How to Apply for the NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship)
The NL Scholarship (formerly known as the Holland Scholarship) is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, along with participating Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. It is aimed at international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who wish to pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the Netherlands.
In this guide, we explain the scholarship value, eligibility rules, and application steps.
Scholarship Value and Details
- Award Amount: €5,000 awarded during the first year of your studies.
- Nature: It is a one-time grant towards your study costs and is not a full-tuition waiver.
- Target: Non-EEA citizens applying for full-time programs in the Netherlands.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the NL Scholarship, you must:
- Be a citizen of a non-EEA country.
- Be applying for a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s program at a participating Dutch higher education institution.
- Meet the specific entry requirements of your target university.
- Have never previously studied at an educational institution in the Netherlands.
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Apply to a Dutch University
You must first apply for admission to a participating Dutch university (via Studielink).
2. Verify Scholarship Allocation
Check if your selected university participates in the NL Scholarship program. Each participating school handles its own application and selection criteria.
3. Submit a Separate Application
Most universities require a separate application form, which often includes a dedicated motivation essay.
- Deadlines: Applications typically open in November and close on either February 1 or May 1 for the autumn intake.
Find English-taught programs in the Netherlands and check admission scores using Studplex.