√Orange Tulip and Holland Scholarships You Shouldn’t Miss
If you’ve been dreaming of studying in Europe, the Netherlands is one of the best places to start. Known for its world-class universities, international environment, and innovative teaching methods, the country offers many scholarship opportunities — especially for students outside the European Union.
Among these, two standout programs are the Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS) and the Holland Scholarship, both designed to help talented students from around the world pursue higher education in the Netherlands. These scholarships not only reduce the financial burden of studying abroad but also open doors to international exposure and career growth.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about these scholarships — including eligibility, benefits, how to apply, and expert tips to increase your chances of success.
Why Choose the Netherlands for Study?
Before jumping into the scholarships, it’s worth understanding why so many international students choose the Netherlands:
- Top-ranked universities: Dutch universities like TU Delft, Leiden, and Amsterdam consistently rank among the world’s best.
- English-taught programs: Over 2,000 English-taught courses are available — you don’t need to learn Dutch to study here.
- Diverse international community: Students from more than 150 countries live and study in the Netherlands.
- Strong job prospects: The country’s economy is globally connected, offering career opportunities in tech, design, business, and engineering.
And with the help of scholarships like Orange Tulip and Holland, studying in the Netherlands becomes more accessible than ever.
What Is the Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS)?
The Orange Tulip Scholarship is a program managed by Nuffic Neso (Netherlands Education Support Offices) and funded by participating Dutch universities and companies. Its main goal is to attract talented students from specific countries to study in the Netherlands.
Key Features of the OTS:
- Target group: Students from selected countries outside the EU (such as Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Mexico, Brazil, and South Korea).
- Coverage: Full or partial tuition fee waiver, sometimes including living expenses or visa costs.
- Level: Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.
- Institutions: Offered by top Dutch universities like Erasmus University Rotterdam, Radboud University, Leiden University, and Maastricht University.
Eligibility Criteria:
To apply for the Orange Tulip Scholarship, you must:
- Be a citizen of a country with a Nuffic Neso office.
- Have been admitted (or in the process of admission) to a participating Dutch university.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and motivation to study in the Netherlands.
How to Apply:
- Visit your country’s Nuffic Neso website (e.g., nesoindonesia.or.id for Indonesian students).
- Check the list of participating universities and programs.
- Submit your application — including transcripts, motivation letter, and proof of admission — before the national deadline.
Pro Tip: Each university sets its own requirements and deadlines, so it’s important to check early and prepare your documents carefully.
What Is the Holland Scholarship?
The Holland Scholarship is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science and is open to students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). It is one of the most popular scholarships for international students who want to study in the Netherlands.
Key Features of the Holland Scholarship:
- Amount: €5,000, awarded during the first year of study.
- Level: Bachelor’s or Master’s programs.
- Participating Institutions: Almost all Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences, including:
- University of Amsterdam
- Leiden University
- Utrecht University
- Delft University of Technology
- Erasmus University Rotterdam
- Field of Study: Open to all disciplines.
Eligibility Criteria:
- You must be a non-EU/EEA student.
- You must be applying for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program in the Netherlands.
- You meet the admission requirements of your chosen university.
- You have never studied at a Dutch institution before.
How to Apply:
- Choose a participating university.
- Apply for admission and the Holland Scholarship through the university’s online portal.
- Include your motivation letter explaining why you deserve the scholarship.
- Submit your application before the deadline (usually February–May, depending on the university).
Note: The €5,000 grant is meant as a contribution toward your study costs, so you’ll need to cover the remaining expenses through personal savings or other financial aid.
Key Differences Between OTS and Holland Scholarship
| Feature | Orange Tulip Scholarship | Holland Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Funding Source | Dutch universities + Nuffic Neso | Dutch Ministry of Education + universities |
| Eligible Countries | Specific countries (non-EU with Neso offices) | All non-EU/EEA countries |
| Amount | Full/partial tuition or living costs | €5,000 for first year |
| Application Process | Through Nuffic Neso | Through participating universities |
| Level of Study | Bachelor’s & Master’s | Bachelor’s & Master’s |
| Deadline | Varies by country/university | February–May (university-specific) |
Both scholarships are excellent choices — OTS offers more comprehensive financial support, while the Holland Scholarship provides a valuable one-time grant.
Top Universities Offering OTS and Holland Scholarships
- University of Amsterdam – Offers Holland and OTS scholarships for business, economics, and social science programs.
- Leiden University – Known for international relations and law; accepts OTS and Holland applicants.
- Erasmus University Rotterdam – Top choice for business and economics students.
- Maastricht University – Combines both scholarships with additional support for high-achieving international students.
- TU Delft – Perfect for engineering, architecture, and technology students.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning
- Start early: Scholarship applications usually open 8–12 months before your program starts.
- Write a strong motivation letter: Focus on your goals, achievements, and why you chose the Netherlands.
- Get good references: Academic or professional recommendation letters strengthen your application.
- Apply to multiple universities: More applications mean more chances to receive funding.
- Maintain excellent academic records: Both programs are competitive and prioritize strong academic backgrounds.
Other Scholarship Opportunities in the Netherlands
If you’re not eligible for OTS or Holland, consider these alternatives:
- Erasmus+ Scholarship: For exchange or full-degree programs across Europe.
- Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) – Partial or full tuition support for top students.
- TU Delft Excellence Scholarship: Full funding for engineering and design students.
- Maastricht High Potential Scholarship: Covers tuition, living costs, and visa fees.
Conclusion
The Orange Tulip and Holland Scholarships represent two of the best opportunities for international students who want to study in the Netherlands. They’re designed to attract bright minds from around the world and make higher education more accessible.
If you’re passionate, ambitious, and ready to explore global education in one of Europe’s most dynamic countries, now’s the time to act. Prepare your documents, write your motivation letter, and apply early.
Studying in the Netherlands could be the first step toward a brighter, internationally connected future — and with these scholarships, your dream can truly become reality.
- Author: Rendy muhammad
