√Best Exchange and Research Scholarships in the Netherlands

If you’ve ever dreamed of studying or conducting research in a country known for innovation, sustainability, and world-class education, the Netherlands should be at the top of your list. With its forward-thinking universities, strong global connections, and research-friendly environment, the Netherlands offers incredible exchange and research scholarships for students worldwide.

In this complete guide, we’ll explore the best exchange and research scholarships available in the Netherlands — whether you’re an undergraduate student looking for a short-term exchange or a researcher seeking advanced academic opportunities.

Why Study or Research in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands has built a reputation as one of Europe’s top destinations for higher education and scientific exploration. Here’s why:

• High-quality research universities like TU Delft, Leiden, and Wageningen lead in innovation and global collaboration.
• English-taught programs: Most Dutch universities offer programs and research opportunities in English.
• Strong international partnerships: Dutch institutions collaborate with universities and organizations worldwide.
• Supportive research environment: State-of-the-art facilities and funding opportunities for international scholars.
• Cultural diversity: Over 100,000 international students call the Netherlands home every year.

With the right scholarship, you can join these learners and researchers — fully funded or with substantial financial support.

1. Erasmus+ Exchange Scholarship

The Erasmus+ Programme, funded by the European Union, is one of the most recognized exchange scholarships in Europe. It allows students to study, intern, or conduct research abroad at partner universities.

Who can apply:

• Students enrolled at a university participating in the Erasmus+ program.
• Both EU and non-EU students may be eligible, depending on the partnership.

Benefits:

• Monthly stipend for living expenses.
• Coverage of travel costs.
• Tuition fee waivers at the host university.

Duration:

• Typically 3 to 12 months for exchange or research stays.

Where to apply:
Apply through your home university’s international office or Erasmus+ coordinator.

2. Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)

Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Orange Knowledge Programme focuses on capacity building and knowledge exchange between the Netherlands and developing countries.

Eligibility:

• Professionals or mid-career employees from OKP partner countries.
• Strong academic or work background in relevant fields.

Benefits:

• Full coverage of tuition fees.
• Living allowance.
• Travel and visa costs.

Fields covered:
Agriculture, Water Management, Environment, Education, and Governance.

This program is ideal for professionals seeking short courses or master’s degrees in Dutch institutions to enhance their expertise and research experience.

3. Netherlands Fellowship Programmes (NFP)

The NFP, now integrated into the Orange Knowledge Programme, was designed to strengthen organizations in developing countries by funding their professionals’ study and research in the Netherlands.

Even though NFP has merged with OKP, many universities still refer to NFP-related funding opportunities. If your country is on the partner list, you can apply for research fellowships and short-term studies that build international collaboration.

4. Holland Scholarship for Exchange Students

Although widely known as a scholarship for degree programs, some Dutch universities extend the Holland Scholarship to exchange students.

Eligibility:

• Non-EU/EEA students.
• Admitted to a participating Dutch university for a short study period.

Benefits:

• One-time grant of €5,000 for the first year of study or exchange.

Participating universities include:

• University of Groningen
• Leiden University
• Erasmus University Rotterdam
• Utrecht University

This is a great option for exchange students seeking partial financial assistance.

5. Leiden University Research Fellowship

Leiden University offers several research fellowships for visiting scholars, graduate students, and PhD candidates interested in Dutch academia.

Examples include:

• Leiden Excellence Scholarship (LExS) for master’s students.
• Lorentz Fellowship for interdisciplinary research in natural and social sciences.

Benefits:

• Tuition fee reduction or full coverage.
• Monthly stipends for living expenses.
• Access to Leiden’s research facilities.

This is an excellent opportunity if you’re planning to collaborate with Dutch research teams or conduct independent research in Europe.

6. Radboud University Short-Term Research Grants

Radboud University in Nijmegen provides short-term research grants for international students and PhD candidates through its global partnerships.

Eligibility:

• Master’s or PhD students from partner universities.
• Research proposals aligning with Radboud’s ongoing projects.

Benefits:

• Research allowance.
• Access to laboratories, libraries, and academic networks.

These grants are often overlooked, yet they offer a chance to work closely with world-renowned researchers in fields like Neuroscience, Philosophy, and Environmental Studies.

7. Wageningen University Research Fellowship

Wageningen University is famous for research in agriculture, food science, and sustainability. It offers exchange and research scholarships for international scholars focusing on global environmental and food system issues.

Scholarship highlights:

• Full or partial funding for PhD research.
• Support for short exchange visits and collaborative projects.
• Available through partnerships like Erasmus Mundus and Nuffic.

Why apply:
You’ll work on real-world sustainability projects while gaining experience in one of Europe’s most research-driven universities.

8. TU Delft Global Research Fellowship

TU Delft, one of the world’s top engineering and technology universities, provides research exchange fellowships for graduate and doctoral students.

Focus areas:
Engineering, Renewable Energy, Artificial Intelligence, and Smart Cities.

Benefits:

• Research supervision by leading Dutch professors.
• Access to TU Delft labs and innovation hubs.
• Monthly stipend or research grant (depending on funding source).

How to apply:
Apply directly through TU Delft’s faculty page or your home institution’s mobility office.

9. NWO (Dutch Research Council) Talent Programme

The NWO Talent Programme funds international researchers at different stages of their careers — from PhD candidates to experienced scientists.

Levels:

• Veni (early career researchers)
• Vidi (experienced postdocs)
• Vici (senior researchers leading projects)

Benefits:

• Full research funding.
• Salary or stipend for the researcher.
• Research materials and travel costs.

This program promotes world-class innovation and is highly competitive, but it’s one of the most prestigious research funding opportunities in the Netherlands.

How to Apply for Exchange or Research Scholarships

Here’s a simplified process for applying:

1. Identify your target university and confirm if they have partnerships with your current institution.
2. Review eligibility criteria for the scholarship or research grant.
3. Prepare your documents, including transcripts, motivation letter, research proposal, and recommendation letters.
4. Apply through official university or scholarship portals.
5. Wait for the selection process and prepare for interviews or assessments.

Pro Tip: Always check deadlines early — many Dutch scholarships close applications between December and April for the following academic year.

Final Thoughts

The Netherlands offers far more than just degree programs — it’s a hub for exchange students and research scholars seeking world-class academic experience and collaboration.

Whether you choose an Erasmus+ exchange, a research fellowship at Leiden or TU Delft, or the Orange Knowledge Programme, these opportunities can shape your global academic journey and career.

So if you’re ready to expand your horizons, start exploring these exchange and research scholarships in the Netherlands today — because the world of innovation is waiting for you.