.
What helps most if my grades are good but not perfect?
A clear motivation letter, strong English, relevant projects, work experience, and complete documents can help. If the scholarship values leadership or community work, mention that too. Be specific and honest.
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. It saves time and helps you show your profile in a clear way before scholarship and admission deadlines.
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.