Getting a scholarship can be difficult. So many students from all over the world are trying to get scholarships in both American, European and Australian universities. However, there are a couple of ways for you to significantly improve your chances of getting that scholarship you always wanted. The steps below refer to Dutch universities, but can also be used for most other Northern European universities.
Get excellent grades
Getting excellent grades at the university in your home country most definitely improve your chances, as this is something universities will look at when evaluating candidates for scholarships.
Know what you want to study
It is extremely important to do your homework and find out which course you exactly want to study, which topics will be taught and who will teach them. Most of this information can be found on the universities home pages (also see our previous posts listing the most important universities of applied sciences and academic universities in the Netherlands).
Important: Don’t just apply for a scholarship! Know what you want to study before you apply as this will increase your chances of actually standing out. It will message to the evaluation committee that you are dedicated and have a goal. Do your homework! You will have to do this for each and every scholarship you apply for!
Get to know the people
Once you know who is teaching the different courses at the study you would like to attend, try finding them on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. Try to discover what they like and which papers they wrote. Try to ask specific questions about their work or engage in a friendly debate with them. Make sure you leave the impression you have read what they wrote and that you are genuinely interested in the topic (which should not be too hard if you already decided which study you wanted to do). Show them you are passionate about the topics of the study. Once you are in contact with them, it is easier to mention you are looking into getting a scholarship to attend their university and you can ask if they have tips for you to increase your chances. Don’t forget, if they like you already then it will be easier for them to recommend you or mention you as a real prospect to the evaluation committee.
If you can’t find the professors on any of the social networks, don’t worry. You can still try to reach out to them through email and do the same as mentioned above. Just make sure you first build up a relationship before you ask for any tips. This will cost some time and effort but the value this brings to getting you that scholarship is priceless. For example, even if they can not give you the scholarship on their university, they may still recommend you for a scholarship to a similar study on a similar/same university.
Get to know the culture
Learning about the culture of a country you want to study will help you better communicate with the different universities and professors. It does not even need to be that hard. You could try to go on a short holiday in the Netherlands. If you can not afford that, no problem. Try finding forums of expats in the Netherlands, try reading up on Wikipedia, try finding different sites describing the culture of the country and communicate with pen pals in the country (you can find loads of people on Twitter or Facebook willing to communicate).
Make sure you speak the language
Of course you can not be expected to speak perfect Dutch in the Netherlands. Most likely, Dutch people will not even permit you to speak Dutch once they realize you are not Dutch (don’t worry, you will know what I mean after you live in the Netherlands for a while). However, it is important to speak really good English. Make sure your English writing skills are perfect. If you are not sure if they are, try to get a second opinion from someone you trust. Alternatively, you can go to several online classifieds boards or forums in different English speaking countries (e.g. Gumtree) to ask for help. There are plenty of people and websites on the Internet that can help you improve your writing skills. Just put a little bit of energy into it. No application is easier to reject than the one full of grammar or spelling mistakes.
Follow the rules
Most Northern European universities expect you to do some pre-work and follow the rules of the process. This means that asking (by email or on forums) for application requirements often goes unanswered. The reason for this is that most of this is available online. If you had just looked better at the website of the university you would have found them yourself. That said, if you can not find the rules to the application process (including the application papers/forms) it is okay to send of an email to the university asking where on their website you may find the application information. If you are friendly enough and to the point, you will most likely get a helpful answer. Respect that there is a process for scholarships and grants applications, mainly to keep it fair for everyone and to make sure the best ones get through. You can be the best one if you respect the process and ask about this process instead of asking them to send you all the information they can possibly have.
A lot of scholarships are hidden
Once you do your homework, you may find a number of smaller scholarships that are specific for the study you want to attend. Most of these scholarships can just be found on the university websites and most of the time just the pages specific to the study. It is much easier to get a scholarship if you are one of the few to apply for it. So here again. do your homework, be passionate and be great at your communication skills.
Yes, these steps all look like a lot of work. But you have to remember that getting a scholarship is not easy and you need to stand out from all those other potential candidates (most of which will not follow the steps above). If you apply the steps mentioned above, you will have significantly increased your chances of getting that scholarship you always dreamed about. With time, patience and hard work you can move mountains (or in this case, get that scholarship)!
HELLO! I AM ENYIOMA BRIGHT IKENNA, I AM A NIGERIAN, I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO RUN MY MASTERS DEGREE PROGRAM ON SCHOLARSHIP. I WANT TO SPECIALIZE IN TOURISM. THANK YOU AS I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU.
