Netherlands Scholarships Without IELTS

Looking to study in the Netherlands in 2023? You can study for free with these fully funded scholarships in the Netherlands without IELTS. The government of the Netherlands (Holland) amongst other top organizations and institutions is awarding numerous scholarships to qualifying international students to study in the Netherlands.

In today’s society, getting admission into the University of your dream is indeed a great achievement considering the competitions and plenty of other challenges always giving you the feeling to give up, even for those who are already in school studying. Now, gaining a scholarship should then be a much greater achievement, an excellent phase in your future, and an outstanding context in your resumé as it will boost your chances of being offered a job in the future.

Studying in the Netherlands and Why?

Now, 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 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 offer 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 of 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’. The scholarship program is a fully-funded scholarship program offered to international students to undergo a full-time study program at top universities in the Netherlands. There are both undergraduate and graduate funding categories.

• Scholarship Sponsor(s): Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs / managed by Nuffic.
• Host Institution(s): Institutions in Netherlands
• Scholarship Type: Full Scholarships
• Study level: Postgraduate
• Number of Awards: Several
• Nationality: International Students (Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Colombia, Congo (DRC), Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Uganda, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe)

Selection Criteria

The procedure is as follows:

1. Candidates register with their Dutch education institution
2. Dutch institution nominates candidates and submits grant application
3. Embassies check eligibility and assess applications
4. Selection results published
5. Grants awarded

Application Procedures

How-to-Apply: To apply for the Orange Knowledge Programme 2023, you need to first select a course and then contact the educational institution of your course and ask how to apply for the scholarship.

You can find a list of courses and institutions that are linked to the Orange Knowledge Programme in Studyfinder, using the filter ‘OKP qualified – Yes’. You can also find the contact details of the institutions there.

Application Deadlines:

The Orange Knowledge Programme is in three application rounds:

• Round 1: submit applications between 8 February – 30 March 16.00 CET for courses starting between 24 July 2023 and 31 January 2024.
• Round 2: submit applications between 28 June – 5 September at 16.00 CET for courses starting after 1 February 2024.

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.

• Scholarship Sponsor(s): Maastricht University and Dutch Government
• Scholarship Type: Full Funding
• Host Institution(s): Maastricht University (UM), Netherlands
• Scholarship Worth: Up to € 30,000
• Number of Awards: 24
• Study Level: Masters
• Nationality: International Students

Maastricht University Holland-High Potential Scholarship 2023 | Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Holland-High Potential Scholarship 2023, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• You hold nationality in a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Surinam and meet the requirements for obtaining an entry visa and residence permit for the Netherlands.
• You do not hold a double nationality from an EU/EEA country.
• You have applied for admission to a participating full-time master’s program at Maastricht University for the 2023-2024 academic year.
• You meet the specific admission requirements of the UM master program to which you have applied.
• You have never participated in a degree-seeking higher education program in the Netherlands. Students who have completed exchange programs in the Netherlands are welcome to apply.
• You are not older than 35 years of age on 1 September 2023.
• You have obtained excellent results during your prior education programs, as demonstrated by your latest grade transcript or certified by academic excellence. If several applicants are equally qualified, UM will give preference to applicants whose academic transcript or certified letter of academic excellence demonstrates that they are among the top 5% of the 2023-2024 scholarship program applicants.

Application Procedures

How-to-Apply: Interested applicants for the Maastricht University Holland-High Potential Scholarship 2023 are to follow the steps outlined (below):

• Step 1: Register for one of the participating master’s programs at UM. For further details on how to register for a master’s program at UM, please see your prospective program’s webpage. Once you have submitted your application via Studielink, you will receive a student ID number for UM. You will need a student number in order to complete and submit the Scholarship Application Form (see Step 2 below).
• Step 2: Fill in the application form. The application can only be accepted via the application form. Upload all required documents

Document Requirements:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of motivation
• Proof of academic excellence
• Personal statement of financial needs
• A reference letter
• The contact details of one referee

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 permits, insurance 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. 

• Scholarship Sponsor(s): Radboud University, Netherlands
• Scholarship Type: Full and Partial scholarships
• Scholarship Level: Scholarships are available for Master Taught-Courses.
• Slots: 12 full scholarships and about 25 partial scholarships.
• Scholarship Worth: Up to €16,000 tuition cover
• Subject Eligibility: See eligible courses (below)
• Country/Candidate Eligibility: International students
• English Language Requirement: Courses are taught in English; hence, Proof of English Language proficiency may be required.

Eligibility Criteria 

To be eligible forRadboud University Scholarships 2021/2022, candidates must meet up the following eligibility conditions:

• hold a non-EU/EEA passport
• are not eligible for the lower EEA tuition fee for other reasons
• have (will obtain) a Bachelor’s degree achieved outside the Netherlands, have no degrees achieved in the Netherlands and did not receive any previous education in the Netherlands
• have been fully admitted to the English-taught Master’s degree programme starting September 1, 2018 as stated in the formal letter of admission
• are able to comply with the conditions for obtaining a visa for the Netherlands
• are enrolled at Radboud University as a full-time student for the academic year and Master’s degree programme for which the scholarship will be awarded

Eligible Courses:

Scholarships available to study courses tenable in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Arts, Theology & Religious Studies, Faculty of Philosophy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, and Faculty of Law.

