NUFFIC, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DUTCH UNIVERSITIES
Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS)
partial · bachelors, masters
- Partial to near-fullFunding type
- NetherlandsHost country
- Bachelor’s & Master’sStudy levels
- Country-specificEligibility
- Many institutionsProviders
- Nuffic Neso routeApplication
At a glance
partial
Funding
€25k
Max amount
Mar 1, 2027
Deadline
OTS programme countries (vary by year — check your Nuffic Neso office)
Country
Nuffic, in partnership with Dutch universities
Provider
The Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS) is a programme coordinated by Nuffic (the Dutch organisation for internationalisation in education) through its Neso offices, in partnership with Dutch higher education institutions. It helps talented students from a defined set of countries study for a bachelor's or master's in the Netherlands. OTS is a collection of scholarships rather than a single award: each participating Dutch institution offers its own OTS scholarship(s) with its own value, ranging from a partial tuition reduction of a few thousand euros up to near-full tuition awards worth ~€25,000. Because of this, the amount, eligible programmes, and conditions vary widely by institution and by country. The programme runs country-by-country via the local Nuffic Neso office — recent editions have covered countries such as China, Indonesia, Mexico, and Vietnam, with the list changing over time. Students apply through the OTS process for their country by its deadline, choosing from the scholarships offered to applicants from that country.
What's covered
- Scholarship value — Varies by institution — from a partial tuition reduction to a near-full tuition award.
- Tuition contribution — Most OTS awards reduce tuition; some include additional living-cost support.
- Per-institution terms — Each Dutch institution sets the exact value, conditions, and any living-cost element.
How to apply
Apply through the Orange Tulip Scholarship process for your country, run by the local Nuffic Neso office, choosing from the scholarships offered to your country by participating Dutch institutions.
- Find your country's OTS — Check whether OTS runs for your country and which Dutch institutions participate.
- Choose a scholarship — Select an OTS scholarship/programme that fits your level and field.
- Check the institution's criteria — Read the value, conditions, and academic requirements of that specific OTS award.
- Apply via Neso/OTS — Submit the OTS application for your country by the deadline, with required documents.
- Institution selection — The participating institution selects recipients per its criteria.
- Award & admission — Selected students receive the OTS award and proceed with admission/enrolment.
Eligibility
CountryCitizen/resident of a country where OTS runs (varies by year — e.g. China, Indonesia, Mexico, Vietnam, and others).
LevelApplying for a bachelor's or master's at a participating Dutch institution.
Institution criteriaMeet the specific academic and admission criteria of the OTS scholarship you target.
Not already studying in NLGenerally for students not already enrolled at the institution.
AdmissionBe eligible for (or admitted to) the chosen programme.
OTS is administered per country by the local Nuffic Neso office. The available scholarships, values, and deadlines differ by country and by participating institution.
Eligible countries
OTS programme countries (vary by year — check your Nuffic Neso office)
Deadlines
2027 entry (country/institution-set)2027-03-01
Selection
Each participating Dutch institution selects OTS recipients according to its own criteria, typically weighing academic merit and motivation. Because OTS is a portfolio of institution-specific scholarships run per country, both the bar and the process differ; consult your Nuffic Neso office and the specific scholarship.
Verified sources
- Orange Tulip Scholarship — Nufficnuffic.nlofficial
About the provider
Nuffic is the Dutch national organisation for internationalisation in education. Through its Neso offices abroad and partnerships with Dutch higher education institutions, it coordinates the Orange Tulip Scholarship to attract talented international students to the Netherlands and strengthen educational ties with partner countries.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Orange Tulip Scholarship?
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A programme coordinated by Nuffic (via its Neso offices) with Dutch institutions, helping students from a defined set of countries study for a bachelor's or master's in the Netherlands. It is a portfolio of institution-specific scholarships.
Is it a single scholarship?
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No — OTS is a collection of scholarships. Each participating Dutch institution offers its own OTS award with its own value and conditions, so amounts vary widely.
How much is it worth?
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It varies by institution — from a partial tuition reduction to a near-full tuition award, and some include living-cost support. Check the specific OTS scholarship's value.
Who is eligible?
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Students from countries where OTS runs (e.g. China, Indonesia, Mexico, Vietnam, and others, varying by year) applying for a bachelor's or master's at a participating Dutch institution.
How do I apply?
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Through the OTS process for your country, run by your local Nuffic Neso office. Choose an OTS scholarship offered to your country and apply by its deadline.
When are the deadlines?
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They vary by country and institution, commonly from ~late winter to ~spring for a September start. Check your country's Nuffic Neso OTS page for exact dates.
Which countries can apply?
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A defined list that changes over time — historically including China, Indonesia, Mexico, Vietnam, and others. Confirm whether OTS currently runs for your country.
Is it full funding?
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Usually partial — most OTS awards reduce tuition rather than cover everything, though some are near-full. Read the specific award's value and whether living costs are included.
Which institutions participate?
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Many Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences participate, and the list differs by country. Your Nuffic Neso office lists the participating institutions for your country.
Can I apply for more than one OTS award?
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Often you choose one OTS scholarship per cycle, depending on your country's rules. Check whether multiple applications are allowed for your country.
Do I need admission first?
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You generally need to be eligible for or admitted to the chosen programme. Some OTS awards require an admission application alongside the scholarship application.
How competitive is it?
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It varies by institution and country; because awards are institution-specific and limited, selection depends on each provider's academic and motivation criteria.