√Scholarships in the Netherlands for STEM and Business Majors
The Netherlands has become a major hub for international education — especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Business fields. With globally recognized programs, English-taught courses, and generous funding opportunities, this country attracts thousands of ambitious students from all over the world.
If you’re passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship, or cutting-edge technology, there are scholarships in the Netherlands designed specifically for STEM and Business majors. This guide explores the top scholarships, eligibility criteria, benefits, and step-by-step tips to help you apply successfully.
Why the Netherlands for STEM and Business Studies?
Before diving into the scholarships, let’s see why studying in the Netherlands is a great choice for students in these fields:
- World-Class Universities: Institutions like Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Eindhoven University of Technology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and the University of Amsterdam rank among Europe’s best.
- English-Taught Programs: Over 2,000 bachelor’s and master’s programs are offered in English, especially in STEM and Business.
- Innovation and Research Focus: The Dutch education system encourages creativity, problem-solving, and real-world applications.
- Strong Industry Connections: Dutch universities collaborate with global companies such as Philips, Shell, Unilever, and ING.
- Career Opportunities: International graduates can stay in the Netherlands for one year after graduation to find jobs.
1. Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)
The Orange Knowledge Programme is one of the most popular scholarships funded by the Dutch government. It supports professionals from developing countries pursuing master’s degrees or short courses.
Eligibility:
- Must be a citizen of an eligible country.
- Relevant work experience in a STEM or business-related field.
- Nominated by your employer.
Coverage:
- Full tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Travel and insurance
This program is ideal for mid-career professionals seeking to advance their skills in engineering, innovation, business management, or entrepreneurship.
2. Erasmus+ Scholarship
Erasmus+ is an EU-funded scholarship program that supports students worldwide to study across European countries, including the Netherlands.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly living stipend
- Travel allowance
Fields Covered:
STEM-related joint master’s degrees (e.g., Environmental Engineering, Data Science) and Business programs.
It’s an excellent opportunity for students who want to experience multiple European cultures while earning a degree in their chosen field.
3. TU Delft Excellence Scholarships (Justus & Louise van Effen Scholarship)
For engineering, architecture, or technology enthusiasts, TU Delft offers one of the most prestigious scholarships in the Netherlands.
Eligibility:
- Non-EU/EEA students
- Excellent academic records
- Strong motivation and leadership potential
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Annual living allowance (€30,000 for non-EU students)
- Access to academic and professional networks
This scholarship is especially popular among STEM students pursuing master’s programs in engineering, environmental design, or technology innovation.
4. Erasmus University Holland Scholarship
Erasmus University Rotterdam offers the Holland Scholarship, a joint initiative between the Dutch Ministry of Education and Dutch universities.
Target Students: Non-EU/EEA international students applying for business or economics programs.
Coverage:
- €5,000 to €15,000 toward tuition fees
- Available for both undergraduate and master’s programs
Erasmus University is one of Europe’s top business schools, known for its programs in international business, management, and finance.
5. Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship (AES)
Offered by the University of Amsterdam, this highly competitive scholarship is open to exceptional international students.
Eligible Programs: Business, Economics, Data Science, and various STEM-related master’s programs.
Benefits:
- Full tuition and living expenses
- One-year renewable scholarship
Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic records and a strong motivation letter outlining their career goals.
6. Eindhoven University of Technology Scholarships
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is a top destination for engineering and computer science students. It offers several scholarships such as:
- Amandus H. Lundqvist Scholarship Program (ALSP) – for outstanding non-EEA master’s students.
- EIT Digital Master School Scholarships – for tech and innovation-focused programs.
Coverage: Full tuition fee waiver and living allowance.
The university’s strong partnership with industries ensures that graduates have hands-on experience in real-world projects.
7. Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship
This program supports talented non-EU students pursuing master’s degrees in business, economics, or data science.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly stipend (€12,350 per year)
- Health and liability insurance
This scholarship is ideal for business students who want to build international careers in economics, management, or digital innovation.
8. Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
Leiden University provides partial or full tuition scholarships for exceptional students, particularly in science, technology, and management programs.
Covers:
- 25%, 50%, or 100% tuition reduction
- Access to advanced research facilities
Eligibility:
Strong academic background and a well-written statement of purpose.
9. Holland Government Scholarship
This is a national-level scholarship funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education.
For Whom: Non-EU/EEA students applying to bachelor’s or master’s programs at participating universities.
Fields: Open to all majors, including STEM and Business.
Benefits: €5,000 toward tuition in the first year.
It’s not a full scholarship but significantly reduces tuition costs, especially when combined with university-specific awards.
10. Partial Funding and Research Grants
Many Dutch universities offer departmental scholarships or research assistantships for STEM and Business students. These can cover part of your tuition or provide a monthly stipend in exchange for research or teaching assistance.
Examples include:
- Radboud University Faculty of Science Grant
- University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) for excellence in technology programs
- Rotterdam School of Management Scholarship for MBA candidates
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Dutch Scholarships
- Research Early: Start exploring scholarships 9–12 months before your desired intake.
- Choose the Right Program: Focus on universities that offer scholarships in your field.
- Check Eligibility: Read all requirements carefully, including nationality, GPA, and language scores.
- Prepare Your Documents:
- Academic transcripts
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters
- Apply for Admission: Most scholarships require an admission offer from a Dutch university.
- Submit Scholarship Applications: Meet deadlines and attach all required documents.
- Interview (if applicable): Be confident and clear about your study goals.
Tips for Success
- Write a personal and clear motivation letter explaining why you deserve the scholarship.
- Highlight academic achievements and leadership experience.
- Maintain a strong GPA and get excellent references.
- Keep a spreadsheet to track deadlines and requirements.
Conclusion
The Netherlands is one of the best places to study for STEM and Business students — offering not only world-class education but also generous scholarships that make studying affordable or even free.
Whether it’s the TU Delft Excellence Scholarship, the Erasmus University Holland Scholarship, or the Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship, each program is designed to help ambitious students achieve their academic dreams.
Start preparing your application early, stay organized, and aim high — your journey to becoming a global innovator or business leader in the Netherlands begins with one scholarship application.
- Author: Rendy muhammad
