Are you planning to study in the Netherlands in 2026? There are several fully funded scholarships in the Netherlands that allow international students to study for free, and some of these opportunities do not require an IELTS score. The Dutch government, along with leading universities and international organizations, offers a variety of scholarships to qualified students who wish to pursue their studies in the Netherlands.
Gaining admission into a top university is a major accomplishment, especially in today’s highly competitive academic environment. Many students face challenges such as intense competition, financial constraints, and the pressure of maintaining academic performance, which can sometimes make the journey feel overwhelming.
Securing a scholarship, however, is an even greater milestone. It not only provides financial support for your education but also represents a significant step toward achieving your academic and career goals. In addition, earning a scholarship from a reputable institution strengthens your résumé and can greatly improve your chances of securing excellent career opportunities in the future.
Studying in Netherlands and Why?
Quite a number of people may want to know if The Netherlands (informally referred to as Holland) is a convenient place for study, I tell you, yes, it is. But the question now is ‘why’?
So here is why students from all over the world choose the Netherlands;
1#: Low cost of study: One of the best reasons for choosing to study in the Netherlands is the inexpensive cost of study, compared to the other English-speaking countries like the US or UK. The government finances higher education, and tuition fees are comparably low. In addition to that, plenty of universities in the Netherlands offers grants and scholarships that will lower or fully fund the tuition fees of your study programs.
2#: The learning pattern: their education system is of high quality, and their universities are known for their advanced, high-level courses and facilities. The universities emphasize the good cordial relationship between professors and students.
They might be plenty other reasons added to the ones above…that is just my own opinion though.
Frankly speaking, about studying in the Netherlands with scholarships without IELTS, only a few scholarship programs overlook language requirements or specifically do not ask for IELTS scores. However, there is always a way to go to meet those requirements and that you will learn in this article.
List of Netherlands Scholarship without IELTS
Below is the list of some top scholarships in the Netherlands without IELTS
- Netherlands (Holland) Government Scholarship
- Maastricht University Scholarships
- Radboud University Scholarship
- TU Delft Excellence Scholarship Netherlands
- Utrecht Excellence Scholarships for international students
1. Netherlands (Holland) Government Scholarship
The Government Netherlands Scholarship or Holland Government Scholarship is provided under the name ‘the Orange Knowledge Program scholarship’. (Update: the scholarship is now called the NL Scholarship)
The scholarship programme is a fully-funded scholarship program offered to international students to undergo a full-time study programme in top universities in the Netherlands. There are both undergraduate and graduate funding categories. Click here to Read More and Apply
2. Maastricht University Scholarships
The Maastricht University Scholarships program opens applications every academic year to outstanding international students worldwide.
The scholarship, which is about €29,000, is fully funded to applicants outside European Union who have gained admission to Maastricht University to obtain a Master’s degree.
The Scholarship program comprises both the High Potential Scholarship (funded by the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund) and the Holland Scholarship, which the Dutch Ministry of Education sponsors, Culture, and Science in conjunction with Dutch universities and universities of applied sciences. Click here to Read More and Apply
3. Radboud University Scholarship
Radboud University Scholarship is cost-free to those willing to pursue a Master’s program in the Netherlands. The scholarship program is very selective as it is awarded to highly skilled and excellent students with outstanding academic portfolios.
The Radboud Scholarship, which is not fully funded, will lower your tuition fee from €16,000 to € 2,209. The scholarship also includes visa expenses, residence permit, insurances for health, and liability for your stay in the Netherlands. Still, the costs of living and studying are not covered as the expenses are solely on the applicant. Click here to Read More and Apply
4. TU Delft Excellence Scholarship Netherlands
TU Delft Excellence Scholarship came into existence by Mr. van Effen in the 1940s, who studied at TU Delft and believed that technological developments will bring about changes in society. There are many scholarships at the TU Delft University of Technology accessible by exceptional international students.
Justus & Louise Van Effen Excellence Scholarships, which are financed by the legacy of Justus and Louise van Effen, was initiated with the sole aim of reviving outstanding foreign Master’s students and assisting them financially in their desire to study at TU Delft University. Click here to Read More and Apply
5. Utrecht Excellence Scholarships for international students
The Utrecht Excellence Scholarships for international students is to be awarded to students who are willing to take up Postgraduate studies at the university.
The scholarship covers full tuition fees and the student’s living expenses of about 11,000 euros per annum. It is awarded for the duration of the degree programme, which is one or two years depending on the course programme of study.
The scholarship can only be renewed for the second year if the student shows satisfactory academic performance and progress towards the degree. Click here to Read More and Apply
The above list of scholarships in the Netherlands should help you study in Netherlands even without necessarily presenting language test scores (including IELTS). Apply for any of these scholarship programs and stop dragging your feet!
How to Apply for Netherlands Scholarships without IELTS
When applying for scholarships, a lot of them will ask that you present some proof of English language ability. It is important to note that there is a way to get a waiver for this requirement, especially for the students who have previously studied an all-English-taught course (of up to three years). Or better still, the student is from an English-speaking country.
To learn the procedures of applying without IELTS, please refer to: Top Scholarships in Germany Without IELTS