The Netherlands offers some of the most generous scholarship programmes in Europe for students from developing countries — including Nepal. From the widely accessible Holland Scholarship to the fully funded OKP fellowship and the prestigious Erasmus Mundus award, there are real opportunities for Nepali high achievers.
The Netherlands offers some of the most generous scholarship programmes in Europe for students from developing countries — including Nepal. From the widely accessible Holland Scholarship to the fully funded OKP fellowship and the prestigious Erasmus Mundus award, there are real opportunities for Nepali high achievers.
Holland Scholarship
The Holland Scholarship is the most widely known scholarship for international students in the Netherlands. It offers a €5,000 one-time award (paid in the first year of study) to non-EEA students enrolling in a bachelor’s or master’s programme at a participating Dutch university or university of applied sciences.
The scholarship is funded jointly by the Dutch Ministry of Education and participating institutions. Applications are made through your chosen Dutch university — not through a central authority. Each participating university sets its own deadline (typically January to March) and selection criteria, which usually include academic excellence and motivation. Note that the Holland Scholarship is awarded for the first year of study only; it does not cover subsequent years.
Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)
The Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) is a Dutch government fellowship targeting mid-career professionals from developing countries, including Nepal. It is one of the most generous scholarships available to Nepali students, covering:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Return airfare from Nepal
- Health insurance and visa costs
- An installation allowance upon arrival
OKP targets short courses and master’s programmes in specific priority sectors — agriculture, water management, food security, public health, and governance — that align with Nepal’s development needs. Applicants must be employed (not just enrolled as students) and demonstrate how the study will benefit their professional development and Nepal. Applications are made through Nuffic (the Dutch organisation for internationalisation in education). Deadlines typically fall in September–October for the following academic year.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) scholarships, funded by the European Union, offer among the most comprehensive funding packages available to any international student globally. Awards cover:
- Full tuition fees across all partner universities
- A monthly living allowance (approximately €1,400/month)
- Travel, installation, and visa allowances
- Total package value approximately €48,000 for a 2-year programme
Erasmus Mundus programmes are joint degrees delivered across two or more European universities (often including a Dutch partner). Selection is highly competitive globally. Applications typically open in October–November with deadlines in January–February.
University-Specific Scholarships
- TU Delft Excellence Scholarship — A full tuition waiver plus €15,000 per year living stipend for outstanding international master’s students. Extremely competitive; requires a first-class academic record and strong research motivation letter.
- Utrecht Excellence Scholarship (UES) — Awards up to €30,000 per year (covering tuition and living costs) for exceptional non-EEA students at Utrecht University. Available for select master’s programmes.
- Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) — Awards 25%, 50%, or full tuition fee waivers based on academic merit for non-EEA master’s students.
- Erasmus University Rotterdam — Various faculty-based scholarships for Economics, Business, and Medicine programmes.
Netherlands Fellowship Programmes (NFP)
The NFP (Netherlands Fellowship Programmes) are targeted at mid-career professionals from developing countries who wish to undertake short courses, master’s, or PhD programmes in the Netherlands or their home country in partnership with Dutch institutions. Applications go through Nuffic and require employer endorsement.
Netherlands Scholarship Comparison
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility | Apply Through |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holland Scholarship | €5,000 (one-time) | Non-EEA first-year students | Your Dutch university |
| Orange Knowledge Programme | Fully funded | Employed professionals, priority sectors | Nuffic / Dutch Embassy |
| Erasmus Mundus | ~€48,000 total | All nationalities, merit-based | EMJM programme consortium |
| TU Delft Excellence | Full tuition + €15,000/yr | Master’s, first-class record | TU Delft application portal |
| Utrecht Excellence Scholarship | Up to €30,000/yr | Non-EEA master’s, select programmes | Utrecht University portal |
Is the Holland Scholarship available for Nepali students?
Yes. Nepal is a non-EEA country, so Nepali students are fully eligible for the Holland Scholarship. Apply through your chosen Dutch university's scholarship portal — each institution manages its own allocation and deadlines.
What is the OKP scholarship and am I eligible as a Nepali student?
The Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) is a Dutch government fellowship for mid-career professionals from developing countries. Nepal is an eligible country. You must be employed (not a recent graduate with no work experience) and apply for a programme in a priority development sector. Applications go through Nuffic.
How competitive is the TU Delft Excellence Scholarship?
The TU Delft Excellence Scholarship is extremely competitive. Successful applicants typically have a GPA equivalent to the top 5% of their class, excellent references from professors, and a compelling research motivation statement demonstrating a clear fit with TU Delft's research areas.
Can I apply for multiple Netherlands scholarships simultaneously?
Yes, in most cases. You can apply for the Holland Scholarship through your university while also applying for Erasmus Mundus through the programme consortium. However, if you receive a fully funded award (OKP, Erasmus Mundus), you typically cannot stack it with other Dutch government scholarships.
- Holland Scholarship (Nuffic) (www.studyinholland.nl)
- Orange Knowledge Programme (www.studyinholland.nl)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Holland Scholarship available for Nepali students?
Yes. Nepal is a non-EEA country, so Nepali students are fully eligible for the Holland Scholarship. Apply through your chosen Dutch university's scholarship portal — each institution manages its own allocation and deadlines.
What is the OKP scholarship and am I eligible as a Nepali student?
The Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) is a Dutch government fellowship for mid-career professionals from developing countries. Nepal is an eligible country. You must be employed (not a recent graduate with no work experience) and apply for a programme in a priority development sector. Applications go through Nuffic.
How competitive is the TU Delft Excellence Scholarship?
The TU Delft Excellence Scholarship is extremely competitive. Successful applicants typically have a GPA equivalent to the top 5% of their class, excellent references from professors, and a compelling research motivation statement demonstrating a clear fit with TU Delft's research areas.
Can I apply for multiple Netherlands scholarships simultaneously?
Yes, in most cases. You can apply for the Holland Scholarship through your university while also applying for Erasmus Mundus through the programme consortium. However, if you receive a fully funded award (OKP, Erasmus Mundus), you typically cannot stack it with other Dutch government scholarships.
Get Expert Guidance from EVEC
EVEC has helped thousands of Nepali students successfully study abroad since 2005. Our AIRC-certified counsellors provide personalised guidance at every step — from choosing the right university to visa lodgement. Book your free consultation today.