If you are a non-EU/EEA student aiming for high-quality, globally recognized education in Europe, the NL Scholarship is one of the most straightforward opportunities to cut down your initial study cost in the Netherlands. It is not a full-ride or flashy “everything-paid” scheme. It is a targeted, serious €5,000 boost designed for capable students who can handle the rest but need that initial push to make it possible. studyinnl.org

This scholarship, previously known as the Holland Scholarship, is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, along with a wide network of Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. It is meant for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to pursue a full-time bachelor’s or master’s degree in the Netherlands. studyinnl.org

What Is the NL Scholarship?

The NL Scholarship is a partial funding grant of €5,000, awarded in the first year of your studies in the Netherlands. It is designed to make the transition into Dutch higher education more accessible for strong, motivated non-EU/EEA candidates.

Key points:

• Amount: €5,000 (one-time).
• Level: Bachelor’s or Master’s.
• Type: Partial scholarship (not a full tuition waiver).
• Duration: Only for the first academic year.
• Country: Netherlands.
• For: Non-EU/EEA international students. studyinnl.org

You are expected to cover the remaining tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, and visa costs yourself. The NL Scholarship is a recognition of your academic potential and a financial relief in your starting year, not a full financial dependency plan.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

You are eligible for the NL Scholarship if you meet all of the following:

1. You hold a non-EEA nationality.
2. You are applying for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s programme at one of the participating Dutch higher education institutions.
3. You meet the specific admission requirements of the institution of your choice (academic performance, documents, English proficiency, etc.).
4. You do not already hold a degree from a Dutch higher education institution. studyinnl.org

If any one of these points fails, your application will not be considered.

Participating Universities (2026–27)

The list of participating institutions is officially updated each year. For the 2026–27 academic year, participating universities include several leading Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. Examples: studyinnl.org

Research Universities (sample list):

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

Universities of Applied Sciences (sample list):

• Fontys University of Applied Sciences
• Hanze University of Applied Sciences
• HZ University of Applied Sciences
• NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
• Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
• Saxion University of Applied Sciences
• Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
• Zuyd University of Applied Sciences

Each institution decides:

• Which programmes are covered.
• How many NL Scholarships are available.
• What the internal deadline and selection process look like.

You must always check your chosen institution’s official page for exact details.

What Does the €5,000 Actually Cover?

There is no restriction that forces you to spend the €5,000 in one specific way. Typically, students use it for:

• Reducing the first-year tuition fee burden.
• Managing initial living costs, housing deposits, or health insurance.
• Covering travel, books, or settlement expenses.

Important:

• It is a one-time amount.
• It does not automatically renew for later years.
• You must still prove that you can finance the rest of your stay for visa and residence permit purposes.

Think of it as a serious financial head start, not a complete solution. studyinnl.org

How to Apply for the NL Scholarship (Step-by-Step)

The NL Scholarship is not applied for through a central portal. You apply via the participating university where you apply for your degree.

Use this structure:

1. Choose Your Programme and University

Select a bachelor’s or master’s programme at a participating institution that aligns with your academic background and goals. Check:

• Admission requirements.
• Tuition fees.
• English language requirements.
• Whether that programme is linked with the NL Scholarship.

2. Apply for Admission

Submit your full admission application to the university through its online application system. Usually required:

• Academic transcripts.
• Valid passport.
• English test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, etc., if required).
• CV/resume.
• Motivation letter/Statement of Purpose.
• Reference letters (if required).

Your scholarship chances collapse if your admission file is weak or incomplete.

3. Apply for the NL Scholarship

Depending on the institution:

• Either there is a separate NL Scholarship form.
• Or a section inside the admission application where you indicate interest.
• Some universities require an extra motivation letter specifically for the NL Scholarship explaining:
  • Why you chose the Netherlands.
  • Why you chose that institution and programme.
  • How the scholarship will support your academic and career path.
  • What you will contribute as an international student.

Follow the instructions of that specific university exactly.

4. Respect Deadlines

For the 2026–27 intake, the NL Scholarship application opened on 1 November 2025. Each institution sets its own deadline(s), often between January and May.

If you miss the institutional deadline, there is no workaround. Always verify the date on your university’s official scholarship page. studyinnl.org

5. Wait for the Decision

If selected, you will receive confirmation from the institution. The award is usually conditional on:

• Your admission being finalized.
• You meeting all visa/financial requirements.
• Your enrollment as a full-time student.

Official Application Link

Use and embed the verified official source:

Apply here (official):

studyinnl.org

From this page, students can:

• Confirm updated eligibility.
• See the list of participating institutions.
• Watch the official guidance video.
• Download the official flyer.

Read Also: Erasmus+ Joint Master Degrees: A Fully Funded Opportunity Across Europe

FAQ’s:NL Scholarship 2026–27

Q1. Is the NL Scholarship a full scholarship?
A: No. It is a one-time €5,000 partial scholarship for the first year only. It does not cover full tuition or all living expenses.

Q2. Who is eligible for the NL Scholarship?
A: Only non-EU/EEA students applying for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s at a participating Dutch institution, who meet the admission criteria and do not already hold a Dutch degree.

Q3. How do I apply for the NL Scholarship?
A: You apply through the Dutch university where you submit your degree application. Each participating institution provides its own NL Scholarship procedure and deadline.

Q4. Can I apply to more than one university with the NL Scholarship?
A: You can apply to multiple universities, but scholarship selection is handled individually. In the end, the award is tied to the institution that offers it to you.

Q5. Where can I find the official and updated information?
A: On the official Study in NL website:
https://www.studyinnl.org/finances/nl-scholarship – always check this page for the latest rules, participating universities, and deadlines.