If you are a student from Kenya, you can compete for several kinds of funding for study in the Netherlands. The most realistic options are university scholarships, Erasmus Mundus programmes, and some country or organisation grants. Most of them are competitive, so a strong profile and complete documents matter a lot.
Main scholarship types
There is no single scholarship for every Kenyan student. In practice, you should look at these options first:
- University scholarships and fee waivers - offered by Dutch universities for strong international applicants.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters - joint degree programmes in Europe with scholarships for selected students.
- Government and external scholarships - these change by year and by field, and may be limited to certain programmes, countries, or partners.
Always check the official scholarship page or the university admissions page. That is where you will see the real rules, the current deadline, and whether Kenyan applicants are eligible.
University scholarships and fee waivers
Many Dutch universities offer their own scholarships for non-EU students. These can be partial tuition waivers, full tuition scholarships, or a smaller grant for living costs. They are usually the most direct option if you already know the programme you want.
What they usually ask for:
- Very strong grades from your previous study
- A good motivation letter
- Proof of English, such as IELTS or TOEFL, if the programme requires it
- A CV or resume
- Sometimes references, a portfolio, or work experience
How to compete well:
- Apply early, because many scholarships are linked to the admission deadline.
- Match your documents to the programme exactly.
- Show clear academic strength, not just interest.
Deadlines are often before or around the regular admission deadline, especially for September intake. Some programmes open in autumn or early winter for the next academic year, but this changes. Check the programme page and the scholarship page for each university.
Erasmus Mundus scholarships
Erasmus Mundus is one of the best-known scholarship routes for international students. It covers joint master's programmes taught by a group of universities in Europe, and many of these programmes include a scholarship for selected students from any country, including Kenya.
These scholarships are very competitive. They usually look for:
- A strong bachelor's degree or equivalent
- Good academic results
- A clear study plan
- English proof, and sometimes another language depending on the programme
- Motivation, relevant background, and sometimes work or project experience
Where to find them:
- The official Erasmus Mundus catalogue
- The individual programme website
When they open: most programmes open once a year, often in the autumn or winter for the next academic year. The exact date differs by programme, so do not rely on social media posts. Use the official programme site only.
Government and external scholarships
Some scholarships come from governments, foundations, charities, or partner organisations. These are less predictable than university awards, and the rules can change. Some may focus on specific subjects such as public policy, engineering, health, agriculture, or development-related fields.
What they usually require:
- A strong academic record
- Evidence that your field fits the scholarship goal
- A detailed motivation statement
- References
- Sometimes proof of work experience, leadership, or community service
Because these schemes change often, the safest source is the scholarship's own website or the official page of the organisation offering it. If a scholarship is linked to a Dutch university or a Dutch public body, check that page first.
What a strong profile looks like
Scholarship selectors want proof that you are ready to study successfully. A strong profile does not mean only top marks. It also means your documents are clear, complete, and easy to review.
Useful documents to prepare:
- Passport
- Degree certificates and transcripts
- English test results, if needed
- CV in a clear format
- Motivation letter
- References or recommendation letters
- Portfolio, if your field needs one
Tips that often help:
- Use the exact name format from your passport and certificates.
- Scan documents clearly.
- Explain any gap in study or work in a simple way.
- Show why this programme fits your background and goals.
If you are missing one document, some applications stop there. So it helps to prepare early, even before applications open.
How to check whether you can apply
Start with the programme page of the university you want. Then check the scholarship page linked there. If the scholarship is national or immigration-related, use the official Dutch government site or the Dutch immigration authority for the rules that affect your visa and stay.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Does the scholarship accept students from Kenya?
- Does it fund your exact degree level, such as bachelor's, master's, or PhD?
- Does it cover tuition only, or also living costs?
- Is the deadline before admission, or after you get an offer?
If the answer is unclear, do not guess. Use the official contact email on the scholarship page or the university's admissions office. They can confirm the rule, but they will not apply for you.
Common questions
Can Kenyan students get fully funded study in the Netherlands?
Yes, sometimes. Erasmus Mundus and a few university scholarships can cover a lot, but they are competitive. Full funding is never guaranteed, so always check what each scholarship really covers.
Do I need admission before applying for a scholarship?
It depends on the scholarship. Some ask you to apply for admission and scholarship at the same time. Others ask for admission first. The programme page will say which order to follow.
When should I start preparing?
As early as possible, ideally months before the deadline. You need time for transcripts, references, English tests, and a good motivation letter. Early preparation also gives you time to check more than one scholarship.
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.
This can help you get seen by universities and scholarship-linked programmes without sending the same details many times.
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.