Netherlands Scholarships for Pakistani Students

1. Are there scholarships available for Pakistani students in the Netherlands?

Netherlands Scholarships for Pakistani Students offers many scholarship opportunities for Pakistani students who want to pursue higher education. The country is famous for its high-quality education system, globally recognized universities, modern facilities, and welcoming environment for international students.

2. What are the most popular scholarships for Pakistani students in the Netherlands?

Here are some of the top scholarships available for Pakistani students:

Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP): Fully or partially funded scholarships for Master’s programs or short courses.
Holland Scholarship: One-time €5,000 scholarship for Bachelor’s or Master’s students.
Erasmus+ Scholarship: Covers study and exchange programs in Europe, mainly for Master’s level.
University-specific Scholarships: Many Dutch universities offer their own scholarships like the University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship, Leiden University Excellence Scholarship, etc.
MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP): For short courses, applicable to students from Middle East and North African countries, including Pakistan in some cases.

3. What is the Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) and how to apply?

The Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) is a government-funded scholarship program for students from developing countries, including Pakistan.

Key Points:

Full or partial funding
For Master’s programs or short professional courses
You apply for the scholarship through the university after applying for admission
Two application rounds per year (March and September)

How to Apply:

Apply to a Dutch university or institution that participates in OKP.
Request the OKP scholarship through the university.
Submit an online application including your CV, Motivation Letter, and any required academic documents.

4. What are the eligibility criteria for the Holland Scholarship?

The Holland Scholarship is a prestigious grant of €5,000 for non-EU students, including Pakistani students, enrolling in Bachelor’s or Master’s programs in the Netherlands.

Basic Requirements:

Pakistani nationality
First time studying in the Netherlands
Admission offer from a Dutch university
The scholarship is only for the first year

5. Which universities in the Netherlands offer scholarships for Pakistani students?

Some of the most renowned universities offering scholarships include:

University of Amsterdam
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
Wageningen University & Research
Leiden University
Utrecht University
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Maastricht University
Radboud University
Eindhoven University of Technology
University of Groningen

Each university has its own scholarship schemes, based on merit, research proposals, or financial need.

6. What are the common eligibility requirements for Netherlands scholarships?

Most scholarships generally require:

Good academic performance (usually at least 3.0/4.0 GPA or equivalent)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS minimum 6.5 or TOEFL 90+)
A strong Motivation Letter
Interest in a relevant academic field
Being a national of a developing country (Pakistan is included)

7. Is IELTS mandatory?

Yes, almost all scholarships in the Netherlands require proof of English proficiency.

For Master’s or Bachelor’s programs: minimum IELTS 6.5 bands
For short courses: some programs accept IELTS 6.0
Some programs might include an interview in English as part of the selection process

8. When should I apply for scholarships?

OKP Scholarship: March and September rounds
Holland Scholarship: February 1st or May 1st (varies by university)
Erasmus+: Based on university schedules
University-specific Scholarships: Usually from January to April each year

💡 Tip: Check deadlines carefully as they vary depending on the scholarship and university.

9. Do these scholarships cover full expenses?

It depends on the scholarship:

OKP: Covers full tuition, accommodation, visa fees, travel costs, and sometimes living allowance.
Holland Scholarship: Offers €5,000 one-time grant (not full tuition).
Erasmus+: Provides full or partial funding depending on the program.
University Scholarships: Some are fully funded, others are partial.

10. Can Pakistani students work part-time during their studies?

Yes, international students including Pakistanis are allowed to work part-time in the Netherlands.

You can work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year
Full-time work allowed during summer holidays (June, July, August)
A work permit is usually required, which is arranged by the employer or university

11. Do students get a work visa after graduation?

Yes! After completing your degree, you are eligible for the Orientation Year Visa (Zoekjaar):

One-year post-study work visa
Allows you to find a job or start working in the Netherlands without needing a job sponsor
Easily converted into a work permit if you find a job

12. What are the main benefits of studying in the Netherlands?

World-class education
International exposure
Research-oriented programs
English-taught degrees
Post-study work opportunities
High employment rate in technical fields
Multicultural and safe environment

13. Is studying in the Netherlands expensive?

If you don’t have a scholarship, the costs are approximately:

Bachelor’s tuition fee: €6,000 – €12,000 per year
Master’s tuition fee: €8,000 – €20,000 per year
Accommodation: €500 – €800 per month
Living costs (food, transport, insurance): €300 – €500 per month

💡 With a scholarship, your expenses can reduce significantly or even be fully covered.

14. Are there scholarships from the Pakistani government for the Netherlands

Yes, sometimes the Pakistani government offers scholarships or facilitates applications:

HEC Pakistan occasionally nominates students for Erasmus+ or other European programs.
PEEF (Punjab Education Endowment Fund) sometimes offers scholarships for study abroad.
ICT R&D Fund and other government schemes may also announce scholarships.

15. What are the top tips to secure a Netherlands scholarship?

✅ 1. Apply early – Deadlines come fast, so prepare your documents in advance.

✅ 2. Track university websites – Regularly check the official scholarship pages.

✅ 3. Write a powerful Motivation Letter – Show your ambitions, your goals, and why you are the right candidate.

✅ 4. Make a professional CV – Include education, work experience, internships, extracurricular activities.

✅ 5. Prepare a clear Research Proposal or Study Plan (if required).

✅ 6. Get strong Recommendation Letters from teachers or professional supervisors.

✅ 7. Achieve a good IELTS score early.

✅ 8. Apply both for university admission and scholarship simultaneously.

✅ 9. Be honest – Avoid fake documents or false information.

✅ 10. Connect with alumni – Find students from Pakistan who already studied there for insider tips.

16. Where can I find more information on Netherlands scholarships?

✅ Study in Holland official website: www.studyinholland.nl
✅ Orange Knowledge Programme: www.studyinholland.nl/finances/orange-knowledge-programme
✅ Holland Scholarship: www.studyinholland.nl/finances/holland-scholarship
✅ Erasmus+ official portal: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/
✅ HEC Pakistan: www.hec.gov.pk

17. Which fields have more scholarship chances in the Netherlands?

Fields with higher demand and more scholarships include:

Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Environmental)
Agriculture and Food Technology
Water Management
Public Health
Computer Science / IT
Climate Studies
Sustainable Energy
Social Sciences

These fields are highly prioritized by both Dutch universities and the government.

18. Do I need an agent to apply for Netherlands scholarships?

No, you do NOT need any agent to apply for scholarships in the Netherlands. All scholarship applications are done online directly through the university or official scholarship portals.

✅ Always be cautious of scammers asking for money for scholarships. Legitimate scholarships never ask for application fees!

Summary:

Studying in the Netherlands is a golden opportunity for Pakistani students. With fully-funded and partially-funded scholarships, you can get world-class education in a highly developed European country. From research excellence to post-graduation work permits, the Netherlands opens doors for career growth and global exposure.

✅ Plan early
✅ Apply wisely
✅ Prepare well