The Netherlands is one of Europe’s most international-minded countries and home to some of the continent’s best universities — including Delft University of Technology, Wageningen University, Utrecht University, the University of Amsterdam, and Leiden University. Dutch universities offer hundreds of English-taught Master’s programmes, making the Netherlands one of the most accessible European study destinations for Nigerian students who are not fluent in Dutch. This guide covers the most relevant scholarship and funding options available to Nigerian students for study in the Netherlands, including what has changed recently, what is genuinely open right now, and how to prepare your application.
One important update that Nigerian students need to be aware of: the Orange Knowledge Programme — which was previously the Dutch government’s flagship fully funded scholarship for mid-career professionals from developing countries including Nigeria — ended in December 2024 and will not reopen. If you have seen recent social media posts or articles referencing the Orange Knowledge Programme as a current opportunity, that information is outdated. This guide focuses only on scholarship programmes that are confirmed active and accessible to Nigerian applicants.
Understanding Tuition Costs in the Netherlands
Unlike Germany where public universities charge no tuition to international students, Dutch universities charge tuition fees to non-EU international students. Tuition for English-taught Master’s programmes typically ranges from €8,000 to €20,000 per year depending on the university and field of study. This means that simply gaining admission to a Dutch university does not make study free — you need scholarship support to make it financially viable. Living costs add approximately €900 to €1,100 per month depending on the city.
The NL Scholarship — What Nigerian Students Need to Know
The NL Scholarship — formerly known as the Holland Scholarship — is the Dutch government’s main scholarship programme for international students from outside the EU. It provides a one-time grant of €5,000 toward tuition fees in the first year of study. Nigerian students are eligible.
What it covers: A one-time payment of €5,000 credited toward your tuition fees in the first year of study. This is a partial scholarship — it does not cover the remaining tuition balance, accommodation, or living expenses.
Who can apply: Non-EU international students applying for a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s programme at a participating Dutch university. You must be applying to a programme in the Netherlands for the first time and must not have previously received the NL Scholarship.
How to apply: NL Scholarship applications are managed separately by each participating Dutch university. You apply through your chosen university’s financial aid or scholarship portal, usually alongside your admissions application. Most Dutch university NL Scholarship applications for the 2027–2028 academic year will have deadlines between January and April 2027.
University-Specific Scholarships for Nigerian Students
Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (University of Amsterdam): UvA awards a small number of merit-based scholarships to outstanding non-EU Master’s students. The scholarship value varies by faculty — at the Amsterdam Law School it was €25,900 for the academic year 2026–2027. Applications are submitted through the UvA admissions system when applying for your Master’s programme. Nigerian applicants with excellent academic records — equivalent to a strong 2:1 or first-class undergraduate degree — are competitive for this scholarship.
TU Delft Justus and Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship: Delft University of Technology offers this scholarship for outstanding non-EU Master’s students. It covers approximately €30,000 per year — full tuition and a substantial contribution toward living costs. Nigerian engineering and technology students with very strong academic records are eligible. The scholarship deadline for the 2027–2028 academic year is expected in January 2027. Visit tudelft.nl for current details.
Wageningen University Excellence Scholarship (WES): Wageningen University — consistently ranked first in the world for agricultural and food sciences — offers the WES for outstanding non-EU Master’s students. It covers full tuition fees and a contribution toward living expenses. Nigerian students in agricultural science, food technology, environmental science, nutrition, and international development are particularly well positioned. The WES application deadline is typically in February. Visit wur.nl for current details.
Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship: Maastricht University offers this scholarship for outstanding non-EU Master’s students, covering full tuition fees and a living allowance. Visit maastrichtuniversity.nl for current details and application procedures.
IHE Delft Water Scholarships — Sahel Programme: IHE Delft is the world’s largest graduate water education institute. Its Sahel programme specifically includes Nigeria among its eligible countries — one of the most directly relevant fully funded opportunities for Nigerian students with a background in water resources, hydrology, or sanitation. Scholarship consideration is automatic for eligible Nigerian nationals who apply for admission. Nigerian applicants are explicitly exempted from the English language test requirement for IHE Delft scholarship applications. Visit un-ihe.org for current programme details.
Erasmus Mundus — The Best Route to Full Funding in the Netherlands
Several Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programmes include Dutch universities among their consortium partners. For Nigerian students seeking full funding for study that includes the Netherlands, Erasmus Mundus is the most reliable route. The programme covers full tuition across all consortium countries, a monthly stipend of €1,400, and travel contributions. No IELTS is required if your previous degree was taught in English. Application portals for September 2027 cohorts open from October 2026 onwards. Browse the EACEA Erasmus Mundus catalogue at eacea.ec.europa.eu for programmes with Dutch partner universities.
How to Apply to a Dutch University as a Nigerian Student
Step 1: Research programmes and universities. Use the Study in NL website at studyinnl.org and each university’s programme finder to identify English-taught Master’s programmes in your field. Confirm tuition costs, scholarship availability, and admission requirements for your specific programme.
Step 2: Apply through Studielink. Most Dutch university admissions are processed through Studielink — the Dutch central university application system. Check your target university’s specific admissions instructions carefully.
Step 3: Apply for university scholarships simultaneously. Most Dutch university scholarships require a separate scholarship application submitted alongside or just after your admissions application. Check each scholarship’s specific application procedure and deadline.
Step 4: Prepare your English language evidence. Most Dutch universities accept IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT. Some accept a letter confirming English-medium instruction from your Nigerian university — check your specific programme’s requirements.
Step 5: Apply for your Dutch student visa. Once you have an admission offer, apply for a Dutch student visa through the Dutch Embassy or Consulate. Begin the visa process at least four months before your programme start date. VFS Global in Nigeria handles Dutch visa applications.
Deadline Information
TU Delft van Effen Scholarship applications for September 2027 intake close in January 2027. Wageningen WES applications for September 2027 close in February 2027. UvA Amsterdam Merit Scholarship deadlines vary by faculty — most fall between January and April. NL Scholarship applications through individual universities typically close between January and May 2027 for a September 2027 start. IHE Delft Sahel programme — apply for admission as early as possible. Moreschooling will publish updates on Dutch scholarship opportunities as new cycles open. Bookmark this page and visit each university’s official website for the most current deadline information.