Orange Tulip Scholarship

Overview

The Orange Tulip Scholarship is a program that helps talented students from selected countries study at Dutch higher education institutions. It is managed by Nuffic through its network of Netherlands Education Support Offices, known as Neso, in partnership with participating Dutch universities and companies. The scholarship is open to students from a defined list of Neso countries, such as Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and Colombia.

The support is mainly partial tuition coverage. The amount and exactly what it covers vary by the participating institution and the country package, and the discount commonly lands somewhere in the range of EUR 5,000 to EUR 15,000 off tuition. It usually does not cover living costs, insurance, or visa expenses, so it works best as a way to reduce your tuition bill rather than fund your entire stay.

What makes the Orange Tulip Scholarship distinctive is its structure. Rather than one fixed award, it is a collection of country-linked scholarship packages tied to specific universities and programs. Each Neso country office runs its own annual round with its own list of participating institutions, criteria, and deadlines. So your first step is to find the package your Neso office offers for the program you want.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Funding Body	Nuffic (via Netherlands Education Support Offices) with participating Dutch universities and companies
Host Country	Netherlands
Degree Levels	Bachelor's, Master's
Value	Mainly partial tuition coverage, commonly around EUR 5,000 to EUR 15,000, varying by package
Deadline	Set by each Neso country office, typically opening late in the year before intake
Eligible Nationalities	Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Colombia
Official Website	studyinnl.org Orange Tulip Scholarship

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality Requirements

You need to be a national or resident of a Nuffic Neso country. The exact list of eligible countries is fixed and includes Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and Colombia. If your Neso office does not run a round for the program you want, you cannot apply through that package.

Admission Requirements

You generally need to be admitted, or in the process of being admitted, to a participating Dutch program before the scholarship can be confirmed. The award is tied to a specific institution and program, so admission is the gateway.

Program and Package Requirements

Each country package lists which institutions and programs are covered and what criteria apply. Some packages target specific fields, degree levels, or universities. Read your Neso office's package details to check that your chosen program is included.

Academic Requirements

Selection rewards strong academic performance. The precise thresholds depend on the institution and the package, so the official call from your Neso office lists the exact requirements.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Partial tuition-fee coverage, often a discount in the range of EUR 5,000 to EUR 15,000 depending on the package
• Coverage tied to a specific participating institution and program
• Terms that vary by Neso country office and by the university involved

The scholarship typically does not cover living costs, health insurance, or visa and residence-permit expenses. You will need to plan for those separately, including showing proof of funds for your visa application.

How to Apply

1. Find your Neso office package: Go to the Study in NL listings and your Neso country office to see which Orange Tulip Scholarship packages are open for your country.
2. Choose a program: Pick a participating Dutch program covered by your Neso package and confirm it fits your goals.
3. Apply for admission: Submit your application to the program, since admission is usually required before the scholarship is confirmed.
4. Prepare the scholarship application: Complete the Orange Tulip Scholarship application form for your Neso office and gather the required documents.
5. Submit to your Neso office: Send your completed form and documents to your Neso office in the requested format, often a Word or PDF file under a set size limit, by the country deadline.
6. Wait for selection: The Neso office and participating institution review applications and notify selected students.

Required Documents

• The Orange Tulip Scholarship application form for your Neso country office
• Proof of admission or a pending application to a participating program
• A valid passport showing your nationality
• Academic transcripts and degree or school certificates
• A motivation letter or statement of purpose
• A CV or resume
• Proof of English language ability, such as IELTS or TOEFL, where required
• Letters of recommendation, if the package asks for them

Key Dates & Deadlines

The Orange Tulip Scholarship runs in annual rounds organized by each Neso country office. Rounds typically open late in the year before the intake, often around November, and close in the following months. Deadlines vary sharply by country and by participating institution. For some countries, closing dates fall between February and April. Because there is no single global deadline, you need to check your own Neso office's current round and the specific program's date, then build your timeline around that.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Start at your own Neso country office, since the available packages and deadlines are specific to your country
• Apply for program admission early, because the scholarship is usually tied to being admitted
• Match your motivation letter to the specific program and explain why the Netherlands fits your plans
• Follow the file-format and size rules when emailing your application, since offices set strict limits
• Plan for living costs, insurance, and visa funds separately, as the scholarship does not cover them

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming there is one universal deadline when each Neso office runs its own round
• Applying for a program that is not part of your Neso office's package
• Missing the admission step, which the scholarship usually depends on
• Expecting full funding when the award is mainly partial tuition coverage
• Sending documents in the wrong format or over the size limit set by your Neso office

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Orange Tulip Scholarship?

It is a scholarship managed by Nuffic Neso with participating Dutch universities and companies, offering mainly partial tuition support to students from selected Neso countries who want to study in the Netherlands.

How much is the Orange Tulip Scholarship worth?

The value varies by package and institution. It is mainly partial tuition coverage, commonly a discount in the range of EUR 5,000 to EUR 15,000. The exact amount is set in each country package.

Who is eligible for the Orange Tulip Scholarship?

Nationals or residents of a Nuffic Neso country, such as Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, or Colombia, who are admitted to a participating Dutch program and meet the package criteria.

Is the Orange Tulip Scholarship fully funded?

No. It is usually partial tuition support. It does not generally cover living costs, insurance, or visa expenses, so you need to fund those separately.

What countries are eligible for the Orange Tulip Scholarship?

The eligible countries include Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and Colombia, each served by a Neso office that runs its own round.

What is the deadline for the Orange Tulip Scholarship?

There is no single deadline. Each Neso country office runs an annual round, usually opening late in the year before intake, with closing dates that vary by country and institution. Check your Neso office for the current date.

How do I apply for the Orange Tulip Scholarship?

Find your Neso office's package, apply for admission to a participating program, complete the Orange Tulip Scholarship application form, and submit it with your documents to your Neso office by its deadline.

Does the Orange Tulip Scholarship cover living costs?

It usually does not. The scholarship focuses on partial tuition support and typically excludes living costs, insurance, and visa fees.

Do I need admission before applying for the Orange Tulip Scholarship?

In most cases you need to be admitted, or in the admission process, for a participating program before the scholarship can be confirmed, since the award is tied to a specific program.

What documents do I need for the Orange Tulip Scholarship?

You typically need the application form, proof of admission, a passport, transcripts, a motivation letter, a CV, and proof of language ability. Some packages also ask for recommendation letters. Confirm the list with your Neso office.