Entries open for the NL Scholarshis Program for Bachelors and Masters Studies in the Netherlands

Applications are now open for the NL Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year, providing a valuable financial boost for talented students worldwide. This initiative, formerly known as the Holland Scholarship, targets international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who aspire to complete a full-time bachelor’s or master’s degree at one of the Netherlands’ esteemed higher education institutions. With its focus on fostering global talent and cultural diversity, the scholarship helps bridge the gap for students seeking high-quality education in a country renowned for its innovative research, vibrant cities, and inclusive society.

About the NL Scholarship Program

The NL Scholarship program is a cornerstone of the Netherlands’ efforts to internationalize its higher education landscape and attract bright minds from around the globe. Established in 2015 as the Holland Scholarship and rebranded to NL Scholarship in recent years, it aims to promote the Netherlands as a premier destination for study and research by supporting non-EEA students in overcoming financial barriers. Beyond the monetary award, the program emphasizes academic excellence, cross-cultural exchange, and skill development in fields ranging from technology and sciences to arts and humanities. Recipients not only receive funding but also gain access to a network of Dutch universities known for their cutting-edge facilities, practical-oriented teaching, and strong ties to industry. Over the years, the program has empowered thousands of students to pursue their dreams, contributing to a more interconnected world while highlighting the Netherlands’ commitment to education as a tool for global progress. This scholarship is particularly appealing for those interested in sustainable development, engineering, or creative industries, aligning with the country’s leadership in these areas.

Funded collaboratively by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science alongside various Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences, the NL Scholarship offers a one-time grant of €5,000. This amount is disbursed during the first year of studies and serves as a supplement to cover living expenses, travel, or other costs—importantly, it is not intended as a full-tuition waiver. By providing this support, the program enables students to focus on their academic and personal growth without undue financial strain.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the NL Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a non-EEA nationality.
• Be applying for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program at a participating Dutch higher education institution.
• Satisfy the specific admission and scholarship criteria set by the chosen institution (details available on their respective websites).
• Not possess a prior degree from any educational institution in the Netherlands.

These criteria ensure the scholarship reaches motivated newcomers eager to contribute to and benefit from the Dutch academic environment.

Application Process and Deadlines

Interested students should apply directly through the participating institution of their choice, as each handles its own selection process. The overall application window for the 2026-2027 academic year opened on November 1, 2025, but deadlines vary by university—typically falling between February and May 2026. It’s crucial to check the institution’s website for exact dates, required documents (such as motivation letters, CVs, and proof of eligibility), and any additional steps. Early preparation is recommended, as some programs may require simultaneous submission with university admission applications.

Participating Institutions

The list of participating institutions evolves annually to include a diverse range of research universities and universities of applied sciences. For the 2026-2027 academic year, applicants can explore

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

Participating universities of applied sciences 2026-2027

Below is an overview of the Dutch universities of applied sciences participating in the NL Scholarship for the 2026-2027 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

For DETAILS AND TO APPLY Visit the Official Webpage of the Holland (NL) Scholarships