The Netherlands is aesthetically unique from other European countries. In terms of education too, it’s public and private universities always rank in the top numbers for their optimum quality training and teaching programs. More than 100,000 international students move to this country each year to complete their higher education. However, like some other European countries, degrees in Holland (Netherlands) are not entirely free for students outside the EU countries. For Indian students especially, the amount can mount up to lakhs and lakhs. It might not be possible for many meritorious students to afford such expenses and they have to forego studying in this beautiful country. To address this issue, the Netherlands has come up with many scholarships for international students that will allow them to study in the country with relaxation on their fees and other living expenses. To make sure that only befitting students get to enjoy the benefits of scholarships, international students are asked to submit an SOP for Netherlands scholarship that highlights notable achievements.
Understanding the concept of SOP for Netherlands scholarship
When students apply to Universities in the Netherlands and expect the country to cover their educational and other livelihood expenses, they apply for a scholarship. Besides filling out the application form for this purpose, students have to write an essay called SOP in which they address the issues they are facing financially. Students should never exceed their work beyond 2 pages (1000 words to be precise). If you are able to convey your points in less than this word limit then that is accepted too. You should only drag the content of your SOP if there is other relevant information. Check on university or scholarship websites about the formatting and presentation details that have to be maintained. Make sure that you clearly state the intent of writing this SOP and what professional or personal benefits you hope to gain from it in the future. Moreover, many writing agencies provide SOP writing services to the students. You can also opt to choose their services if you feel overwhelmed by writing it. Their SOP Writers are professional and have an awareness regarding the guidelines and format of the SOP.
Important points to follow while writing your SOP for Netherlands scholarship
Brief Introduction– Begin writing your SOP for Netherlands scholarship by stating the purpose of your document. Introduce the scholarship program that you have applied for along with the kind of benefits you are hoping to receive. Remember, this is not a point where you give any personal information like name, age, or hobbies. Only your courses and universities are to be part of this step of your SOP.
Academic Records– The next paragraph of your SOP is to explain the education that you have completed till now as a student. Write about your performance in your assignments, projects, and examinations. If you have learned some skills ( such as programming, software development, writing, presentation, effective communication, etc.) that are related to your applied course in the Netherlands then it is better to highlight them.
“Why” of interest in course- All students study a wide variety of subjects during their growing years. When we choose to opt for a certain subject specialization for our higher studies, it is because we have developed some interest in it. It can be because of the practical or theory-oriented subject topics, the scope of technological inventions, becoming a professional like a doctor, engineer, scientist, etc. Whatever the reason for your wish to study further, describe it in appropriate detail.
Meet eligibility of subjects– Except in some rare cases, the Netherlands does not give scholarships to students if they have changed their subject streams again and again. It shows a lack of focus or career goals on the part of the student. Also, subjects like science and maths are important to be a part of the student’s previous educational qualifications. Before finalizing your application research and check that you are eligible for your program according to Netherland’s expectations from prospective students. For example, you cannot do your masters in subjects like Psychology if you do not have an undergraduate degree in the same course.
Intent to study in the Netherlands- Moving to the Netherlands for studies can be a life-altering decision for many students. Students often have goals and aspirations that are course or career-oriented. Write about your true intent for choosing the Netherlands as your study-abroad country and how can it help you realize your dreams. For Example, “Being a science student, I often researched about people who have won recognition in this field because of research work. I found out that the Spinoza Prize for scientists from the Netherlands encouraged young people who based their work on research. Completing my graduation from this country will allow me to study in an environment of scientifically oriented people”.
Program language– Your SOP for scholarship should clearly state the language in which you have opted to study. Today, more than 1500 courses are taught in English in Netherlands universities while balancing it with the country’s official language which is Dutch. You have to take language eligibility tests for both of them and state your performance in your SOP.
Course fit- Students have to justify if they will be able to fit into the interdisciplinary module of their course in the country. Try to align your academic goals with the course’s approach so that your scholarship SOP presents you as the ideal student for this program.
The intent of writing SOP- Scholarship SOP is different from admission SOPs. You have to write the reason for which you want financial help from the authorities. Personal or family issues, health problems, or basic family income can be points to describe your intent. However, Scholarships are also given as awards to students who are academically bright or excel in some skill or activity.
Professional Goals– The career line in which you want to work as a professional can establish you as an authentic candidate who has well-defined goals for him/herself. Write achievable and specific goals that you want to work towards as they should not sound fake or monotonous.
Interest in part-time employment- Even if you are applying for a scholarship that will help you with funds, express in your SOP if you are interested in doing part-time work. Most higher studies students work alongside their studies to manage their personal expenses. It will also assure the officials that you are not hoping to depend completely on your scholarship funds for survival and are willing to work like others.
Popular scholarships from the Netherlands
Orange Knowledge Program- This scholarship is available for postgraduate degrees and other short programs. It is fully funded and prefers students who strive to work for their own as well as the institution’s growth. Students should note that only those short courses are sponsored and do not exceed a period of 12 months.
Holland Scholarship- It is a government scholarship that can award you an amount of 5000 Euros. Students at both bachelor’s and master’s levels can fill out the application form. The funds are given for 1 year only and will bear the expense of the whole course.
Amsterdam Merit Scholarship– The University of Amsterdam itself gives this scholarship to students of postgraduation. It is reserved for some courses only like child development, law, science, business and economics etc. Depending on the need and qualifications of the applicant, the amount can range between 2000-25,000 euros.
Justus and Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships– Offered by the Delft University of Technology, this scholarship promises to give worthy students 30,000 euros each year. As an added benefit, access to seminars and workshops are also provided.
Utrecht Excellence Scholarships- Limited to twenty-five scholarships only, this exclusive program covers the complete tuition fees for all years for students who want to complete their post-graduation from Norway. To add to this excellent opportunity this program also provides 11,000 euros to cover your living costs. There are more than twenty subjects/courses for which students can apply and the selection is majorly based on academic record and passion towards the applied course( that you are supposed to reflect with your SOP).
Conclusion
In the last 2-3 years, the number of Indian students who want to study in the Netherlands has doubled. The standardized education system, work-study balance, experienced faculty, and all-over learning environment are key contributors to these increasing numbers. More than half of these students are studying there after being accepted for a scholarship. This indicates that the right approach with all your required documents can be the deciding factor for your fate in the country as a student. A well-written SOP is undoubtedly one such factor that students should work on with extra caution. Proofread your document, again and again, to ensure that you have answered points like academic/professional background, reasons for choosing the Netherlands, career goals, and intention to use scholarship funds. Extra or invalid information is often the major reason for a scholarship application to be rejected. Other times, students simply follow the same format of other SOPs that are available on the internet. Students should understand that a chance to study in the Netherlands is not worth risking by writing a careless document that does not reflect any commitment or passion. So, to get a perfect SOP for the Netherlands scholarship, contact professional SOP writers in Delhi who are experienced in this field of work.
We, at Contentholic, have an excellent track record in providing services to the students and they have gotten scholarships as well. For providing Excellent SOP Writing Services in Delhi, India, we have been awarded. So, do yourself a favor and talk to our consultants regarding your case and get yourself a well-written Statement of Purpose for the Netherlands Scholarship.
