Holland Scholarship (NL Scholarship) 2026-2027

Overview

The Holland Scholarship, now officially the NL Scholarship, is a financial award for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to do a bachelor's or master's degree at a participating Dutch university. It is jointly funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Dutch research universities, and universities of applied sciences. It provides a one-time grant of EUR 5,000 in the first year of study.

The NL Scholarship is not a full-ride award, but it is one of the most accessible scholarships for studying in the Netherlands. The application process is straightforward and eligibility is broad, making it a good option for students from developing and emerging economies. The grant targets the first year, when upfront costs tend to be highest.

For 2026-2027, applications opened on November 1, 2025. Each participating institution sets its own deadline, so check directly with your university. The scholarship cannot be combined with other Dutch government-funded scholarships, and you can only receive it once. The EUR 5,000 is modest compared to fully funded programs, but it opens the door to the Netherlands' globally ranked universities and its well-known international study environment.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Funding Body	Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, in cooperation with Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences
Host Country	Netherlands
Degree Levels	Bachelor's, Master's
Value	EUR 5,000 (one-time grant in the first year)
Deadline	February–May 2026
Duration	First year of study only (one-time award)
Eligible Nationalities	Citizens of countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA). EEA nationals, Swiss nationals, and Surinamese nationals are not eligible.
Official Website	https://www.studyinnl.org/finances/nl-scholarship

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You must be applying for a full-time bachelor's or master's programme at a participating Dutch institution. Strong academic performance is expected, though minimum GPA requirements vary by institution.

Nationality Requirements

You must hold citizenship of a country outside the EEA. EEA nationals, Swiss nationals, and Surinamese nationals cannot apply.

Language Requirements

English proficiency as required by the programme. Most English-taught programmes need IELTS 6.0-6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80-90. Some programmes may require Dutch.

Work Experience

Not required.

Other Requirements

You must not hold a degree from a Dutch higher education institution. The scholarship can only be received once and cannot be combined with other Dutch government-funded scholarships or fee waivers. Your chosen institution may have additional requirements.

Scholarship Benefits

• EUR 5,000 grant in the first year of study
• Available for both bachelor's and master's programmes
• Offered at a wide range of participating Dutch universities
• Reduces first-year costs when upfront expenses are highest
• Access to the Netherlands' internationally ranked higher education system
• Study in one of Europe's most international and English-friendly countries

How to Apply

1. Choose a Participating Institution and Programme: Not all Dutch universities participate. Check the list on the Study in NL website and find a bachelor's or master's programme that interests you.
2. Apply for Admission to the Programme: Submit your admission application to the chosen institution through its standard process. You must be applying for a full-time programme to qualify for the NL Scholarship.
3. Indicate Interest in the NL Scholarship: During the admission application, indicate that you want to be considered for the NL Scholarship. Many institutions include a checkbox or specific question about scholarship interest.
4. Write a Motivation Letter: Write a motivation letter (maximum 500 words) addressed to the university. Explain why you are a strong student, drawing on academic achievements and extracurricular activities like voluntary work, leadership roles, or community engagement.
5. Upload Documents and Submit: Upload your motivation letter and any other documents the institution requires. Submit before the institution's NL Scholarship deadline.
6. Await Results: The university reviews all applications and notifies successful candidates. Timelines vary, but most decisions come alongside or shortly after admission decisions.

Required Documents

• Completed admission application to a participating Dutch institution
• Motivation letter for the NL Scholarship (maximum 500 words)
• Valid passport copy showing non-EEA nationality
• Official academic transcripts and degree certificates
• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
• CV or resume (if required by the institution)
• Portfolio (for arts and design programmes, if applicable)
• Any additional documents specified by the chosen institution

Important Dates & Deadlines

Milestone	Date
Applications Open	November 1, 2025 (for the 2026-2027 academic year)
Application Deadline	Institution-specific. Common deadlines fall between February 1 and May 1, 2026. Check your chosen university's website for exact dates.
Results Announced	Varies by institution; typically communicated with or shortly after admission decisions.
Course Start	September 2026 (some programmes start in February 2027)

Tips for a Strong Application

Personal Statement Tips

• Focus your 500-word motivation letter on what sets you apart academically and personally. Committees want evidence of talent beyond grades.
• Mention specific extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or leadership roles that show your character and drive.
• Explain why you chose the Netherlands and this specific institution. Show you have done your research.
• Be direct. With 500 words, every sentence must count. Cut generic opening lines.
• Proofread carefully. A clean, error-free letter signals attention to detail.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming all Dutch universities participate. Always verify that your institution offers the NL Scholarship.
• Missing the institution-specific deadline. There is no single national deadline.
• Writing a generic motivation letter that does not mention the specific programme or institution.
• Trying to combine the NL Scholarship with other Dutch government-funded scholarships, which is not allowed.
• Expecting full tuition coverage. The scholarship is a one-time EUR 5,000 grant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Holland Scholarship worth?

EUR 5,000, paid once in the first year. It is not a full-tuition scholarship.

Is the Holland Scholarship the same as the NL Scholarship?

The Holland Scholarship has been officially renamed to the NL Scholarship. Eligibility, benefits, and the application process are unchanged.

Can EU students apply for the Holland Scholarship?

No. The NL Scholarship is exclusively for students from outside the EEA. EU/EEA nationals, Swiss nationals, and Surinamese nationals are not eligible.

What is the deadline for Holland Scholarship 2026?

There is no single national deadline. Each university sets its own, typically between February 1 and May 1, 2026. Check your university's website.

Is the Holland Scholarship renewable for the second year?

No. It is a one-time award for the first year only. You need to find alternative funding for later years.

Can I combine the Holland Scholarship with other scholarships?

Not with other Dutch government-funded scholarships. It may be combinable with university-specific scholarships or external funding, depending on the institution's policies.

Which Dutch universities offer the Holland Scholarship?

Multiple Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences participate, including the University of Amsterdam, TU Delft, Leiden University, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and many others. The full list is on the Study in NL website.

Does the Holland Scholarship cover tuition fees?

The EUR 5,000 grant is a partial contribution. Dutch university tuition for non-EEA students ranges from EUR 8,000 to EUR 20,000+ per year depending on the programme.

Do I need to apply separately for the Holland Scholarship?

At most institutions, you indicate interest during your admission application and upload a separate motivation letter. The exact process varies by university.

How competitive is the Holland Scholarship?

Competition varies by institution and programme. The scholarship is widely available, but each institution has a limited number of awards. Strong academics and a compelling motivation letter improve your chances.

Can I use the Holland Scholarship for an online programme?

No. The NL Scholarship is only for full-time, on-campus programmes at participating Dutch institutions.

Do I need previous Dutch education to apply for Holland Scholarship?

The opposite. You must not hold a degree from a Dutch higher education institution. The scholarship is specifically for new international students entering the Dutch system.

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