NL Scholarship: Eligibility, Deadline & How to Apply

The NL Scholarship, previously known as the Holland Scholarship, is a prestigious initiative designed to attract bright and motivated international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to pursue their bachelor's or master's studies in the Netherlands. Financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science along with numerous Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences, this scholarship aims to reward academic excellence and foster a diverse, global learning environment in the Dutch higher education system.

The application period for the 2027-2028 academic year is currently open.

Check the institution's website for the specific deadlines for the 2027-2028 application rounds.

Participating research universities 2027-2028

Below is an overview of the Dutch research universities participating in the NL Scholarship for the 2027-2028 academic year. You can find the specific closing dates and the fields of study for this academic year on the website of the institution you want to apply to.

• Eindhoven University of Technology
• Maastricht University
• Protestant Theological University
• Radboud University
• University of Groningen
• University of Twente
• Utrecht Theological University
• Utrecht University
• VU Amsterdam
• Wageningen University & Research

Participating universities of applied sciences 2027-2028

Below is an overview of the Dutch universities of applied sciences participating in the NL Scholarship for the 2027-2028 academic year.

• Aeres University of Applied Sciences
• Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
• Amsterdam University of the Arts
• ArtEZ Institute of the Arts
• Breda University of Applied Sciences
• Codarts Rotterdam
• Design Academy Eindhoven
• Driestar Christian University
• Fontys University of Applied Sciences
• Gerrit Rietveld Academie
• The Hague University of Applied Sciences
• Hanze University of Applied Sciences
• Hotelschool The Hague
• HAN University of Applied Sciences
• HKU University of Applied Sciences
• HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
• HZ University of Applied Sciences
• NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
• Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
• Saxion University of Applied Sciences
• Thomas More Hogeschool
• University of the Arts, The Hague
• Zuyd University of Applied Sciences 

The eligibility criteria for the NL Scholarship are specific and must be met in full. The requirements are strictly enforced by the participating institutions.

Who Can Apply for NL Scholarship

Your nationality is non-EEA. This is the primary criterion that defines the target group for this scholarship. Citizens from countries like India, Indonesia, USA, China, Brazil, Nigeria, and Turkey are typical applicants. You must be applying for a full-time degree programme and not have previously studied in the Dutch education system.

The application process for the NL Scholarship is managed directly by the participating Dutch universities, not through a centralised portal. You must apply for both the academic programme and the scholarship separately, following the university's specific procedure.

1. Select Your Course and University: Identify a full-time bachelor's or master's programme at a participating Dutch university that interests you.
2. Check University Deadline: Visit the official website of your chosen university to find the specific application and scholarship deadline for the 2025-2026 intake.
3. Apply for Admission: Complete the university's standard application process for your selected degree programme.
4. Apply for the Scholarship: Submit a separate scholarship application through the university's portal or system, which may require a dedicated motivation letter.
5. Await the Result: The university's selection committee will assess all applications and inform successful candidates directly.

NL Scholarship Interview

An interview is not a standard part of the NL Scholarship selection process. The selection is primarily based on the quality of your academic credentials, your motivation letter, and your CV. In rare cases, a specific university or faculty might invite shortlisted candidates for an interview, but this is not the norm. The final decision is communicated via email from the university's admissions office.

Your nationality is non-EEA.

While the exact document requirements can vary slightly between universities, you will generally need to prepare the following for your application:

• A valid passport.
• Completed application for a full-time programme at a participating Dutch university.
• Academic transcripts and diplomas from your previous education.
• A motivation letter (often specific to the NL Scholarship application).
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Proof of meeting the specific requirements of the institution (e.g., portfolio, research proposal).

FAQs about NL Scholarship

Who is eligible for the NL Scholarship?

You are eligible if you are a citizen of a non-EEA country (like India), are applying for a full-time bachelor's or master's programme at a participating Dutch university, and do not already have a degree from the Netherlands.

What does the NL Scholarship cover?

It is a partial scholarship. It provides a one-time grant of €5,000 to help with your study costs. It does not cover full tuition or living expenses.

Is the NL Scholarship fully funded?

No, the NL Scholarship is not a fully-funded opportunity. It is a €5,000 grant to assist with your initial costs. You must demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover the rest of your tuition fees and living expenses.

Do I need to apply to the university first?

Yes. You must first apply and be (or be in the process of being) admitted to a full-time programme at a participating Dutch university to be considered for the NL Scholarship.

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