Looking for Netherlands scholarships without IELTS in 2026? Good news - hundreds of opportunities are open to international students right now. Studying in Europe tuition-free is a dream for many, and a scholarship without IELTS makes that dream far more achievable. The Netherlands is one of Europe's most welcoming countries for international students, offering a clear path to study there without needing an IELTS score. Both regional and global applicants can now access these opportunities - explore the full list of free study options in Europe below. In this guide, we've listed the top Dutch universities and scholarships that don't require IELTS, along with how to prove your English proficiency instead. Whether you're applying for a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD program, you'll find everything you need to get started here.


The Netherlands offers thousands of scholarship opportunities each year across its top-ranked universities. Dutch institutions provide a wide range of programs - Short Courses, Language Courses, and full Undergraduate, Master's, and PhD degrees - to international students. Known for being research-oriented and globally ranked, Dutch universities are staffed by internationally recognized faculty.

Beyond academics, studying in the Netherlands gives students easy access to travel across the rest of Europe - a major draw for international applicants. This article covers everything you need to know: how to apply to Dutch universities and which ones don't require an IELTS or TOEFL certificate for admission or scholarships.

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Netherlands Scholarships Without IELTS: Study in the Netherlands

Yes, it's genuinely possible to study in the Netherlands without an IELTS or TOEFL score. International students from anywhere in the world can now pursue full-time Undergraduate, Master's, or PhD programs in the Netherlands without sitting the IELTS exam.

Many Dutch universities don't require IELTS for admission, and a number of Netherlands scholarships don't require it either. Instead, most universities accept proof that your previous education was conducted in English - such as a certificate from your prior school or university confirming English as the medium of instruction. This makes the Netherlands a practical option for students who are fluent in English but haven't taken a formal language test. Below is a shortlisted list of higher education institutions where this applies.

The Netherlands is consistently ranked among the safest, most welcoming, and most diverse countries in Europe - making it a strong choice for international students. Below, we've shared a list of scholarships and Dutch academic institutions that don't require IELTS, along with guidance on how to enroll without taking the test.

The Dutch government and individual universities also offer funded and fully funded scholarship programs across the Netherlands. These support Short Courses, Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs across nearly every academic field, with thousands of English-taught courses available - making the Netherlands an excellent option for international students pursuing a quality degree in Europe.

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Host Country: Netherlands (Holland)

Host University: Multiple universities across the Netherlands

Scholarships Programs: University and Government-Funded Scholarships

Scholarships Coverage: Partial and Full Funding

Degree Leve: Short Courses, Undergraduate, Master's, and PhD Programs

Netherlands Universities That May Waive IELTS

Several leading Dutch universities offer IELTS exemptions on a case-by-case basis - typically for applicants who completed their previous degree entirely in English. This isn't a blanket waiver: you'll need to submit documentation from your prior institution, and the university's admissions office makes the final decision. Below are the universities known to review such exemption requests, along with what each is best known for.

  1. University of Amsterdam - The Netherlands' largest research university, consistently ranked among the world's top 100. Strong in social sciences, humanities, law, and economics.
  2. Wageningen University & Research - Ranked #1 globally in agricultural sciences for several years running. Best known for programs in life sciences, environmental science, food technology, and sustainability.
  3. University of Groningen - One of the oldest universities in the Netherlands (founded 1614), located in the vibrant northern city of Groningen. Strong across sciences, humanities, and international business.
  4. Leiden University - The oldest university in the Netherlands (founded 1575), with a strong reputation in law, international relations, humanities, and sciences.
  5. Erasmus University Rotterdam - Globally recognized for business, economics, and management programs; home to the highly ranked Rotterdam School of Management. Exemptions available for select Master's applicants with a prior English-taught degree.
  6. Maastricht University - Known for its Problem-Based Learning teaching model and strong international student community. Offers a similar exemption pathway for Master's applicants with a fully English-taught prior degree.

Always confirm directly with your chosen program - English proficiency policies vary by faculty and can change between intakes.

