Study in the Netherlands: The NL Scholarship 2026-2027 for International Students.
Are you an international student from outside Europe with dreams of studying in the Netherlands? If so, a fantastic opportunity is on the horizon. Applications for the NL Scholarship 2026-2027, financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, are set to open. This scholarship, which was previously known as the Holland Scholarship, is an excellent opportunity for students to study in a nation celebrated for its high-quality academic programs and vibrant, diverse culture.
This scholarship in the Netherlands is specifically designed for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who aspire to pursue a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. By applying for this Dutch scholarship, the chance to engage in a rich and dynamic learning environment is presented to you.
Scholarship Details at a Glance
- Host Country: The Netherlands
- Funded by: Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science
- Degree Level: Bachelor's & Master's
- Financial Benefit: €5,000 one-time payment
- Application Opening: November 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: Varies by institution
Financial Benefits of the NL Scholarship
Recipients of the NL Scholarship for 2026-2027 will be given a one-time financial contribution of €5,000. This payment is typically received in the first year of studies. It is important to note, however, that this is not a full-tuition scholarship. Nonetheless, this generous contribution is a valuable financial aid initiative that can significantly assist with your initial expenses.
Participating Dutch Universities
This Dutch Ministry scholarship is a collaborative effort with numerous Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. The list of participating institutions can vary each year. Below are the institutions involved for the 2026-2027 cycle.
Participating Research Universities:
- Wageningen University
- VU Amsterdam
- University of Twente
- Maastricht University
- University of Groningen
- Tilburg University
- Radboud University
- Delft University of Technology
- Erasmus University Rotterdam
- Theological University Apeldoorn
- Theological University Kampen
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Utrecht University
Participating Universities of Applied Sciences:
- Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
- Hanze University of Applied Sciences
- Hotelschool The Hague
- Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
- Gerrit Rietveld Academie
- HZ University of Applied Sciences
- Codarts Rotterdam
- NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
- Amsterdam University of the Arts
- Aeres University of Applied Sciences
- Breda University of Applied Sciences
- Design Academy Eindhoven
- Saxion University of Applied Sciences
- ArtEZ Institute of the Arts
- The Hague University of Applied Sciences
- Fontys University of Applied Sciences
- Driestar educatief
- University of the Arts, The Hague
- Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
- HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
- HAN University of Applied Sciences
- HKU University of Applied Sciences
Who is Eligible to Apply?
The eligibility criteria for the NL Scholarship 2026-2027 must be met by all applicants.
- Your nationality must be from a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
- You must be applying for a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s program at one of the participating Dutch higher education institutions.
- The specific requirements set by your chosen university or university of applied sciences must be met.
- Applicants should not hold a degree from any educational institution in the Netherlands.
How to Apply for the NL Scholarship
The application process for the NL Scholarship is managed directly by the participating institutions, not by a central system.
- First, you must choose a program and apply for admission to one of the participating universities listed above.
- Next, you should carefully check the official website of your chosen institution for details on their specific NL Scholarship application process.
- Ensure you meet all the scholarship requirements as well as the university's admission criteria.
- Finally, submit your scholarship application directly to the university before their stated deadline.
Application Deadline
The application window opens on November 1, 2025.
The final deadline for the NL Scholarship is not the same for all universities. The deadline varies depending on the participating host institution. Therefore, you must visit the official website of the university you are applying to for the most accurate information on their specific deadline.