Are you a non-EEA international student eager to kickstart your Bachelor’s or Master’s in the Netherlands? The NL Scholarship 2026-2027 is now open for applications! Financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science in partnership with 41 research universities and universities of applied sciences, this partially funded program awards €5,000 grants to talented newcomers. Covering tuition contributions for one year, it promotes access to Dutch higher education’s innovation and diversity. Don’t miss your chance to study in Holland and applications open now with deadlines up to June 1, 2026!
Overview of NL Scholarship 2026-2027
- Host Institutions: 41 participating Dutch universities (see lists below)
- Funded By: Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science + universities
- Country: Netherlands
- Financial Coverage: Partially Funded
- Eligible Nationalities: Non-EEA countries
- Study Levels: Bachelor’s and Master’s
- Number of Awards: Varies by university (hundreds annually)
- Program Duration: 1 year (non-renewable)
- Application Deadlines: February 1, May 1, or June 1, 2026 (university-specific)
The NL Scholarship 2026-2027 (formerly Holland Scholarship) attracts bright minds to the Netherlands’ world-class education system. With no degree from a Dutch institution required, it supports full-time programs in eligible fields, fostering a global student body in a country known for innovation, cycling culture, and work-life balance.
Participating Universities
The NL Scholarship 2026-2027 is offered at leading institutions:
Research Universities (14):
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Maastricht University
- Protestant Theological University
- Radboud University
- Theological University Apeldoorn
- University of Groningen
- University of Twente
- Utrecht Theological University
- Utrecht University
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)
- Wageningen University & Research
Universities of Applied Sciences (27):
- Aeres University of Applied Sciences
- Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
- Amsterdam University of the Arts
- ArtEZ Institute of the Arts
- Breda University of Applied Sciences
- Codarts Rotterdam
- Design Academy Eindhoven
- Driestar Christian University
- Fontys University of Applied Sciences
- Gerrit Rietveld Academie
- The Hague University of Applied Sciences
- Hanze University of Applied Sciences
- Hotel School The Hague
- HAN University of Applied Sciences
- HKU University of Applied Sciences
- HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
- HZ University of Applied Sciences
- NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
- Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
- Saxion University of Applied Sciences
- Thomas More Hogeschool
- University of the Arts, The Hague
- Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
Full details and fields on the NL Scholarship Website.
Scholarship Benefits
The NL Scholarship 2026-2027 eases financial entry to Dutch studies:
- Grant Amount: €5,000 for one year (tuition contribution).
- Non-Renewable: Awarded once; combinable with other aid.
- Admission Support: University guidance for visas/orientation.
- Dutch Experience: Access to bike-friendly campuses and cultural events.
- Career Networks: Global alumni and industry ties.
Note: Not full tuition; supplements other funding.
Eligibility Criteria for NL Scholarship 2026
To qualify for the NL Scholarship 2026-2027, applicants must:
- Nationality: Non-EEA (European Economic Area) citizen.
- Academic Status: Applying for full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s at a participating institution.
- Prior Education: No previous Dutch degree.
- Program Fit: Meet university-specific entry requirements.
- English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL iBT 80+ (program-dependent).
- Motivation: Submit a 500-word letter on talents, academics, and extracurriculars.
University nomination required.
Required Documents
To apply for the NL Scholarship 2026-2027, submit with university application:
- Motivation Letter: Max 500 words on achievements and interests.
- University Application: Transcripts, CV, references, English proof.
- Passport Copy: Valid.
Upload via university portal; no central form.
Application Timeline for NL Scholarship 2026
- Application Opens: November 2025
- Deadlines:
- February 1, 2026 (early round)
- May 1, 2026
- June 1, 2026 (final)
- University Review: Rolling post-deadline.
- Results: May–July 2026
- Start: September 2026
Check individual university sites.
Also see, Canada Postdoctoral Research Award program 2026
How to Apply for NL Scholarship 2026
- Choose Institution: Select from participating list; review fields/deadlines.
- Apply to University: Submit full admission app via portal.
- Indicate NL Scholarship: Mark interest in motivation letter section.
- Upload Letter: 500-word essay on talents/extracurriculars.
- Submit: By university deadline.
- Nomination: University selects and notifies.
- Visa: Assistance post-award.
NL Scholarship Website for guides.
Why Choose the NL Scholarship?
The Netherlands, with 13 top 100 universities, excels in:
- Innovation Leader: Amsterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven hubs.
- English-Taught: 2,100+ programs.
- Quality Life: Bike culture, canals, tolerance.
- Career Boost: 18-month job search visa.
- Diverse Community: 122,000+ internationals yearly.
Study in Europe’s progressive heart.
Additional Opportunities
Tips for a Successful NL Scholarship Application
- Tailor Letter: Showcase unique talents/multicultural fit.
- University Priority: Apply early rounds.
- Docs Ready: Transcripts, proof organized.
- Multiple Apps: Consider backups.
- Follow Up: Confirm submission.
Also see Rhodes Scholarship 2026 | University of Oxford (Fully Funded)
Conclusion
The NL Scholarship 2026-2027 is a €5,000 launchpad for non-EEA students in the Netherlands. With access to 41 top institutions, it’s your ticket to Dutch excellence. Apply by June 1, 2026!
NL Scholarship Official Website for details.
