NL Scholarship 2026 | €5,000 Netherlands Scholarship for International Students

NL Scholarship 2026: €5,000 Grant for International Students to Study in the Netherlands

The NL Scholarship, formerly known as the Holland Scholarship, continues to offer valuable financial support to international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who wish to pursue higher education in the Netherlands. For the 2026 academic intake, the scholarship provides a one-time grant of €5,000, awarded during the first year of study, to help cover tuition fees or living expenses at participating Dutch universities.

Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in collaboration with research universities and universities of applied sciences, the NL Scholarship is designed to attract high-achieving international students and promote the Netherlands as a global education hub.

Overview of the NL Scholarship

The NL Scholarship is a merit-based financial award available to students enrolling in full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programs. Unlike fully funded scholarships, it serves as a partial grant, easing the initial financial burden for talented students beginning their studies in the Netherlands.

The scholarship is not administered centrally by the government; instead, applications are submitted directly to participating institutions, each of which manages its own selection process and deadlines.

Scholarship Value and Benefits

• Award Amount: €5,000
• Payment Period: First year of study only
• Purpose: Can be used toward tuition fees or living costs
• Funding Source: Dutch Ministry of Education and participating institutions

Although the NL Scholarship does not cover full tuition or accommodation, it provides meaningful financial relief during the critical first year, when international students face the highest setup costs.

Who Can Apply?

The NL Scholarship targets new international students who meet specific academic and eligibility requirements.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold non-EEA nationality
• Be applying for a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s program
• Not have studied previously in the Netherlands
• Demonstrate an excellent academic record
• Meet all admission requirements of the chosen Dutch institution

Some universities may apply additional criteria such as minimum GPA, motivation letters, or proof of extracurricular achievements.

Fields of Study

The NL Scholarship is available across a wide range of academic disciplines, depending on the participating institution. These may include:

• Business and Economics
• Engineering and Technology
• Social Sciences
• Health and Life Sciences
• Arts, Design, and Applied Studies

Students should verify program-specific eligibility directly with their selected university.

Application Process

Applying for the NL Scholarship involves several important steps that students must follow carefully.

Step 1: Choose a Participating Institution

Applicants must first select a research university or university of applied sciences that participates in the NL Scholarship scheme.

Step 2: Apply for Admission

Students must apply for admission to their chosen Bachelor’s or Master’s program through the university’s official application system.

Step 3: Submit Scholarship Application

After or alongside the admission application, students must submit a separate NL Scholarship application to the same institution. Applications are not submitted to the Dutch Ministry directly.

Step 4: Await Selection

Universities assess applicants based on academic excellence, motivation, and overall fit with the program. Successful candidates are informed by the institution.

Important Deadlines

Deadlines for the NL Scholarship vary by university and program. However, most institutions follow one of the following timelines:

• May 1 for programs starting in September
• June 1 for selected programs or late application rounds

Applicants are advised to apply well before the deadline, as some universities may close applications early once quotas are filled.

Participating Universities

A large number of Dutch institutions take part in the NL Scholarship program. Notable participants include:

• Maastricht University (often through its High Potential Scholarship track)
• University of Twente
• Radboud University
• Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
• Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
• HAN University of Applied Sciences
• Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences

Each institution may offer the scholarship for selected programs only, so applicants should review eligibility details carefully.

Why Study in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is one of Europe’s most popular destinations for international education due to:

• High-quality, globally ranked universities
• Wide range of English-taught programs
• Innovative teaching and research environment
• Strong links between education and industry
• Safe, multicultural, and student-friendly cities

The NL Scholarship further enhances the country’s appeal by making higher education more accessible to talented students worldwide.

Conclusion

The NL Scholarship 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for non-EEA students to begin their academic journey in the Netherlands with €5,000 in financial support. While it is not a fully funded program, it recognizes academic excellence and helps reduce first-year costs for outstanding international students.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to research participating institutions early, prepare strong academic and motivation documents, and submit their applications before the specified deadlines to maximize their chances of success.