Scholarships in Netherlands Without IELTS are becoming increasingly popular among international students who want to study in Europe without taking the IELTS exam. The Netherlands is home to many top ranked universities, English taught programs, and generous scholarships. The good news is that many Dutch universities accept alternatives such as a Medium of Instruction letter, previous English education proof, or tests like TOEFL, Duolingo, or PTE.

If you think studying in the Netherlands requires IELTS only, that is not fully true. In many cases, IELTS is not mandatory. Universities simply need proof that you can study in English. This means you can still qualify for admission and scholarships without IELTS by submitting accepted alternatives.

This guide explains everything clearly. You will learn what without IELTS really means, which scholarships you can apply for, and how to apply step-by-step. By the end, you will have a list of more than 20 scholarships and funding options to help you study in the Netherlands.

What “Without IELTS” Really Means

IELTS is not always mandatory

Most Dutch universities do not specifically demand IELTS. They only require proof of English proficiency. If you provide another accepted document, IELTS becomes optional.

Common alternatives accepted

Many universities accept:

• MOI (Medium of Instruction letter)
• Previous English-taught degree
• TOEFL iBT
• Duolingo English Test
• PTE Academic
• Cambridge English
• Internal interview or assessment

Avoid misunderstandings

Students often get rejected because they submit weak documents. A proper English proof is still required. Without IELTS does not mean without English proof.

Why Study in the Netherlands

• High quality education
• The Netherlands offers world-class universities with strong global rankings and research facilities.
• English-taught programs
• More than 2,000 programs are fully taught in English.
• Affordable tuition
• Compared to the UK or USA, tuition fees are lower.
• Scholarship opportunities
• There are many government, university, and private scholarships.
• International environment
• The Netherlands is very welcoming to international students.

List of Scholarships in Netherlands Without IELTS

Below are the most popular Scholarships in Netherlands Without IELTS. Always check each university’s language policy before applying.

1. Holland Scholarship

Provided by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.
Funding: €5,000 grant
IELTS: Alternatives often accepted

2. Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS)

Offered by Nuffic
Funding: Partial or full tuition
For selected countries
MOI often accepted

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters

Organized by the European Commission
Funding: Fully funded
Many programs accept MOI

4. Maastricht High Potential Scholarship

At Maastricht University
Funding: Full tuition + stipend
IELTS alternatives accepted in some cases

5. Utrecht Excellence Scholarship

At Utrecht University
Funding: Full or partial tuition
MOI accepted for many programs

6. Amsterdam Merit Scholarship

At University of Amsterdam
Funding: Merit-based award
English alternatives allowed

7. VU Fellowship Programme

At Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Funding: Tuition waiver
MOI accepted for several tracks

8. Radboud Scholarship Programme

At Radboud University
Funding: Reduced tuition
Language waiver possible

9. TU Delft Excellence Scholarship

At Delft University of Technology
Funding: Full or partial funding
MOI often sufficient

10. University of Twente Scholarship

At University of Twente
Funding: €3,000–€22,000
Alternatives accepted

11. HAN Scholarship

At HAN University of Applied Sciences
Funding: Tuition support
IELTS not always mandatory

12. Saxion Talent Scholarship

At Saxion University of Applied Sciences
Funding: Partial scholarship
English waiver possible

13. HZ Excellence Scholarship

At HZ University of Applied Sciences
Funding: Tuition reduction

14. Rotterdam Business School Scholarship

At Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
Funding: Partial awards

15. Wittenborg MBA Scholarship

At Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences
Funding: Tuition discounts

16. Erasmus University Excellence Award

At Erasmus University Rotterdam
Funding: Merit-based

17. Leiden University Excellence Scholarship

At Leiden University
Funding: Partial to full tuition

18. Fontys Scholarship

At Fontys University of Applied Sciences
Funding: Tuition support

19. Avans Talent Scholarship

At Avans University of Applied Sciences
Funding: Partial award

20. University College Roosevelt Scholarship

At University College Roosevelt
Funding: Merit-based grants

21. Departmental Research Assistantships

Many Dutch universities offer paid research jobs for Master’s and PhD students. These often do not require IELTS if your supervisor accepts MOI.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Scholarships in Netherlands Without IELTS

Step 1: Choose your degree and field

Decide clearly:

• Bachelor, Master, or PhD
• Field of study
• 3 to 5 target universities

Step 2: Check language requirements first

Before applying:

• Confirm MOI acceptance
• Ask admissions office
• Check if Duolingo/TOEFL is accepted

Step 3: Prepare a strong MOI letter

Your letter must include:

• Degree name
• Duration
• Statement that the degree was fully in English
• Official stamp and signature

Weak letters cause rejection.

Step 4: Apply to the university

Admission comes first. Most scholarships require an admission offer.

Step 5: Apply for scholarships

After admission:

• Submit scholarship forms
• Write a strong SOP
• Show leadership and achievements

Step 6: Apply early

Deadlines are usually between January and April. Late applications are rarely accepted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid Scholarships in Netherlands Without IELTS

• Thinking IELTS is never required
• Submitting weak MOI letters
• Copy-paste SOPs
• Ignoring deadlines
• Applying without checking eligibility

Final Tips for Success for Scholarships in Netherlands Without IELTS

Start early and prepare carefully. Focus on fewer universities and write better applications. Strong academics, leadership, and a clear career plan improve your chances. Thousands of students get Scholarships in Netherlands Without IELTS every year, so you can too if you follow the right process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)