THE Netherlands is among the most coveted higher education destinations for prospective students. In order to ensure that as many students can benefit from Dutch university education, a number of scholarships have been set up. The Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS) is one of the most prestigious of its kind. So, if you are keen on studying in the Netherlands, either as a Bachelor or Masters student, and you’re interested in getting some help with your funding, here is what you should know.
What is it?
The Orange Tulip Scholarship is a scholarship programme which offers dedicated students from selected countries the chance to study in the Netherlands. The scholarship, which first began in 2008, is funded by Dutch universities as well as multinationals and government institutions. In the 8 years since its inception, an increasing number of countries have taken part in promoting the scholarship which lead to nearly 10 000 students benefiting from the OTS in 2015 alone.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to non-Dutch students from Neso countries who have not previously studied, lived or worked in the Netherlands. Neso is an association of countries that are strategically important for Dutch higher education and therefore provide a number of work and education opportunities in the Netherlands. The nations that currently provide opportunities for the OTS programme are Brazil, China, Indonesia, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam.
What does the OTS award include?
There is a great deal of autonomy regarding the scholarship awards. Each Dutch scholarship provider can establish their own terms of awarding the funds. This includes the amount and number of scholarships they wish to allocate to each country. A break-down for each country for the 2016-2017 academic year is as follows:
Brazil: 77 scholarships from 21 institutions (total value 500 000 EUR)
China: 70 scholarships from 23 institutions (total value 826 000 EUR)
Indonesia: 47 scholarships from 20 institutions (total value 438 355 EUR)
Mexico: 72 scholarships from 23 institutions (total value 858 000 EUR)
Russia: 67 scholarships from 19 institutions (total value 700 000 EUR)
South Korea: 52 scholarships from 13 institutions (total value 578 000 EUR)
Thailand: 39 scholarships from 16 institutions (total value 330 000 EUR)
Vietnam: 44 scholarships from 15 institutions (total value 400 000 EUR)
What is the application process?
Depending on which country you’re applying from, the process differs. In nearly every case there is an application form which needs to be filled out, a letter of motivation (which is the strongest weapon in your arsenal!), a CV and recommendation letter. Some countries also require an interview so that they can get a one-on-one feel of potential applicants before making their decision.
How do I stand out from the crowd?
Although each country and Dutch university has their own application guidelines, if you’re looking to impress and leave your make, make sure you come across as passionate and determined. Any source on the OTS will tell you that they are looking for “talented students”. Although this is a broad term, it allows applicants to make the most of their abilities in any area learning, from business and economics to education. If you feel that you have an innovative idea, make sure to put it forward in your application. That’s how the people who are making the choice will ensure that you’re somebody worth investing in!
What are the deadlines for applications?
Unlike other scholarship structures, there isn’t a singular application deadline for the Orange Tulip Scholarship. Each country decides their own and can find these on their individual websites. Generally speaking, the application timeline runs from mid-November to mid-May, so there is a rather large window for applications. A personal tip would be to research your desired field of study and the university you wish to apply to before the application period begins so that you have enough time to gather all of the necessary documents and produce a high-quality application.
Where do I begin?
Probably the best place to start is the Orange Tulip Scholarship website . From here you can navigate to the individual pages of each OTS-providing country and find the specific information to suit your profile.
In a nutshell, The Orange Tulip Scholarship Programme is a fantastic tool to use if you want to receive a high-quality European education in the Netherlands. As somebody who is a student here, it’s definitely worth it! Good luck on your applications!
Want the Orange Tulip Scholarship? Find out more about studying in the Netherlands with our 10 Good Reasons guide, or get in touch with one of our great Dutch universities.
