NL Scholarship (Holland Scholarship)

Dutch Ministry of Education & Dutch Universities

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Non-EEA nationals who apply for a full-time bachelor's or master's programme at a participating Dutch university or university of applied sciences, have never studied in the Netherlands and pay the full institutional tuition fee. Each institution sets its own grade requirements and selection.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

The NL Scholarship (formerly the Holland Scholarship) gives non-EEA students a one-off grant towards their first year of study at a participating Dutch university or university of applied sciences.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Non-EEA nationals who apply for a full-time bachelor's or master's programme at a participating Dutch university or university of applied sciences, have never studied in the Netherlands and pay the full institutional tuition fee. Each institution sets its own grade requirements and selection.
2. Note the deadline. Apr – Jun (annual; each Dutch institution sets its own date, for example Erasmus ESHCC closes on 30 April and many others on 1 May or 1 June - you apply through the institution while applying for your programme) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
3. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
4. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
5. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.
6. Have your SOP and CV reviewed by someone who has seen successful applications before you submit.

Quick answers

Who can apply for NL Scholarship (Holland Scholarship)?

Non-EEA nationals who apply for a full-time bachelor's or master's programme at a participating Dutch university or university of applied sciences, have never studied in the Netherlands and pay the full institutional tuition fee. Each institution sets its own grade requirements and selection.

What does NL Scholarship (Holland Scholarship) cover?

EUR 5,000 paid in ten monthly instalments during the first year of study; it is not a full-tuition scholarship

When is the deadline for NL Scholarship (Holland Scholarship)?

Apr – Jun (annual; each Dutch institution sets its own date, for example Erasmus ESHCC closes on 30 April and many others on 1 May or 1 June - you apply through the institution while applying for your programme) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with NL Scholarship (Holland Scholarship)?

Host countries: Netherlands.

What documents do I need for NL Scholarship (Holland Scholarship)?

Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).

How much work is the NL Scholarship (Holland Scholarship) application?

Low-Medium: University Admission + Separate NL Scholarship Motivation Statement