Cultural Heritage Scholarships in Netherlands for International Students 2025/2026. Are you a student of museums, art, history or cultural studies?
Do you want to study in the Netherlands, a country with many educational opportunities, culture and heritage?
These scholarships are meant for international students who want to enroll in cultural heritage related programs. The Netherlands offers great opportunities for international students studying archaeology, museum studies, restoration, arts management and cultural policy. Everything will be explained in a simple way in this article.
Disclaimer Notice: This is a general educational blog, giving out information concerning scholarship, school fees, Cut off marks, student results, admission form, and other school news guides. We are not affiliated with the Government or any educational institution.
What Are Cultural Heritage Scholarships?
Financial awards called Cultural Heritage Scholarships are given to students who want to enroll in courses related to cultural heritage. Dutch universities, cultural organizations or government initiatives provide these scholarships to international students.
Cultural heritage includes:
- Museums and archives
- Art and architecture
- History and archaeology
- Cultural policies and heritage laws
- Conservation and restoration of old buildings or artworks
- Digital heritage and cultural communication
These scholarships cover school fees, living expenses, travel costs and even research work depending on the scholarship you apply for.
Reasons For Studying Cultural Heritage in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is one of the best countries in Europe to study culture and heritage. Here’s why:
- World-class universities: Dutch universities with great cultural heritage programs include Leiden University, University of Amsterdam, Utrecht University and Erasmus University Rotterdam.
- Rich cultural environment: The Netherlands has many UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic cities, canals, old castles, museums and art galleries.
- Programs taught in English International students find it easier because most master’s and some bachelor’s degree programs in the Netherlands are taught in English.
- Diverse international community: The Netherlands is home to students from all over the world, so you will meet lots of people and make friends with people from all over the world.
- Strong research support: The country supports creative cultural research and provides students with the means to visit museums, do fieldwork and work with heritage experts.
Types of Cultural Heritage Scholarships in the Netherlands
Here are some major scholarship programs for international students who want to study cultural heritage in the Netherlands:
1. Holland Scholarship
For students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to do a bachelor’s or master’s in the Netherlands. The Dutch Ministry of Education and some research universities fund this scholarship.
- Amount: €5,000 (only in the first year)
- Level: Bachelor’s and Master’s
- Field: Open to many fields, including cultural heritage
- Deadline: February to May each year
2. Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)
This scholarship is for professionals from specific developing countries who want to study short courses or master’s programs in the Netherlands.
- Focus: Strengthening the knowledge and skills of professionals
- Cultural field programs: Courses related to museum studies, heritage management and arts policy may be included
- Duration: Short-term courses or master’s degrees
- Covers: Tuition, visa, travel, insurance and living costs
3. Erasmus+ Scholarships
You can spend a semester or an entire academic year studying in a Dutch university under the Erasmus+ program if your home university is a partner.
- Benefits: Monthly allowance, travel support, and fee reduction
- Includes: Heritage-related studies, depending on the partner universities
4. University-Specific Cultural Heritage Scholarships
Many universities in the Netherlands offer their own scholarships, especially for cultural heritage. Some examples are:
- Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
For master’s students including cultural heritage and archaeology - University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship
Supports outstanding students in humanities and cultural studies - Utrecht Excellence Scholarships
For students applying for selected master’s programs, including cultural history - Erasmus University Rotterdam Scholarships
Available for those in arts and culture management or heritage studies
Click HERE for more info
Programs You Can Study
In the Netherlands, there are many study programs related to cultural heritage. These may include:
- MA in Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies
- MA in Heritage and Memory Studies
- MA in Arts, Culture and Society
- MA in Preservation and Presentation of the Moving Image
- MA in Archaeology and Cultural Landscapes
- MA in Urban History and Heritage
- MA in World Heritage Studies
- MA in Contemporary Art and Cultural Heritage
Each university has a different focus, so it is good to check the course content and teaching style before applying.
Who Can Apply for Cultural Heritage Scholarships in Netherlands for International Students 2025/2026?
International students from outside the EU/EEA are eligible for most cultural heritage scholarships in the Netherlands. Some are exclusive to specific countries, especially those in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe.
You may qualify if:
- You have completed your previous degree in a relevant subject
- You meet the admission requirements of the university
- You have good academic performance
- You show strong interest in cultural heritage
- You can write a good motivation letter* Your country is included in the list
Some also require work experience (postgraduate students)
How to Apply
Applying for a cultural heritage scholarship in the Netherlands takes some planning. Follow these steps:
- Choose a program – Find a heritage-related course that interests you.
- Check university requirements – Visit the university’s website to see the program details, deadlines and language requirements.
- Apply for admission – First, you need to apply and get accepted into a Dutch university.
- Apply for scholarship – After admission or during the admission process apply for scholarships if needed.
- Prepare documents – These usually include:
- Academic certificates
- CV or resume
- Passport copy
- Motivation letter
- Reference letters
- Proof of English (like IELTS or TOEFL)
- Wait for results – If successful the university or scholarship body will contact you.
Living and Studying in the Netherlands
As a scholarship student, you will live in a safe, modern, and welcoming country. Here’s what to expect:
- Inexpensive student dorms in college towns like Leiden, Amsterdam or Utrecht
- An excellent education system that combines theory and practice
- Everyone rides a bicycle in this culture!
- Many museums with art from the Dutch Golden Age and Van Gogh
- Beautiful cities and rural areas with historic buildings, windmills, and canals
- Students can work a few hours a week at part-time jobs.
Conclusion
Studying history, art, and culture in a country that values its heritage is made possible by the Netherlands’ Cultural Heritage Scholarships for International Students 2025–2026. The Netherlands gives you the education and experience to become a museum professional, conservationist, or cultural manager.
Plan ahead, start early, and make sure your application shows your love for history and culture. You might be headed for one of the most amazing cultural education experiences in Europe if you put in the work.
Recommended:
- Rural Area Scholarships in Australia for International Students 2025/2026
- Technical University Scholarships in Germany for International Students 2025/2026
- Queen’s University International Scholarship in Canada for International Students 2025/2026
- Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan for International Student 2025/2026