I may not be that smart but I will try my very best not to disappoint you. Thank you.
Hello Sir/Ma’am, I am Jessa Princess Macuray, still 17. I am currently first year college but my parents could not support me anymore. so I’m applying for a scholarship via online. I really need your help. I have dreams in life and I couldn’t reach it without your help. Please.. Thank You and God Bless always!
Hi, I am a Papua New Guinean and am very interested to join that.
HI
my name is wasihun melese from Ethiopia now I am third year chemical and bio engineering student in ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY.if I get the chance of Scholar ship in yours I want to attend my education.
tnx for your support.
help me !!!
i am from somalia
my name s ahmed
hello
how will i apply for admission?
hello, how do i start to apply for?
Cute
Am from Nigeria and i have financial problem, i want to study computer science
I am from pakistan. i am very poor to complete my degree i want to come there and study the software subject .
Hi
My name is Simbarashe Chikutuma and I am a Zimbabwean. I am very pleased and grateful to be part of this group. i got very useful tips.
I want to find a scholarship and study in The Netherlands doing a Masters in Agriculture Sciences. I currently hold a Bsc in Agriculture and Natural resources Management.
hi I am called mensah cedric from Ghana and I need a scholarship to further my education I also good in sports football and handball with athletics.
Hello! I am from Ethiopia and my name is Tezera Bekele. I graduated from Microlink Information Technology College with Bsc Degree in Software Engineering. So i would like to continue a master’s degree program in your Country. Thank you for your cooperation.
I am an internal auditor working in the Liberian public sector with the Internal Audit Agency (www.iaa.gov.lr). I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Accounting with special emphasis in economics from the University of Liberia in 2011. I’m desirous of doing graduate studies in public financial related course in the Netherlands. I have more than two years of working experience in the public sector. I am from a least developing country called Liberia, that came from 14 years of civil crisis that led us to serious economic downturn before the current leadership of president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf took over in 2005, and has been making frantic efforts to repair the damaged image of the country and strengthen the pillars of our economy. More besides, Liberia was also confronted with one of the world’s deadliest decease called EBOLA that further created a serious damage and challenges for the citizenry our country. I have an outstanding leadership and academic abilities as evidenced by my academic and other credentials that can be made available upon request.
my name is Israel markos from Ethiopia now I am third year Electrical and electronics engineering student in Addus Ababa science and techinology university.if I get the chance of Scholar ship in yours I want to attend my education.tnx for your support.
My name is Abdoulie Jadama and am a degree Holder in Accountancy from the University of the Gambia,West Africa.abdoulie.jadama@gamtel.gm
hi , I am Ashenafi from Ethiopia. I finished biomedical engineering degree program in this year from jima university . I want to get master program prepared in Netherland university in medical image processing program (sub stream of biomedical engineering) because this field is not common in developing country . with this scholarship i hope that i can change lives and world . Thank four this chance.
am tony Opiyo Jangu ,currently in Kenya taking my degree course,, but our family is not well off in terms of finance so any help in terms of offering me a scholarship I will highly appreciate
Hello i am Bitaniya Alayu from Ethiopia..i had completed my first degree in information system..i had very good result when i complete my first degree …i always dream to get a scholarship in Netherland,i am from poor family,,if you give the chance am sure i will be one of the best student in the world.i want to study masters program..with best regard…
I am please to have this as a opportunity to advance my career to help to improve mankind.
I earned Bachelor of science in civil engineering since 2012 and would like to continue my studies in said field, I am a Liberian.
I AM CHALWE NAMWAWA ,FEMALE FROM ZAMBIA. I COMPLETED MY SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL IN 2015. I WOULD LIKE TO STUDY MEDICINE IN THE NETHERLANDS ON SCHOOLARSHIP.
Hi,
My name is Biruk Zewdu, I’m a graduate Engineer in Construction Technology and Managing Engineering and I’m from Ethiopia. i want to have a masters degree from your country( Netherlands/ Holland) and this is not a request.
Kind Regards.
I would love to study in Netherlands, and obtain my diploma at Nefas silk polytechnic college. How can I get more information about this university?
Hi am manzi from rwanda I finished high school last my dream has been to study in netherland for further studies in economics
An interesting tip for those who are interested in, including Me!
I am Bekele Abiyu from Ethiopia, interested to study a masters degree in any of Economics specialties.
