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The NL Scholarship, also called the Holland Scholarship, is a 5,000 euro award for international students from outside the European Economic Area who want to study a bachelor’s or master’s at a Dutch university or college. It is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education together with the participating universities. It is a one-time 5,000 euro grant, not full funding, so it helps with your costs in the first year rather than covering the whole degree.
| Host country | Netherlands |
| Provider | Dutch Ministry of Education and participating Dutch universities |
| Study level | Bachelor’s or master’s |
| Award | 5,000 euros, one time, in your first year (partial support, not full funding) |
| Who can apply | Students from outside the European Economic Area, including African students |
| Application fee | None for the scholarship |
| Deadline | 1 February 2027 or 1 May 2027, depending on your university |
What is the NL Scholarship?
The NL Scholarship is the Dutch government’s way of welcoming international students from outside Europe. It gives you 5,000 euros to help with your studies in your first year at a participating Dutch university or college.
Be clear about what it is, so you plan well. It is a one-time grant of 5,000 euros, paid once, in your first year. It is not a full scholarship, and it does not pay your whole tuition. Think of it as a solid head start on your costs, which you then build on with your own funds, a part-time job, or other aid.
The Netherlands has strong universities that teach many degrees fully in English, so it is a popular choice, and this grant makes that first year lighter.
What you get
- A one-time award of 5,000 euros in your first year of study.
- The award goes toward your tuition or your living costs, as your university arranges it.
Because the amount is fixed at 5,000 euros, plan the rest of your budget around it. Many students pair it with a university-specific scholarship, so check what else your chosen Dutch university offers and apply for those too.
Who can apply
- You are a national of a country outside the European Economic Area. African students are eligible.
- You are applying for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s at a participating Dutch university or college.
- You are not already studying at, or hold a degree from, a Dutch institution, in most cases.
- You meet the admission and English-language requirements of your chosen programme.
Is there an age limit?
There is no age limit for the NL Scholarship. What matters is that you are a new international student joining a bachelor’s or master’s at a participating Dutch institution. So your age is not the question here.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
Dutch programmes taught in English usually ask for proof of English, often IELTS or TOEFL, unless you qualify for an exemption. The exact score depends on your programme, so check your university’s requirement and book any test in good time.
Which universities take part?
Many Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences take part, and the list can change each year. So pick the university and programme you want first, then check on that university’s own page whether it offers the NL Scholarship and what its deadline is. You apply for the scholarship through the university, not through a central office.
What you need to apply
- Your admission application to your chosen Dutch programme.
- Your school or degree records and transcripts.
- Proof of English, if your programme asks for it.
- A motivation letter, if the university’s scholarship form asks for one.
- Your passport.
How to apply, step by step
- Choose the Dutch university and programme you want, and check it offers the NL Scholarship.
- Apply for admission to that programme.
- On the university’s own page, find the NL Scholarship form and its deadline, which is either 1 February or 1 May 2027.
- Submit the scholarship application to the university with any documents it asks for.
- Watch your email for the university’s decision.
How they choose
Each participating university runs its own selection for the NL Scholarship and sets its own criteria, often looking at your grades, your motivation, and your fit for the programme. So a strong admission application and a clear motivation letter are what help you here.
Deadline
1 February 2027 or 1 May 2027, depending on your university. Confirm the exact date on your chosen university’s page, because each one sets its own.
The dates fall early in the year, so once you have picked your university, note its scholarship deadline next to its admission deadline and work back from the earlier of the two.
Have a question?
Tell us which Dutch university you are aiming for in the comments, and we will help you find its scholarship page.
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