List of Netherlands Scholarships That May Not Require IELTS

The following international scholarships and grants in the Netherlands may accept alternative proof of English proficiency instead of IELTS. Always contact the university directly to confirm whether they'll accept an English Proficiency Certificate from your home institution - policies vary by program and can change each intake.

#1 Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship

A fully funded Master's scholarship open to students of any non-EU/EEA nationality (excluding Switzerland and Suriname). Maastricht University awards 21 scholarships per year, each worth €34,000, covering tuition, a monthly stipend, and health insurance.

  1. Financial Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, and health & liability insurance
  2. Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA nationals admitted to a full-time Master's programme at Maastricht University; must not have previously studied in the Netherlands
  3. Deadline: Typically early December for programme admission, with the scholarship application closing 1 February for September intake - confirm exact dates on the university's site each cycle
  4. More information: Maastricht University Scholarship

#2 TU Delft Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship

TU Delft currently ranks #47 in the QS World University Rankings (2026). This fully funded award supports outstanding Master's applicants - typically those in the top 10% of their prior graduating class - pursuing a postgraduate degree at Delft University of Technology.

  1. Financial Coverage: Full tuition and a contribution toward living expenses
  2. Eligibility: Admitted (conditionally) to a 2-year TU Delft MSc programme; must rank among the top 10% of your previous graduating class
  3. Deadline: Applications typically close around 1 December for the following September intake - check the current cycle's exact date
  4. More information: TU Delft Excellence Scholarship

#3 Radboud Scholarship Programme

A partial Master's scholarship for non-EU/EEA students, typically awarding around 30 grants per year across faculties including Arts, Law, Nijmegen School of Management, Philosophy/Theology/Religious Studies, Science, and Social Sciences. It significantly reduces your tuition fee (recent cycles have brought it down to roughly €2,700, compared to the standard non-EU rate of up to €18,000) and covers visa, residence permit, and insurance costs - living and study costs are not included.

  1. Financial Coverage: Reduced tuition fee, plus visa, residence permit, and health & liability insurance; living costs not covered
  2. Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA passport holders with a Bachelor's degree earned outside the Netherlands; no prior Dutch education (exchange programs excluded); must meet the English proficiency requirement of your chosen Master's program
  3. Deadline: Typically closes in late January each year for the following September intake - confirm the exact date on the official page before applying
  4. More information: Radboud Scholarship Programme (official)

#4 NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship)

Now officially renamed the NL Scholarship, this award is open to Bachelor's and Master's applicants from outside the EEA. It provides a one-time grant of €5,000 in your first year of study - it is a partial award, not full funding.

  1. Financial Coverage: €5,000 one-time payment (first year only)
  2. Eligibility: Non-EEA nationality; applying full-time to a Bachelor's or Master's programme at a participating Dutch institution
  3. Deadline: Varies by university - most fall between 1 February and 1 May for the September intake; check your chosen institution's deadline directly
  4. More information: Holland/NL Scholarship

#5 University of Twente Scholarship (UTS)

A merit-based Master's-only scholarship (not Bachelor's, despite some older listings suggesting otherwise) for top-performing students, primarily from non-EU/EEA countries. Around 50 scholarships are awarded annually, valued between €3,000 and €22,000 per year, based on need and merit.

  1. Financial Coverage: €3,000 - €22,000 per year toward study-related costs (not a tuition waiver)
  2. Eligibility: Admitted to a qualifying UT Master's programme; ranked in the top 5–10% of your graduating class; IELTS 6.5 overall (min. 6.0 speaking) or TOEFL iBT 90
  3. Deadline: First round typically opens mid-October and closes 1 February, with a second round for remaining spots - check UT's scholarship finder for current dates
  4. More information: University of Twente Scholarship (UTS)

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How to Study in the Netherlands Without IELTS

Most English-taught programs in the Netherlands still require proof of English proficiency - but IELTS isn't always the only way to meet that requirement. Depending on your educational background and nationality, you may qualify for an exemption or be able to use an alternative test. Here's how the process actually works:

  1. Check if your country or diploma qualifies for an automatic exemption. Many Dutch universities waive the English test entirely for students who completed secondary or higher education in a country where English is the primary language of instruction - commonly the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand. Some universities extend this to International Baccalaureate (IB) diplomas or European Baccalaureate diplomas with English as a core subject.
  2. Use your university's "diploma calculator" if you're unsure. Several Dutch universities, including the University of Amsterdam and Amsterdam University College, offer an online diploma calculator where you enter your country and diploma type to instantly check whether it meets the English (and academic) requirements - this is faster than emailing admissions and gives you a documented reference point.
  3. Consider an alternative English test if you don't qualify for an exemption. Even if you're not exempt, IELTS isn't your only option. Most universities also accept TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency, Pearson PTE Academic, and sometimes LanguageCert Academic. If you already hold one of these from a prior application, you may not need to sit a new English test at all.
  4. Request an official English Proficiency Certificate from your previous institution if your prior degree was taught in English but your country isn't on the automatic exemption list. This document should confirm English as the sole medium of instruction and is typically issued by your former university's registrar.
  5. Contact your target university's admissions office directly before applying. Exemption rules vary not just by university but by faculty and even by specific program - a rule that applies at one faculty may not apply at another within the same university. Get confirmation in writing before you rely on it.
  6. Submit your documentation alongside your application, and keep a digital copy of everything - transcripts, the proficiency certificate, and any exemption confirmation emails - in case the admissions office requests further verification.

Tips to strengthen your application

  1. Apply early. Exemption reviews and diploma evaluations take time, and many popular programs (numerus fixus/selective programs) have earlier deadlines than standard ones - often mid-January versus May.
  2. Have a backup plan. Exemptions are typically decided case-by-case, so it's worth booking an IELTS or TOEFL test date as a safety net until your exemption is formally confirmed.
  3. Double-check test validity windows. Most universities only accept English test scores taken within the last two years - an old IELTS or TOEFL score may not be accepted even if the score itself meets the requirement.
  4. Watch for "online" or "indicator" test versions. Several Dutch universities explicitly reject at-home or online variants of IELTS (like IELTS Indicator or IELTS Online) and TOEFL (like TOEFL Home Edition) - make sure you book the standard in-person or approved online-proctored version.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study in the Netherlands without IELTS?

Yes, in some cases. Many Dutch universities offer exemptions if your prior education was conducted entirely in English, and most also accept alternative tests like TOEFL, Cambridge, or PTE Academic instead of IELTS. However, exemptions are decided case-by-case, and not every program offers them - always confirm directly with your chosen university before skipping IELTS.

Which Dutch universities offer IELTS exemptions?

Several leading universities - including the University of Amsterdam, Wageningen University & Research, University of Groningen, Leiden University, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and Maastricht University - are known to review exemption requests for applicants with a prior English-medium degree. Exemption criteria vary by faculty and program, so check with your specific department before applying.

What can I use instead of IELTS for Dutch university admission?

Most Dutch universities accept TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency, and Pearson PTE Academic as alternatives to IELTS, with some also accepting LanguageCert Academic. Accepted tests and minimum scores differ by university and program, so always check your target program's official admissions page for the current list.

Are Netherlands scholarships available without IELTS?

Many scholarships don't set a separate English requirement of their own - they follow whatever English proficiency rule the university or program already applies at admission. If you qualify for an English test exemption at the university level, that generally carries over to your scholarship application too, since most scholarships require you to already be admitted to the program first.

How long is an IELTS or TOEFL score valid for Dutch university applications?

Most Dutch universities only accept English test scores taken within a recent window - commonly around two years before your application date. An older score, even if it meets the minimum requirement, may be rejected, so always check your test date against your target university's current validity policy.

Does the Netherlands offer government-funded scholarships for international students?

Yes - the Dutch government co-funds scholarship programs for non-EEA students pursuing Bachelor's or Master's study, most notably the NL Scholarship (formerly known as the Holland Scholarship). Government-backed programs in the Netherlands do change over time, so it's worth confirming which schemes are currently active on Nuffic's official scholarship finder before applying.