Fully Funded Scholarships in Netherlands for Pakistani and International Students

Explore fully funded scholarships in Netherlands for international and Pakistani students. Explore bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral scholarships in Dutch universities. Apply now for Holland, Erasmus, Orange Knowledge Programme, and university specific scholarships.
The Netherlands has become a top destination for students worldwide, offering a wide range of fully funded scholarships across all academic levels. From government funded programs like the Orange Knowledge Programme to prestigious university specific scholarships, students from developing countries, especially Pakistani students, can find exceptional opportunities to study in the Netherlands.
Scholarships in Netherlands
Degree Specific Scholarships In The Netherlands
Undergraduate Scholarships
Many Dutch universities offer bachelor’s scholarships in the Netherlands for international students. These awards are often merit based and cover tuition fees, living allowances, and study materials.
- Holland Undergraduate Scholarship: Provides partial or full tuition coverage for talented students.
- University of Groningen Undergraduate Scholarships: Designed for international students pursuing STEM and social sciences.
- VU Amsterdam Scholarships: Target international bachelor students with strong academic backgrounds.
Master’s Scholarships
The Netherlands is highly attractive for postgraduate students due to fully funded master’s scholarships.
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: Joint master’s programs funded by the EU across multiple universities.
- Orange Knowledge Programme Scholarships: Fully funded for students from developing countries, including Pakistan.
- Amsterdam Excellence Scholarships: Prestigious funding for international master’s students at the University of Amsterdam.
- MBA Scholarships: Available at Rotterdam School of Management and Nyenrode Business University.
- Utrecht Excellence Scholarships: Covers tuition and living costs for master’s level studies.
PhD Scholarships
PhD scholarships are known for research intensity and global impact. Most PhD positions are fully funded and treated as paid research jobs.
- Radboud University PhD Scholarships: Focus on social sciences, law, and natural sciences.
- Delft University of Technology PhD Funding: For engineering and applied sciences.
- PhD Economics and Public Policy Scholarships: Available across top Dutch universities.
- PhD Civil Engineering & Environmental Sciences Scholarships: Fully funded for global students.
Postdoctoral Scholarships
For advanced researchers, postdoctoral scholarships in the Netherlands are offered by universities and government agencies.
- Postdoc in Biotechnology & Medical Sciences: Supports international researchers in innovation.
- Postdoc in Artificial Intelligence & Data Science: Offered by TU Delft and Eindhoven University.
- Fellowships in Social Sciences and Humanities: Available at Utrecht and Leiden University.
University Specific Scholarships in the Netherlands
Many leading Dutch universities provide specialized scholarships for international students.
- Leiden University Excellence Scholarships: Merit based scholarships for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students.
- Utrecht University Excellence Scholarships: Supports postgraduate studies in all disciplines.
- Amsterdam Excellence Scholarships: For both undergraduate and master’s programs.
- Maastricht University Scholarships: Offers Holland High Potential Scholarships.
- Radboud University Scholarship Programme: Reduces tuition fees significantly.
- Delft University of Technology Scholarships: Offers full support for engineering and applied sciences.
Field Specific Scholarships in the Netherlands
The Netherlands offers scholarships across diverse disciplines:
- Engineering Scholarships in the Netherlands: Civil, electrical, chemical, and mechanical.
- Computer Science & IT Scholarships: AI, data science, and software engineering.
- Medicine & Public Health Scholarships: MBBS, nursing, and pharmacy.
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences Scholarships: Offered at Wageningen University.
- Law & Social Sciences Scholarships: LLM and international relations.
- Arts, Architecture & Design Scholarships: Popular in Amsterdam and Eindhoven universities.
International & Government Scholarships in the Netherlands
Several global initiatives fund students in the Netherlands.
- Holland Scholarship for International Students: Covers tuition and living allowance.
- Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP): Fully funded scholarships for developing countries.
- Commonwealth Scholarships: For selected Commonwealth nations.
- Orange Tulip Scholarships: Specifically for students from Pakistan and other partner countries.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships: Funded by the European Union.
Special Scholarships in the Netherlands
In addition to degree programs, the Netherlands offers specialized scholarships:
- Sports & Football Scholarships: For talented athletes.
- Summer School Scholarships: For short term programs in Dutch universities.
- Women in STEM Scholarships: Targeting female students in engineering and sciences.
- Arts & Music Scholarships: For creative disciplines.
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships
While requirements vary by program, most scholarships in the Netherlands require:
- Proof of admission or offer letter from a Dutch university.
- Strong academic record (minimum GPA requirements).
- English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL; some scholarships exempt).
- Motivation letter or statement of purpose.
- Research proposal for PhD or postdoctoral applicants.
- Some government scholarships require candidates to return to their home country after completion.
Requirements for Scholarships
In addition to eligibility, applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Completed scholarship application form.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Valid passport and recent photographs.
- Proof of English language proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL).
- CV or resume highlighting academic and professional achievements.
- Research proposal (for PhD and postdoctoral scholarships).
- Recommendation letters from professors or employers.
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter tailored to the program.
Pursuing education in the Netherlands is a dream for many, but with fully funded scholarships in the Netherlands, international students can achieve this goal without financial burden. From undergraduate to PhD levels, Dutch universities and government initiatives provide world class opportunities, particularly for Pakistani students and other developing countries. Apply early, prepare your documents carefully, and increase your chances of winning a Netherlands scholarship that aligns with your academic and career goals.
FAQs About Scholarships in the Netherlands
Can I study in the Netherlands without IELTS?
- Yes, some universities accept students without IELTS if they have studied in English previously.
Are scholarships in the Netherlands fully funded?
- Many PhD, Erasmus, and OKP scholarships are fully funded, covering tuition, living, and research costs.
Which universities in the Netherlands offer scholarships?
- Leiden, Utrecht, Amsterdam, Delft, Maastricht, and Wageningen are top providers.
Are Pakistani students eligible for the Netherlands scholarships?
- Yes, Pakistani students can apply for OKP, Holland, and university specific scholarships.
Do PhD scholarships in the Netherlands provide a salary?
- Yes, most PhD positions are paid research jobs with monthly stipends.
How can I apply for scholarships in the Netherlands?
- Apply directly through the university portal or scholarship websites like Nuffic Neso and Erasmus Mundus.
What is the Holland Scholarship?
- It is a partial scholarship for non EEA students funded by the Dutch government.
Which fields are popular for scholarships in the Netherlands?
- Engineering, IT, medicine, agriculture, and social sciences are highly funded fields.
Do Netherlands scholarships require work experience?
- Some programs, like MBA or OKP scholarship, may require 2–3 years of experience.
When is the deadline for applying to the Netherlands scholarships?
- Deadlines vary, but most fall between December and April for the fall intake.
