Scholarships in Netherlands Without IELTS 2026

Scholarships in Netherlands Without IELTS 2026 | Fully Funded. Apply for fully funded scholarships here. Are you an ambitious student dreaming of a top-tier European education but concerned about the IELTS requirement? You’re in luck! The Netherlands is one of the most popular and welcoming destinations for international students, offering a plethora of Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS for the 2026 intake. This comprehensive guide details how to study in the Netherlands for free at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels, bypassing the English language test and securing a high-value, fully-funded opportunity. Getting accepted into a Dutch university without this hurdle is a real possibility, and this post will show you how to find and win these highly competitive awards.

The Dutch higher education system, renowned for its quality and innovative teaching, has numerous programs taught entirely in English, making Netherlands Scholarships for international students exceptionally desirable. You can achieve your goal of an MSc or PhD in Europe with a generous monthly stipend and tuition coverage!

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Study in the Netherlands without IELTS 2026: Key Details

Detail	Description
University	Various prestigious Netherlands Universities (including research and applied sciences institutions)
Degree Level	Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD Scholarships are available
Scholarship Coverage	Fully Funded (Covers Tuition Fees, Living Allowance, Visa Costs, Health Insurance, and sometimes Travel)
Eligible Nationality	All Nationalities are eligible for most major programs
Award Country	Netherlands (A top European study destination)
Last Date	Different (Varies by university and program, often falling between December 2025 and May 2026)

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Types of Fully Funded Scholarships in the Netherlands

The fully funded international scholarship landscape in the Netherlands is diverse, covering costs from tuition fee waiver to a full monthly living stipend. Here are the most sought-after programs for the 2026 academic year:

The Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP): This is one of the largest and most generous government scholarships for mid-career professionals from specific developing countries. It is generally a fully-funded opportunity for Master’s courses and covers all major costs, including tuition, travel, visa, insurance, and a living allowance.
University-Specific Excellence Scholarships: Many top Dutch universities offer their own high-potential, merit-based scholarships which often grant a full tuition fee waiver and a substantial monthly stipend for living expenses. Examples include the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship, TU Delft Excellence Scholarships, Utrecht Excellence Scholarship, and the Eric Bleumink Fellowship at the University of Groningen. These are the most direct pathways to study in the Netherlands for free.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Scholarships (EMJMD): Although not exclusively Dutch, many prestigious EMJMD programs are hosted by Netherlands Universities. These are globally recognized as being 100% fully funded for two years of a Master’s degree, and crucially, they frequently offer an IELTS waiver if your previous degree was taught in English. This is a very high CPC scholarship for advertisers.
The NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship): This is a partial scholarship, but in combination with a university’s own funding, it can become a fully funded master’s scholarship. It provides a one-time payment of €5,000, which significantly offsets initial study costs.

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🚫 How to Get IELTS Exemption at a Dutch University

The key to a successful Netherlands University Admission Without IELTS lies in meeting the university’s alternative English proficiency requirements. Do not assume you must take the test. Many top universities in the Netherlands will grant you an IELTS waiver if you meet one of the following criteria—this is the most critical information for your application:

Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate: If your previous Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (from any country) was taught entirely in English, your university can issue an official letter stating English as the Medium of Instruction. This MOI certificate is widely accepted by Dutch universities as proof of proficiency.
Previous Education in an English-Speaking Country: If you have completed a diploma or degree in countries like the USA, UK, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand, you are generally automatically exempt from the test.
Alternative Tests: Some universities, like the University of Amsterdam or Wageningen University & Research, accept other reputable tests such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or the Duolingo English Test as a substitute.
Skype/Video Interview: For Master’s and PhD Scholarships, some admissions offices may conduct a compulsory video interview to personally assess your English communication skills, allowing them to waive the formal test.

