If you are from Brazil and want to study in the Netherlands, you can compete for a mix of government, university, and programme-based scholarships. Most awards are for master's level, and many are very competitive, so a strong profile and complete documents matter a lot.
What kinds of scholarships are realistic
Brazilian students usually look at three main types of support:
- Government or public programmes - national schemes or international partnerships that support study in Europe.
- University scholarships or fee waivers - money or tuition discounts given by a Dutch university.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters - fully funded or partly funded master's programmes run by a group of universities.
In most cases, these scholarships do not cover everyone. You need strong grades, clear motivation, and documents ready on time. Always check the official scholarship page and the university admissions page for the exact rules.
Dutch government and public programmes
The Netherlands does not have one simple national scholarship for every foreign student. Instead, there are public schemes and partner programmes that may support international students in selected cases.
- Short courses and exchange support - some public programmes are for short study periods, not full degrees.
- Country-specific partnerships - eligibility can depend on nationality, field, or home institution.
- Development and exchange funds - these are often aimed at special groups or projects, not open to all applicants.
These opportunities usually open once a year or follow the academic cycle. You should check the official website of the programme, the Dutch university, or the national scholarship portal that lists current calls. Deadlines often come months before the programme starts.
University scholarships and tuition waivers
Many Dutch universities offer their own scholarships for international students, including students from Brazil. These are often the most realistic option if you apply for a master's programme with a strong academic record.
Typical support can include:
- a partial tuition waiver
- a fixed cash award for living costs
- a full scholarship in rare, very competitive cases
What they usually ask for:
- a good bachelor's degree and high grades
- proof of English ability, often IELTS or TOEFL, if required by the programme
- a motivation letter
- a CV
- one or more recommendation letters
- sometimes proof of leadership, research, or work experience
University scholarship deadlines are often earlier than the admission deadline. Many open in autumn for programmes that start the next year, but this changes by university. Check the programme page and the scholarship page together, because some awards are linked to a specific course and some are not.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Erasmus Mundus is one of the best-known options for international students, and Brazilian applicants can apply on the same basis as other students unless the programme says otherwise. These are joint master's degrees taught by two or more universities in different countries.
Why students like them:
- they can cover tuition
- they may include a monthly grant
- they may help with travel and insurance
What they usually require:
- a relevant bachelor's degree
- strong grades
- English proof, and sometimes other language proof
- a clear study plan
- references and a full set of academic documents
Erasmus Mundus calls often open once a year, usually for study starting the following academic year. The exact dates vary by programme, so always check the official programme website. Some programmes are very selective, so a complete and well-organised application matters.
What a strong profile looks like
Scholarships in the Netherlands often compare many good candidates, not just one or two. A strong profile helps you stand out, especially if your grades are good but not perfect.
Useful parts of a strong profile are:
- clear grades from your previous studies
- relevant courses or projects
- English level that fits the programme
- work, research, or volunteering that matches your field
- a focused motivation letter
Documents should be easy to check and ready in advance. This usually means:
- passport
- transcripts and degree certificate
- CV
- motivation letter
- reference letters
- language certificate if needed
If your documents are complete, scholarship teams and admissions offices can review your case faster and with fewer questions. Missing papers can make you miss a deadline, even if your profile is strong.
How to plan your application timeline
Start early. For many Dutch scholarships, you should begin looking 9 to 12 months before the course starts.
- First - choose programmes and read the scholarship rules.
- Next - prepare your documents and request references.
- Then - apply for admission and the scholarship, if they are separate.
- Finally - watch your email and the official portal for updates.
Some scholarships need both a university application and a separate scholarship form. Others consider you automatically when you apply for the programme. The official university admissions page is the safest place to check the current process.
Common questions
Can a student from Brazil get a full scholarship in the Netherlands?
Yes, it is possible, but full scholarships are rare and very competitive. Erasmus Mundus and some university awards are the most common routes to full or near-full support.
Do I need a high GPA to compete?
A strong GPA helps a lot, especially for master's scholarships. But universities also look at your motivation, relevant experience, and the quality of your documents.
When should I start checking scholarship deadlines?
Start at least 9 months before your intended start date. Many deadlines are earlier than admission deadlines, and some open only once a year.
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. You stay in control, and you can be discovered for study options and scholarship-linked programmes that fit your background.
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.