Netherland Scholarships for International Students?

I'm drawn to the idea of studying in the Netherlands and wonder about scholarships open to international students. What are the best programs to apply for, and what criteria are they looking for?

There are several scholarship programs available for international students who wish to study in the Netherlands. Here are some of the options:

1. NL Scholarship: This is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science and various Dutch research universities. The scholarship is awarded up to €5,000 for the first year and doesn’t require a specific GPA, but is typically awarded to top tier students. Applicants must be non-EU/EEA and applying for a full-time bachelor's or master's program.

2. Orange Tulip Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically for students from Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, and Vietnam. Individual Dutch higher education institutions manage these scholarships, and financial support may vary.

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMDs): These are EU funded scholarships for students all over the world offering Master's level international study programs. The programmes are highly competitive and the scholarships cover tuition fees, travel, and a living allowance.

Common selection criteria for these scholarships often emphasize academic achievement and potential. Each scholarship will have its own specific application process, deadlines, and requirements so remember to conduct thorough research into this. Also, scholarships are limited, and competition is high, so it's important to submit quality applications and start your scholarship hunt early.

Remember not every scholarship will cover all your expenses, so ensure you have a financial plan, application strategy, and backup plan. Complement these scholarships with personal savings or other forms of funding.

Lastly, do explore the scholarship page of the specific Dutch university you're interested in, as many individual institutions offer scholarships for international students as well.