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✅ Simple Eligibility Criteria for Fully Funded Scholarships

While criteria vary, nearly all major fully funded master’s scholarships share common requirements:

Academic Excellence: You must hold a strong academic record, typically ranking within the top 5-10% of your graduating class (a GPA equivalent of 7.5 out of 10 or higher is common). This is a vital filter for all Excellence Scholarships.
Degree Level: You must possess a Bachelor’s degree to apply for a Master’s Scholarship and a Master’s degree for a PhD position.
Admission First: For most competitive university scholarships (like those at TU Delft or Maastricht University), you must first apply for and receive a (conditional) admission offer into your chosen Master’s or Bachelor’s program before you can apply for the funding.
Nationality: While All Nationalities are eligible for University Excellence Scholarships, specific programs like the OKP target students from developing or middle-income countries.
No Prior Degree in the Netherlands: For some highly selective scholarships, preference is given to candidates who have not previously completed a degree-seeking higher education program in the Netherlands.

📝 Application Process and Required Documents (Step-by-Step)

Securing a Scholarship in the Netherlands involves a two-step process: applying for the course, and then applying for the scholarship.

Step 1: Get Admission Without IELTS

Research Universities: Identify Netherlands Universities and programs that align with your career goals and offer an IELTS exemption via an MOI certificate.
Online Application: Submit your admission application through the university’s online system, being sure to mention your plan for an IELTS waiver and uploading your MOI certificate.
Secure an Offer: Receive your conditional or unconditional letter of admission.

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Step 2: Apply for the Fully Funded Scholarship

Scholarship Application Form: Complete the specific scholarship application form (e.g., the TU Delft Excellence Scholarship form).
Motivation/Statement of Purpose (SOP): This is the single most important document. Your SOP must be compelling, clearly linking your past academic achievements and future career plans to the program and the scholarship’s goals. Use this to highlight why you are the best investment for the fully funded master’s program.
Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Provide at least two strong LORs from professors or employers that vouch for your academic excellence and potential.
Academic Transcripts: Original and translated copies of your Bachelor’s and/or Master’s transcripts.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed, professional CV/Resume.

📅 Important Dates and Deadlines (2025-2026 Intake)

Deadlines for Fully Funded Scholarships in the Netherlands are typically early, often much earlier than the general course application deadline.

Scholarship/University	Typical Deadline for 2026 Intake
TU Delft Excellence Scholarship	1 December 2025 (Highly Competitive)
Maastricht NL-High Potential Scholarship	8 December 2025 or 1 February 2026
University of Groningen (Eric Bleumink)	1 December 2025
Radboud Scholarship Programme	31 January 2026
NL Scholarship (Holland Scholarship)	1 February 2026 or 1 May 2026
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships	October 2025 – January 2026 (Varies by course)

Tip: Start your application process now! The deadline to apply for admission to a Master’s degree must be met before you can apply for the fully funded scholarship.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I get a PhD Scholarship in the Netherlands without IELTS?

A: Yes, many PhD positions in the Netherlands are considered jobs or fully funded research positions. If your Master’s degree was taught in English, you can often secure an IELTS exemption with an MOI certificate. The decision is usually made by your potential supervisor.

Q2. Are these scholarships truly Fully Funded?

A: Yes. The most prestigious awards, such as the Maastricht High Potential or TU Delft Excellence scholarships, are genuinely fully funded; they cover the high tuition fees for international students, provide a monthly stipend for living costs, and even cover mandatory costs like visa and health insurance.

Q3. Is the Netherlands an expensive country to study in?

A: While the Netherlands has a higher cost of living than some other countries, securing a Fully Funded Scholarship completely eliminates this concern. The average monthly stipend provided by these awards is specifically designed to cover accommodation, food, and other costs in a major Dutch city like Amsterdam or Rotterdam.

Q4. What is the success rate for fully funded scholarships?

A: The most competitive fully funded international scholarship programs have a low acceptance rate (often under 5%). To improve your chances, focus on an exceptional academic profile and a powerful, tailored Statement of Purpose that highlights your potential to contribute to your field.

🔗 Official Application Websites

To get the most accurate and up-to-date details for the 2026 intake and to start your journey to study in Europe for free, you must visit the official sources.

Scholarships in the Netherlands:

Maastricht University Scholarships 2026
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Radboud University Scholarship:
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Holland Government Scholarship:
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University of Twente Scholarships (UTS):
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TU Delft Excellence Scholarship Netherlands / Scholarships in the Netherlands Without IELTS:
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Kipaji Scholarship/Scholarships in the Netherlands Without IELTS:
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