Thank you,
I’m Alexander M. Bility, a student of the University of Liberia studying Sociology major and Demography minor. I’m so excited to obtain a scholarship out off my home country (Liberia) to enable me obtain an advance degree in undergraduate study.
Hi… I’m Alphonso s. Yaweh, could you please email me all the rules regarding this scholarship at alphonsohasmadeit@yahoo. Com
Hi.. I’m alphonso s. Yaweh a high school graduate wishing to enter university to get at an advanced level to achieve my goal.. i would be glad to be selected as that successful applicants in your establishment.. Wanting to study metrology.. This course has not been offered in my country… I’m from liberia,, hope to hear from you at your convenient time
i am Getye Tesfaye from Ethiopia.i have BSC degree in electrical and computer engineering stream of electronics communication.i have a dream to study my master program in Netherlands.
Hi,my name is Yunus.I am a Tanzanian,I would like to get a fully funded scholarship in studying my first degree.I would like to study bachelor of veterinary medicine.thank you.my contacts +255623704296
Hi my name is Desmond from Ghana , i work with a national agricultural research center as a Biometrician. I hold a masters degree in Biometry. It is my wish to obtain a PhD scholarship in Biostatistics or Statistics to study in Netherland. This will help broaden my knowledge base to help in agricultural and health research in my country.
I am eyasu baheru from ethiopia i dream to study in Netherland masters degree in computer science it’s my wish to be selected person to get a chance
hi am Malaz from sudan
i with if i could get scholarship to study english
Hello Sir,
I am by names Gilbert from Rwanda and completed my high school school studies last year and I want to do Business Administration in university with a dream to have a scholarship in Netherlands.
Better when my application meets your consideration and appreciate any help extended.
I am very pleased to get this chance to write and show my interest.
I am Ethiopian and have been teaching for two years.I want to do MSC IN HIGH WAY ENGINEERING.I have completed first degree since 2013.
My Name is Habib a Ethiopia by nationality with a strong desire to pursue a Masters Degree in Computer and Information science . With a scholarship i believe i can change lives and the world, if there is a chance, i will be glad to enroll. Thank you for the opportunity.
hello Anna. its so wonderful that you are trying to help students by providing information especially for those us from 3rd world .
Thank you very much. This information is really relevant. I am going to try my best to increase the chances of achieving my dream. Actually I am looking for a scholarship in applied mathematics for a PhD level.
am a Sudanese girl … a final student .. studying environmental engineering
i hope i get the chance to get my master degree from your school
I am very glad to see this news and to show about me.
My name is Yaku Maung from Myanmar. I have dream to study abroad about Business and Management for undergratuate. It is my goal that I want to do verymuch. So, I sat Toefl exam in April, 2016. But, my score result was not good, it is only under 500. I have been contacting to some Organizations those who are making contact with other universities. But not successful until now. I have alreadt read your imformation. However, if you may be, I am waiting for you.
Thank you.
hi, am suleiman from Tanzania i cross-checked the post of yours here am so interested, because i need to take bachelor degree in veterinary medicine in Netherland i have completed my advanc education this year may 2016
I am a Kenyan and I just cleared my undergraduate degree in Industrial Chemistry, awaiting graduation in December. I aspire to pursue my further study in Netherlands.
I will appreciate any assistance extended to me.
I wondimagegn from Ethiopia, I need too study my masters degree in Netherlands. I have completed first degree since 2012.my family is too poor so I need to learn but not. please conceder me to learn and to contribute my side for my country and world. I hop things to be well.with great respect.
Hi, I am Nepo Kompi from Lesotho. I need a scholarship to study masters in education. I have completed my first degree in 2008.
Hi. My name is Fredrick. I would like to tell you that I’m very happy to have gone through your guidance write up, and I want to try it out.
Thank you very much
My Name is Jimmy Oluma a Uganda by nationality with a strong desire to pursue a Masters Degree in Computer and Information Security. With a scholarship i believe i can change lives and the world, if there is a chance, i will be glad to enroll. Thank you for the opportunity.
Am Rose from Kenya a continuing student in Education Arts(Degree) with a dream to get a scholarship in Netherland,looking foward for your help
Sir. My name is shoaib. Sir iam a poor student.
I am very pleased to get this chance to write and show my interest.
I am Tanzanian and have been teaching for eight years.I want to do MA Education.I have completed first degree since 2008.