Project Overview
About the Scholarship
The NL Scholarship is the Dutch national grant for international students from outside the European Economic Area who come to the Netherlands for a full-time bachelor's or master's programme. The scheme, formerly known as the Holland Scholarship, is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science together with Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. It is now administered and promoted through the Study in NL platform.
The scholarship awards EUR 5,000 in the first year of study at participating institutions. Many universities combine the NL Scholarship with their own additional grants, so the total package can be larger at some institutions. Applications are made through the chosen Dutch university, and each institution sets its own selection criteria, so candidates should check the specific requirements and deadlines of their target programme alongside the national round.
Who Should Apply
The grant is aimed at non-EEA students applying for a full-time qualifying bachelor's or master's programme at a participating Dutch institution, who do not yet hold a degree from Dutch higher education. Selection is typically based on academic merit, motivation and the fit between the applicant's background and the chosen programme. Because the award is a one-off contribution towards study costs rather than a full scholarship, most successful applicants combine it with university-specific scholarships, part-time work rules available to student-visa holders, or other national schemes listed on the Study in NL scholarship finder.
Highlights
- EUR 5,000 grant in the first year of study
- Open for bachelor's and master's programmes at participating universities
- Available to non-EEA international students
- Can be combined with university-specific scholarships
- Application runs through the chosen Dutch institution
- National deadline rounds in February and May 2027
Funding and Duration
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Award or position | Scholarship award |
| Stipend / salary | EUR 5,000 paid in the first study year |
| Duration | First year of the bachelor's or master's programme |
Eligibility and Requirements
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicant eligibility | Worldwide |
| Academic preparation | Non-EEA student admitted to a qualifying full-time bachelor's or master's programme |
| Language | English proficiency required |
Application dates
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment status | Open |
| Deadline | 1 February 2027 (Round 1) / 1 May 2027 (Round 2) |
| Location | Across Netherlands, Netherlands |
About Study in NL (Dutch Ministry of OCW)
Study in NL is the official national platform for international students considering study in the Netherlands, operated with support from the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) and Nuffic, the Dutch organisation for internationalisation in education. The site explains the NL Scholarship, the successor to the Holland Scholarship, along with tuition fee levels, visa procedures, insurance and student life. Its scholarship finder lists funding offered by Dutch universities, ministries and public bodies in one searchable place. Prospective bachelor's and master's students use it to compare deadlines and funding before applying to Dutch institutions.
Official details: Read the programme or project information
Application route: Follow the official application instructions
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: 1 February 2027 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official page before the deadline: 1 February 2027 (Round 1) / 1 May 2027 (Round 2). Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents - early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
- How to Ask for a Recommendation Letter: Emails and Preparation
- SOP, Personal Statement or Research Proposal: What Each Document Does
Official Link
https://www.studyinnl.org/finances/nl-scholarship
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for NL Scholarship 2027-28 (formerly Holland Scholarship) (Netherlands)?
The application deadline is 2 February 2027 (1 February 2027). Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/Amsterdam time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/Amsterdam but gives no clock time.
How is NL Scholarship 2027-28 (formerly Holland Scholarship) (Netherlands) funded?
This is a partially funded award: funding is listed as partial, so it covers only part of the cost rather than the whole programme. What is covered (fees, living costs or both) is not set out in the source — check the source for what it covers and price the remainder before you apply. EUR 5,000 paid in the first study year.
Who is eligible to apply for NL Scholarship 2027-28 (formerly Holland Scholarship) (Netherlands)?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for Netherlands. Applications are assessed by Study in NL (Dutch Ministry of OCW).
How do I apply for NL Scholarship 2027-28 (formerly Holland Scholarship) (Netherlands)?
Applications for NL Scholarship 2027-28 (formerly Holland Scholarship) (Netherlands) are submitted directly to Study in NL (Dutch Ministry of OCW) through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for NL Scholarship 2027-28 (formerly Holland Scholarship) (Netherlands)?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for Netherlands are published by the provider.
What study level does NL Scholarship 2027-28 (formerly Holland Scholarship) (Netherlands) offer?
This listing is offered at Master's level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.
Hosted by
Study in NL (Dutch Ministry of OCW)
Study in NL is the official national platform for international students considering study in the Netherlands, operated with support from the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) and Nuffic, the Dutch organisation for internationalisation in education. The site explains the NL Scholarship, the successor to the Holland Scholarship, along with tuition fee levels, visa procedures, insurance and student life. Its scholarship finder lists funding offered by Dutch universities, ministries and public bodies in one searchable place. Prospective bachelor's and master's students use it to compare deadlines and funding before applying to Dutch institutions.
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