Studying in Holland is a dream for many international students, thanks to its innovative education system, multicultural environment, and globally recognised universities. To make this dream achievable, the Dutch government and institutions offer numerous scholarships for 2026. In this article, we’ll dive into the top 10 Holland Government Scholarships 2026, detailing eligibility, benefits, and application tips. Keep reading to find the perfect scholarship for you!
Why Study in Holland?
Holland (the Netherlands) is renowned for:
- High-quality education: 13 Dutch universities rank in the Top 200 QS World University Rankings 2023.
- Affordable tuition fees: Compared to the US or UK, Dutch programs are budget-friendly.
- English-taught programs: Over 2,100 courses are taught in English.
- Cultural diversity: Students from 160+ countries create a vibrant community.
Ready to explore scholarships? Let’s begin!
Top 10 Holland Government Scholarships 2026
Below are the most prestigious Holland Government Scholarships 2026 for international students:
1. Holland Scholarship
Brief Description: Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, this scholarship supports non-EEA students pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Benefits | €5,000 first year |
| Eligibility | Non-EEA, applying to participating Dutch institutions |
| Deadline | May 1, 2026 (tentative) |
| Official Link | Holland Scholarship |
Pro Tip: Apply early! Competition is fierce for this award.
2. Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)
Brief Description: A fully funded scholarship for professionals from developing countries to study short courses or master’s programs.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Tuition, visa, travel, and living expenses |
| Eligibility | Professionals from OKP-eligible countries |
| Deadline | Varies by institution (Check official site) |
| Official Link | Orange Knowledge Programme |
Did you know? OKP prioritises fields like agriculture, water management, and renewable energy.
3. MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP)
Brief Description: Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this scholarship empowers professionals from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to pursue short courses in Holland.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Full tuition, travel, visa, and living expenses |
| Eligibility | Professionals from MENA countries with work experience |
| Deadline | March 15, 2026 (varies by course) |
| Official Link | MENA Scholarship |
Pro Tip: Focus on courses aligned with your country’s development needs for higher chances!
4. MIND Scholarship
Brief Description: Launched by the Dutch Ministry of Education, the Make It in the Netherlands (MIND) Scholarship supports international students pursuing STEM or agriculture-related master’s programs.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Benefits | €10,000–€15,000 per year |
| Eligibility | Non-EU students enrolling in STEM/agriculture programs |
| Deadline | April 30, 2026 |
| Official Link | MIND Scholarship |
Did you know? MIND scholars gain access to exclusive networking events with Dutch industry leaders.
5. Erasmus University Rotterdam Scholarship
Brief Description: Part of the Holland Scholarship initiative, this award supports non-EEA students at Erasmus University Rotterdam for bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Benefits | €5,000–€15,000 (depending on program) |
| Eligibility | Non-EEA students with excellent academic records |
| Deadline | February 1, 2026 |
| Official Link | Erasmus Scholarship |
Pro Tip: Highlight leadership skills in your application—it’s a key selection criterion!
6. Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
Brief Description: Leiden University offers this prestigious merit-based scholarship to non-EEA students for master’s or PhD programs.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Benefits | €10,000–€15,000 (partial to full tuition coverage) |
| Eligibility | Top 10% of academic achievers |
| Deadline | October 1, 2025 (for February 2026 intake) |
| Official Link | Leiden LExS |
Did you know? Leiden University ranks #71 globally (QS 2024)—a stellar addition to your resume!
7. Utrecht Excellence Scholarship
Brief Description: Utrecht University awards this scholarship to outstanding non-EU students for master’s programs in fields like sustainability and governance.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Benefits | €11,000–€17,000 (tuition + living costs) |
| Eligibility | Non-EU students with GPA above 3.5/4.0 |
| Deadline | January 31, 2026 |
| Official Link | Utrecht Scholarship |
Pro Tip: Tailor your essay to Utrecht’s focus on societal impact for a standout application.
8. University of Amsterdam Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
Brief Description: This merit-based scholarship targets high-achieving non-EU students enrolling in master’s programs at the University of Amsterdam.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Benefits | €6,000–€25,000 (partial to full funding) |
| Eligibility | GPA of 3.8/4.0 or equivalent |
| Deadline | January 15, 2026 |
| Official Link | Amsterdam Merit Scholarship |
Did you know? The University of Amsterdam is Europe’s #1 university for media studies!
9. Radboud Scholarship Programme
Brief Description: Radboud University offers partial scholarships to non-EU students for English-taught master’s programs in fields like neuroscience and economics.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Benefits | €11,000–€16,000 (tuition waiver + visa costs) |
| Eligibility | Non-EU students with IELTS 7.0+ or TOEFL 100+ |
| Deadline | February 28, 2026 |
| Official Link | Radboud Scholarship |
Pro Tip: Demonstrate your passion for interdisciplinary research—it’s Radboud’s speciality!
10. Maastricht University Holland-High Potential Scholarship
Brief Description: Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, this scholarship supports non-EU students in master’s programs at Maastricht University.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Benefits | €29,000 (covers tuition + living expenses) |
| Eligibility | Non-EU students with admission to Maastricht University |
| Deadline | February 1, 2026 |
| Official Link | Maastricht Scholarship |
Did you know? Maastricht University pioneered Problem-Based Learning (PBL)—a unique teaching method!
Summary Table: Holland Government Scholarships 2026
For quick reference, here’s a comparison of the top Holland Government Scholarships 2026:
| Scholarship | Benefits | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holland Scholarship | €5,000 | Non-EEA students | May 1, 2026 |
| Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) | Full funding | Professionals from OKP countries | Varies by institution |
| MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP) | Full tuition + living costs | MENA professionals | March 15, 2026 |
| MIND Scholarship | €10,000–€15,000/year | Non-EU STEM/agriculture students | April 30, 2026 |
| Erasmus University Scholarship | €5,000–€15,000 | Non-EEA students at Erasmus | February 1, 2026 |
| Leiden LExS | €10,000–€15,000 | Top 10% academic achievers | October 1, 2025 |
| Utrecht Excellence Scholarship | €11,000–€17,000 | Non-EU students (GPA 3.5+) | January 31, 2026 |
| Amsterdam Merit Scholarship | €6,000–€25,000 | Non-EU students (GPA 3.8+) | January 15, 2026 |
| Radboud Scholarship | €11,000–€16,000 | Non-EU students (IELTS 7.0+) | February 28, 2026 |
| Maastricht Scholarship | €29,000 | Non-EU students at Maastricht | February 1, 2026 |
How to Apply for Holland Government Scholarships 2026
Follow these expert tips to boost your chances:
- Check eligibility carefully: Ensure you meet all criteria before applying.
- Prepare documents early: Academic transcripts, motivation letters, and reference letters.
- Write a stellar essay: Highlight your goals and how you’ll contribute to Holland.
- Apply to multiple scholarships: Diversify your options.
Still have questions? Check our FAQ section below!
FAQs About Holland Government Scholarships 2026
Q1: Do I need to speak Dutch to apply?
A: No! Most programs are taught in English.
Q2: Are these scholarships fully funded?
A: Some cover full costs (e.g., OKP), while others offer partial funding (e.g., Holland Scholarship).
Q3: When should I start applying?
A: Start 6–8 months before deadlines to gather documents and meet requirements.
Conclusion
The Holland Government Scholarships 2026 are life-changing opportunities to study in one of Europe’s most dynamic countries. Whether you’re aiming for a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD, there’s a scholarship tailored for you. Don’t miss out—bookmark this guide, visit official links, and start your application today!
