Scholarships · Netherlands

Netherlands scholarships for Indian students: 2027 guide

Amounts and dates last reviewed on 14 October 2026.

The Netherlands no longer has a national scholarship just for Indians: the Orange Tulip programme ended as a central scheme in 2024. Today the money comes through universities, as the €5,000 NL Scholarship and each university's own excellence awards. Deadlines are early, usually February.

National award: NL Scholarship, €5,000 one-time
Orange Tulip: Ended as a central scheme in 2024
Deadlines: Mostly 1 February (some earlier)
Intakes: September (main), few February

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Main scholarships

Netherlands scholarships Indian students can apply for

Rupee figures first, local amount underneath. Rates used: €1 = ₹108.4 (ECB reference rates, 9 October 2026). Rates move daily, so treat rupee figures as a guide.

Dutch Ministry of Education with Dutch universities

NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship)

€5,000 one-time in your first year

Competitive

₹5.4 lakh€5,000 one-time, first year

What it covers

€5,000 towards first-year costs

Who can get it

Non-EU/EEA students with a degree from outside the Netherlands
First time studying in the Netherlands
Admitted to an eligible bachelor's or master's at a participating university
Some universities require you to apply for their own scholarship at the same time

When to apply for 2027: Each university sets its own deadline. For September 2027 most are around 1 February 2027; Radboud, for example, asks for applications by 31 January 2027.

Kompass view: Each university has only a few awards (Radboud lists up to 26). Apply for your course by December so your scholarship application is complete in time.

Previously Nuffic Neso India

Orange Tulip Scholarship (status)

No longer run centrally

Competitive

What it covers

Central programme closed when Neso India funding ended on 1 January 2024

Who can get it

A few universities still run awards under the Orange Tulip name on their own rules

When to apply for 2027: Check individual universities; there's no central round.

Kompass view: Many websites still advertise it as open. Don't plan around it unless your chosen university confirms it in writing.

Where most of the money comes from

University scholarships and discounts

Dutch research universities run excellence scholarships for top international students, from a partial waiver to full tuition plus living costs. They are selective and have early deadlines.

Typical award

₹5.4 lakh to ₹27.1 lakh€5,000 to €25,000 a year (partial to full tuition)

Kompass estimate from recent offers. Each university sets its own awards.

What to expect

Excellence awards at universities such as Amsterdam, Leiden, Delft, Twente, Maastricht and Radboud
Usually for the top 5% to 10% of your class
Deadlines often fall between December and February, before the course deadline
Waivers rarely cover living costs, which are about €1,200 a month

See what you'd still need to fund

Work out tuition, living costs and visa funds for Netherlands, then subtract the scholarship.

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Timeline

Scholarship calendar for a 2027 start

1
October to December 2026
Apply for courses (popular courses fill early)
2
December 2026 to February 2027
Excellence scholarship and NL Scholarship deadlines
3
March to May 2027
Scholarship results
4
May to August 2027
Accept offer, pay fees, residence permit (the university applies for you)

What strengthens your application

Treat 1 February 2027 as your real deadline for the Netherlands
Apply to two or three universities to multiply your scholarship chances
Ask whether you need to apply separately for the university award and the NL Scholarship
Budget for living costs; most waivers don't cover them

Common mistakes

Planning around the Orange Tulip Scholarship as if it still runs nationally
Applying in March, after most scholarship deadlines
Missing the second, separate scholarship form
Assuming the €5,000 repeats every year (it doesn't)

Not sure which scholarships you qualify for?

In a free student counselling session we check your marks, budget and course, and give you a shortlist of scholarships with deadlines.

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FAQs

Netherlands scholarships: your questions answered

Is the Orange Tulip Scholarship still available for Indian students?

Not as a central programme. It ended when Neso India's funding stopped on 1 January 2024. A few universities still offer awards under the name on their own rules, so check with your university.

How much is the NL Scholarship?

€5,000, paid once in your first year. It is for non-EU/EEA students studying in the Netherlands for the first time, at participating universities.

When is the NL Scholarship deadline for 2027?

Each university sets its own, but most fall around 1 February 2027 for a September start. Radboud, for example, has a 31 January 2027 deadline.

Can I get full tuition paid in the Netherlands?

Some university excellence scholarships cover full tuition and sometimes living costs, but they are rare and for top-ranked students.

Can I combine the NL Scholarship with a university award?

Often yes. Some universities award them together and even require a joint application. Confirm the rules with each university.

Do Dutch scholarships cover living costs?

Rarely. Plan on about €1,200 a month for living costs. The residence permit also requires proof of funds.

Is there a February intake with scholarships?

A few courses start in February, but most scholarships are for September starts.

How can Kompass help?

We shortlist universities whose awards match your profile, plan applications to beat the February deadlines and review your motivation letter. You submit applications yourself, and no consultant can guarantee an award.

Keep exploring

More on studying abroad

Study in Netherlands: full guide All scholarship guides IELTS / PTE scores needed UK scholarships Germany scholarships Ireland scholarships France scholarships Italy scholarships

Sources

Radboud University: NL Scholarship for prospective students (2027-28)
Summary of the Orange Tulip Scholarship's status after Neso India's closure

Scholarship rules, amounts and deadlines change every year. Dates marked "expected" are based on the last round. We confirm current details for your case at your counselling session. Information on this site is general guidance only and not legal, migration or investment advice. Rules, fees and occupation lists change frequently — always confirm current requirements with the relevant government authority before acting.

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