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.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, the application window is now open. This comprehensive guide is tailored for Indian students and other international applicants, detailing everything you need to know about the NL Scholarship, from eligibility and the application process to the specific benefits and participating institutions. Seize this opportunity to experience the Netherlands' high-quality education, innovative culture, and vibrant student life.

The NL Scholarship is applicable to a wide range of full-time bachelor's and master's programmes. However, it is crucial to apply to one of the specific participating Dutch higher education institutions. The scholarship is not automatically available for every course at these universities, so you must check the institution's website for the specific programmes they have nominated for the NL Scholarship.

The programme is offered by a consortium of top-tier Dutch institutions. Below is a curated list of prominent participating universities for the 2025-2026 intake.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Other participating institutions include Maastricht University, VU Amsterdam, Eindhoven University of Technology, and several specialized universities of applied sciences like Fontys and Hanze. Always confirm your chosen course is eligible for the scholarship on the official university website.

NL Scholarship Awards

The NL Scholarship provides significant financial support to help you kickstart your educational journey in the Netherlands. It is important for applicants, especially Indian students, to understand that this is a partial scholarship and not a full-tuition award.

The scholarship offers a one-time payment of €5,000 at the start of your first year of studies. This amount is intended to help cover initial costs such as settling-in expenses, a portion of your living costs, or a fraction of your tuition fees. You will need to budget carefully and demonstrate access to sufficient funds to cover the remainder of your tuition and living expenses for your entire study period, as required by the Dutch immigration authority (IND).

NL Scholarship Amount

The NL Scholarship provides a one-time grant of €5,000 (approximately INR 4.5 Lakhs). This financial award is designed to assist with your initial costs upon arriving in the Netherlands.

NL Scholarship Benefits

Beyond the direct financial contribution, being an NL Scholar comes with distinct advantages that enrich your study abroad experience.

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.

Application Timeline for NL Scholarship

The application timeline for the NL Scholarship is not universal and is set individually by each participating Dutch university. You must check the specific deadlines on the website of the institution you are applying to.

Generally, for the 2025-2026 academic year starting in September, the application period typically runs from October 2024 to February 2025 for most research universities. Some universities, especially for Master's programmes, may have deadlines as early as 1st February 2025. For universities of applied sciences, deadlines can be as late as 1st May 2025. Always confirm the exact date with your chosen institution.

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.

Other Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad