Looking for fully funded scholarships in the Netherlands for international students
Discover the top 10 scholarships in the Netherlands that cover tuition, living expenses, and more. Apply now to study in one of Europe’s best education destinations.
Introduction: Why Study in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is one of the most sought-after destinations for international students, thanks to its world-class universities, English-taught programs, and numerous scholarship opportunities. Whether you’re looking for fully funded scholarships or partial funding, the Netherlands offers excellent opportunities for students from all over the world, including Africans, Asians, and Latin Americans.
Why Apply for Scholarships in the Netherlands?
✅ Top-ranked universities such as Delft University of Technology, University of Amsterdam, and Leiden University.
✅ Over 2,000+ study programs taught in English.
✅ Affordable tuition fees compared to the UK and USA.
✅ Plenty of fully funded and partial scholarships for international students.
✅ Strong job market with post-study work visa opportunities.
If you want to study in one of Europe’s most innovative countries without breaking the bank, here are the 10 best scholarships in the Netherlands that you must apply for in 2025!
1. Holland Scholarship (Government-Funded)
The Holland Scholarship is one of the most popular scholarships in the Netherlands for non-EU international students. It is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science.
Benefits:
✅ €5,000 grant for the first year of study.
✅ Available for bachelor’s and master’s programs at participating universities.
✅ Open to students from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other non-EU countries.
📅 Deadline: February – May 2025 (Varies by university)
🔗 Apply Here: https://www.studyinholland.nl/
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (Fully Funded)
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is a fully funded EU scholarship that allows students to study at multiple universities across Europe, including the Netherlands.
Benefits:
✅ Covers full tuition fees.
✅ Monthly stipend of €1,400.
✅ Travel and visa costs covered.
✅ Available for joint master’s programs in various fields.
📅 Deadline: October – December 2024
🔗 Apply Here: https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships
3. Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS) for Nigerian and International Students
The Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS) is specifically designed for students from emerging markets, including Nigeria, Indonesia, India, and South America.
Benefits:
✅ Covers partial to full tuition fees.
✅ Available at top Dutch universities.
✅ Open for bachelor’s and master’s students.
📅 Deadline: March 2025
🔗 Apply Here: https://www.nesoindonesia.or.id/scholarships/ots
4. Amsterdam Meri Scholarships (University-Specific)
The University of Amsterdam offers the Amsterdam Merit Scholarships to outstanding non-EU students.
Benefits:
✅ Covers €6,000 to €25,000 (tuition and living costs).
✅ Open to students applying for master’s programs.
✅ Competitive selection based on academic excellence.
📅 Deadline: January – April 2025
🔗 Apply Here: https://www.uva.nl/en/education/scholarships
5. TU Delft Excellence Scholarship (Fully Funded)
The Justus & Louise van Effen Scholarship at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the Netherlands.
Benefits:
✅ Full tuition fee coverage.
✅ Living expenses grant (€30,000 per year).
✅ Membership in an elite international student network.
📅 Deadline: December 2024
🔗 Apply Here: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/education/practical-matters/scholarships
6. Utrecht Excellence Scholarships
The Utrecht Excellence Scholarship is offered by Utrecht University for highly talented international students.
Benefits:
✅ Covers tuition fees and living expenses.
✅ Available for master’s degree programs.
✅ Only for non-EU/EEA students.
📅 Deadline: February 2025
🔗 Apply Here: https://www.uu.nl/en/education/scholarships
7. Radboud University Scholarship
The Radboud Scholarship Programme is a highly competitive scholarship for non-EU students.
Benefits:
✅ Covers 50% to 100% of tuition fees.
✅ Covers visa and health insurance costs.
✅ Open to master’s degree applicants.
📅 Deadline: March 2025
🔗 Apply Here: https://www.ru.nl/education/scholarships
8. Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
Leiden University offers the Leiden Excellence Scholarship (LExS) for outstanding master’s students.
Benefits:
✅ Covers €10,000 – €15,000 in tuition fees.
✅ Open to all non-EU international students.
📅 Deadline: February 2025
🔗 Apply Here: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/scholarships
9. Maastricht University Holland-High Potential Scholarship
This fully funded scholarship is for top-performing non-EU students at Maastricht University.
Benefits:
✅ Full tuition fee coverage.
✅ Monthly stipend of €12,350 per year.
✅ Covers visa, insurance, and study materials.
📅 Deadline: February 2025
🔗 Apply Here: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/scholarships
10. VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme (VUFP)
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) offers the VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP) for talented non-EU students.
Benefits:
✅ Covers full tuition fees.
✅ Available for master’s programs in various fields.
✅ Study at a top Rand Dutch university
✅ Networking and career opportunities
What the scholarship does not cover:
❌ Visa fees and residence permit costs
❌ Health Insurance
❌ Living Expenses (unless granted the NL scholarship)
📅 Deadline: February 2025
🔗 Apply Here: https://www.vu.nl/en/programmes/scholarships
Master’s Scholarships in Europe for Nigerians 2025: Fully Funded Opportunities
Pursuing a master’s degree in Europe is a dream for many Nigerian students. European universities offer world-class education, cultural diversity, and numerous fully funded and partially funded scholarship opportunities. Whether you’re looking for tuition-free universities, government scholarships, or university-specific funding, there are multiple ways to finance your master’s studies in Europe.