Selection Criteria: 

From the eligible candidates the Radboud Scholarship holders will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Talent: this means that you must have outstanding study results in your present field of study
• You are expected to be a promising student in your desired field of study at Radboud University
• Proven academic quality and good results of your prior education for example through grades, test scores, publications
• Quality of the recommendations in the two reference letters
• Motivation: based on your motivation letter for the Master’s progamme

Scholarship Benefits

• Full scholarships: A full scholarship covers the tuition fee of €16,000 and living costs of €10,800 (as set by the IND, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service, for 2021/2022).
• Partial scholarships: A partial scholarship will reduce your tuition fee to € 2,168. For example: a grant holder in 2021/2022 will pay a tuition fee of only €2,168, instead of €16,000.

Application Procedures

How-to-Apply: All applications are to be submitted online. First, interested persons are to apply for admission at Radboud University. Application for scholarship is done by indicating interest during the admission application process. Further documentation will be required when you indicate interest for scholarship.

Application Deadline: 1st March 2022

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.  

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Scholarships at IHE Delft, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must have been offered admission to study at the institution.
• Must have obtained relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution of higher learning.
• Demonstrate excellent academic and leadership potentials.

Scholarships at IHE Delft for International Students | DETAILS

There are a number of lucrative scholarships by renowned organizations available for international students. They include:

1.  Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) Scholarships: €17,500
2. Erasmus Mundus
3. FirstRand Foundation Scholarships
4. Joint Japan Worldbank Graduate Scholarship Programme (JJ/WBGSP)
5. Mahmoud S. Rabbani Scholarship
6. MENA (or MSP) Scholarship Programme for short courses
7. MENA CD
8. OFID
9. Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)
10. Qalaa Holdings Scholarship Foundation
11. Rotary Scholarship for Water and Sanitation Professionals
12. Sahel Scholarships
13. Schlumberger Foundation/Faculty for the Future Scholarship
14. SIDS Fellowships
15. WFF EFN Russell E. Train Fellowships
16. WMO Fellowships

Application Procedures

How-to-Apply: Interested and eligible applicants for the individual Scholarships at IHE Delft for international students are to visit the webpages of the scholarship awarding bodies and apply for the scholarship before their respective deadlines.

Application Deadline: Varies according to the scholarships

5. Utrecht Excellence Scholarships for international students

The Utrecht Excellence Scholarships for international students are 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 program, which is one or two years depending on the course program of study. The scholarship can only be renewed for the second year if the student shows satisfactory academic performance and progress toward the degree. 

• Scholarship Sponsor(s): Utrecht University
• Host Institution(s): Utrecht University
• Scholarship Worth: Tuition fees, 11,000 euro living expenses
• Number of Awards: 20-25
• Study level:  Masters
• Nationality: International Students

Utrecht Excellence Scholarships 2023 | Eligibility Criteria

• You must belong to the top 10% of your graduating class.
• You must not hold an EU/EEA passport and not be eligible for support under the Dutch study grant and loan system.
• You must have completed your secondary school and/or bachelor’s degree outside the Netherlands.
• You must have applied for an international master’s program with a start date of 1 September 2023. Not all programs participate. Please check Master’s program> Tuition fees and financial support to see if the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship is mentioned as a scholarship opportunity.

Selection Criteria

• Academic excellence and promise in the proposed field of study;
• The academic quality and results of preceding qualifications, as evidenced by proof of belonging to the top 10% of the class, grades, test scores, a writing sample, and letters of recommendation;
• The quality and relevance of the motivation letter for the Master’s program (academic content, intercultural and communication skills, personal motivation);
• The quality of the application for the Master’s program itself (completeness, accuracy, consistency).

Application Procedures

How-to-Apply: Eligible applicants for the Utrecht Excellence Scholarships Programme are to submit an application (or applications) for a UES eligible Master’s program, before the stated deadline, non-EU/EEA students will have the opportunity to submit an application for one Utrecht Excellence Scholarship from 1 November 2023. You will see the UES application(s) in your OSIRIS Online Application account dashboard. Click view/edit for the UES linked (related process) to the program you wish to apply for, upload the requested proof of belonging to the top 10% of your class, answer the questions, and submit the application.

Document Requirements:

• Proof of belonging to the top 10% of your graduating class which will be evidenced by an official document that proves that you are among the top 10% of your class. Such documents as a statement signed and stamped by your institution, a reference letter, a class ranking certificate, etc.

Application Deadline: 31 January 2023 (23:59 CET)

The above list of scholarships in the Netherlands should help you study in the 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 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.