Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in the Netherlands in 2026

Many learners are now opting to study in Netherlands to benefit from world-class research facilities. Dutch universities provide over 2,100 English programs. This simplifies the move of Indian students.

Mapping out your budget early is non-negotiable, especially since non-EU tuition usually starts at €8,000 per year. It’s a significant investment, but the right funding can make it manageable. They can significantly reduce financial burden.

Read on to learn more about these financial aids and how to study in Netherlands for Indian students effectively.

Table of Contents

Types of Scholarships to Study in Netherlands

Indian students planning to study in Netherlands can consider three main types of scholarships. They are:

● Government-Funded Scholarships

The Dutch government offers these. This is to attract international students and promote cultural exchange. They may partially cover tuition or living costs depending on the program.

● University-Specific Scholarships

Individual universities have merit-based and need-based undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to study in Netherlands. These involve a partial or full waiver of tuition fees.

● Targeted/Private Scholarships

There are also scholarships provided by private organizations. These are often targeted at specific fields or exceptional academic performance and are a great way to study in Netherlands for Indian students.

Best 2026 Scholarships for Indian Students in the Netherlands

International students have numerous funding options in Europe. The best scholarships to study in Netherlands are:

1. NL Scholarship (Formerly Holland Scholarship)

The Dutch Ministry of Education funds this award for those who wish to study in Netherlands. It targets students from outside the EEA. It gives a one-time payment of €5,000 during the first year of study. This helps cover initial relocation and tuition costs.

2. Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS)

This program is just for talented Indian students. It is a group effort by Nuffic Neso and helps facilitate the goal to study in Netherlands for Indian students by paying full or part of the tuition fees.

3. Radboud Scholarship Programme

Radboud University offers this for Master’s students. This award is very selective and makes it affordable to study in Netherlands by lowering fees to the EU rate. They may also include contributions toward visa/residence permit costs.

4. Erik Bleumink Fund

This grant is provided by the University of Groningen. It is a full package for scholars from developing countries, making it easier to study in Netherlands for Indian students by covering tuition, travel, and books.

5. Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship

This generous award is offered by TU Delft. This scholarship is available to non-domestic students who have achieved a minimum 80% or equivalent GPA (as per university conversion) in prior studies. You’ll get a scholarship worth about €30,000/year.

Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships

Most scholarships require:

Academic transcripts
Proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL
Statement of purpose explaining goals
Letters of recommendation
Valid passport and identification documents
Admission confirmation from a Dutch university

How to Apply for Scholarships?

The application needs your full attention. Missing a deadline can cost you the award. The steps for the application include the following:

Select scholarships that align with your degree level and CGPA. Every application must have a motivation letter that clearly connects your profile with the program. Generic applications are consistently screened out at Dutch universities.
Start your university application before your scholarship application. Admission comes first at nearly every Dutch university to study in Netherlands for Indian students. Keep in mind that, in most cases, scholarship evaluation follows admission.
Get your India-specific documents together now. Semester-wise marksheets, a provisional certificate if you are in your final year, and a confirmed IELTS score. Waiting until January, when scholarship deadlines are running, costs students 4–6 weeks they do not have.

Following these steps helps Indian students study in Netherlands without delays.

Role of Study Abroad Consultants in India

Getting professional assistance makes moving to the Netherlands for higher education smoother. Many students prefer to seek help from study abroad consultants in India. They have all the updated information about visa procedures for 2026.

Reliable study abroad consultants in India offer full support. They conduct mock interviews for students to better prepare for their visa appointments. This professional intervention from these consultants minimizes relocation stress.

Conclusion

The Netherlands is a strong choice academically, and the scholarship landscape for Indian students is better than most people assume. A few of these awards cover costs comprehensively enough that the financial burden becomes manageable. The main thing is starting early, both with the paperwork and with identifying which awards actually fit your profile and program level. With knowledge of scholarships to study in Netherlands, students can efficiently plan their path forward.

Contact Imperial Overseas Education consultant Bangalore today and let’s make your dream of studying abroad into a successful international career.