In this guide, we will explore the top master’s scholarships in Europe for Nigerians in 2025, their benefits, eligibility requirements, and how to apply successfully.
Why Study in Europe?
Europe is home to some of the world’s best universities, and studying there offers several benefits, including:
✅ High-quality education – European universities consistently rank among the top institutions worldwide.
✅ Tuition-free or low-cost education – Some countries like Germany, Norway, and Finland offer free education to international students.
✅ Wide range of scholarship opportunities – Fully funded and partially funded scholarships help cover tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
✅ Career advancement – A European master’s degree can boost your career prospects globally.
Now, let’s dive into the best scholarship opportunities available for Nigerians.
NURSING SCHOLARSHIP IN UNITED STATES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Top Master’s Scholarships in Europe for Nigerians in 2025
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Scholarships (Fully Funded)
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJMD) is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarship programs in Europe. It funds students from around the world, including Nigerians, to study in multiple European countries.
Benefits:
✅ Full tuition fees covered
✅ Monthly stipend (€1,100 – €1,500)
✅ Travel allowance
✅ Health insurance
Eligibility:
- Must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- Strong academic record.
- Work experience and extracurricular activities may enhance your application.
How to Apply:
- Check the Erasmus Mundus Catalogue for available programs (https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu).
- Apply directly to your chosen program.
- Submit academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose.
📅 Deadline: Varies by program (typically between October and January).
2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany – Fully Funded)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers full scholarships for international students, including Nigerians, to pursue a master’s degree in Germany.
Benefits:
✅ Full tuition coverage
✅ Monthly stipend (€934)
✅ Health insurance
✅ Travel allowance
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree with at least second-class upper (2:1).
- At least two years of professional experience (for development-related scholarships).
- Strong academic performance.
How to Apply:
- Choose a DAAD-approved master’s program in Germany (https://www.daad.de/en/).
- Submit an online application with required documents.
- Some programs may require German language proficiency, but most are in English.
📅 Deadline: Varies by program (usually between August and December).
3. Chevening Scholarships (UK – Fully Funded)
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s global scholarship program that offers full funding for a one-year master’s degree in the UK.
Benefits:
✅ Full tuition fees covered
✅ Monthly stipend (£1,000+)
✅ Travel costs to and from the UK
✅ Visa and health insurance
Eligibility:
- Nigerian citizens with a bachelor’s degree.
- At least two years of work experience.
- Leadership potential and community involvement.
How to Apply:
- Apply online via www.chevening.org.
- Submit academic records, two recommendation letters, and a personal statement.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview at the British High Commission.
📅 Deadline: Typically November each year.
4. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP – Fully Funded)
This scholarship is awarded to talented professionals from developing countries, including Nigeria, to pursue a master’s degree in Sweden.
Benefits:
✅ Full tuition coverage
✅ Monthly stipend of SEK 10,000 (€870)
✅ Travel grant
✅ Health insurance
Eligibility:
- Must be a Nigerian citizen.
- Work experience in leadership roles is an advantage.
- Academic excellence.
How to Apply:
- Apply for a master’s program at a Swedish university (https://www.universityadmissions.se).
- Submit a separate scholarship application to the Swedish Institute.
📅 Deadline: January – February each year.
5. Holland Scholarship (Netherlands – Partially Funded)
The Holland Scholarship is for international students from non-EEA countries, including Nigeria, who want to study in the Netherlands.
Benefits:
✅ €5,000 – €15,000 towards tuition fees
✅ Opportunity to apply for additional financial aid
Eligibility:
- Non-EEA national (including Nigerians).
- Applying for a full-time master’s program in the Netherlands.
How to Apply:
- Apply directly to a Dutch university that participates in the program (https://www.studyinholland.nl).
📅 Deadline: February – May (varies by university).
6. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland – Fully Funded)
The Swiss Government offers fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing master’s or PhD programs in Switzerland.
Benefits:
✅ Full tuition covered
✅ Monthly stipend of CHF 1,920 (€1,980)
✅ Health insurance and travel allowance
Eligibility:
- Nigerian citizens with a strong academic background.
- Admission to a Swiss university is required.
How to Apply:
- Contact the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria for application forms.
- Submit required documents, including a research proposal (if applicable).
📅 Deadline: September – December each year.
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
To stand out among thousands of applicants, you need to submit a strong and well-prepared application. Here’s how:
✅ Start Early
- Scholarship applications can take months to prepare. Begin research and preparation at least 6 months before the deadline.
✅ Prepare a Strong Personal Statement
- Clearly explain why you deserve the scholarship, your academic background, and how you will contribute to your home country after graduation.
✅ Get Strong Recommendation Letters
- Ask professors or employers who know you well to write detailed and personalized recommendation letters.
✅ Highlight Leadership and Community Involvement
- Many scholarships prefer students with leadership qualities and volunteer experience.
✅ Apply to Multiple Scholarships
- Don’t rely on just one scholarship—increase your chances by applying to multiple programs.
Apply Now for These Scholarships!
Studying in the Netherlands can be affordable with the right scholarship opportunities. Whether you’re looking for fully funded scholarships in the Netherlands or partial tuition grants, there are plenty of options available.
Don’t miss out! Start your application today and take the first step toward studying in the Netherlands. Which scholarship are you applying for?
Drop a comment below, ask questions and we reply you.
