NL Scholarship: A Prestigious Opportunity for International Students

The NL Scholarship is a prestigious initiative funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in collaboration with several Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. This scholarship programme is designed to attract international students who wish to pursue bachelor’s or master’s degree programmes in the Netherlands. With its high-quality education system and emphasis on innovation, the Netherlands has become a popular destination for students worldwide.

The NL Scholarship (formerly known as the Holland Scholarship) is a prestigious financial award offered to outstanding international students pursuing higher education in the Netherlands. It is designed for students from non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries who wish to enroll in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program at participating Dutch universities.

Why Study in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is home to world-class universities, a globally recognized education system, and a thriving international student community. With English-taught programs, a diverse cultural environment, and strong career opportunities, it has become a top destination for international students.

Scholarship Overview

• Level of Study: Bachelor's / Master's

• Eligible Institutions: Participating research universities and universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands

• Study Location: Netherlands

• Available Courses: Bachelor's or Master's programs in eligible fields of study offered by the participating institutions

• Duration: The scholarship is granted for one year and is non-renewable

• Application Deadlines: February 1, 2025 / May 1, 2025 / June 1, 2024 (Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open)

Scholarship Benefits

The NL Scholarship provides a one-time grant of €5,000 to successful applicants. This amount is awarded in the first year of study and helps cover tuition and living expenses. However, it is not a full-tuition scholarship, so students must secure additional funding for their studies.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the NL Scholarship, applicants must:

• Your nationality is non-EEA.

• You are applying for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s programme at one of the participating Dutch higher education institutions.

• You meet the specific requirements of the institution of your choice. You can find these on the website of the institution.

• You do not have a degree from an education institution in the Netherlands.

List of Participating Universities

The following Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences will be offering the NL Scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year. For details on specific deadlines and eligible fields of study, please visit the official website of the institution you intend to apply to.

Participating Research Universities

• Utrecht University

• University of Groningen

• Erasmus University Rotterdam

• Maastricht University

• VU Amsterdam

• Radboud University

• Delft University of Technology

• Eindhoven University of Technology

• University of Twente

• Theological University Kampen

• Theological University Apeldoorn (not participating this year)

Participating Universities of Applied Sciences

• Aeres University of Applied Sciences

• Amsterdam University of the Arts

• ArtEZ Institute of the Arts

• Breda University of Applied Sciences

• Codarts Rotterdam

• Design Academy Eindhoven

• Fontys University of Applied Sciences

• Gerrit Rietveld Academie

• The Hague University of Applied Sciences

• Hanze University of Applied Sciences

• Hotelschool The Hague

• Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences

• HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht

• Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences

• HAN University of Applied Sciences

• HKU University of Applied Sciences

• HZ University of Applied Sciences

• NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences

• Saxion University of Applied Sciences

• University of the Arts, The Hague

• Zuyd University of Applied Sciences

For the full list of participating institutions, visit the official university websites or the Study in Holland portal.

Application Process

1. Step 1: Choose a participating Dutch university and an eligible study program.

2. Step 2: Check the specific application requirements of the university (each institution has its own process).

3. Step 3: Submit your admission application and indicate your interest in the NL Scholarship.

4. Step 4: Provide required documents, such as a motivation letter, academic transcripts, and CV.

5. Step 5: Await the university’s selection decision.

Application Deadline

The NL Scholarship application deadline varies by university, but most deadlines fall between February and May 2025. It is advisable to check with the specific university you are applying to for the exact timeline.

If you’re an ambitious international student looking to study in the Netherlands, the NL Scholarship could be your gateway to an excellent academic and professional future. Start preparing your application today!