NL Scholarship Netherlands: Simple Step-by-Step Guide

The NL Scholarship (formerly called the Holland Scholarship) is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science alongside participating Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences.

If this is your first time applying for study abroad funding, this guide simplifies the entire journey: from requirements and document preparation to alternative English testing and application submission.

1. How Much Money Do You Receive?

The scholarship amounts to a one-time grant of €5,000, paid out during the first year of your academic program.

2. Who Can Apply? (4 Simple Criteria)

Applying requires meeting four core criteria:

1. Non-EEA Citizenship: You must hold citizenship of a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
2. New to the Netherlands: You must not hold a prior degree from an educational facility in the Netherlands.
3. Admitted to a Participating Institution: You are applying for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program at a participating Dutch university.
4. Academic Requirements: You satisfy the specific grade and entry requirements set by your university of choice.

3. Can You Apply Without an IELTS Test?

Yes, in many cases. The NL Scholarship itself does not impose a single nationwide English test requirement. English language proficiency is judged exclusively by the Dutch university you apply to:

• Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate: If your previous high school or bachelor's degree was taught entirely in English, several Dutch universities will waive the IELTS requirement if your institution issues an official MOI letter.
• Test Alternatives: Dutch institutions broadly accept TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English (C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency), and in some cases, online testing variants.
• Native English Backgrounds: Students who completed their secondary or tertiary schooling in recognized English-speaking countries are universally exempt.

4. Documents You Need to Prepare

Applying to a Dutch university and requesting the NL Scholarship generally requires preparing these essential items in advance:

• Academic Transcripts & Diplomas: Certified copies of your high school diploma (for Bachelor's) or bachelor's degree transcripts (for Master's), translated into English.
• Motivation Letter / Statement of Purpose: An essay explaining why you chose this program, your academic trajectory, and why the €5,000 grant is essential to your studies.
• Updated Academic CV: Listing your academic background, internships, research projects, and extracurricular activities.
• Proof of English Proficiency: Your IELTS/TOEFL score certificate or official MOI letter.
• Copy of Valid Passport: Identity and photo page.
• Letters of Recommendation: Usually 1 or 2 academic references from professors or mentors.

5. Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these four simple steps:

1 Choose Your University & Program

Review the list of participating Dutch institutions below. Determine whether you want a theoretical degree (Research University) or hands-on practical training (University of Applied Sciences).

2 Check Their Specific Deadlines

While the national application campaign officially opens on November 1st every year, each university sets its own internal deadline—often between February 1st and May 1st.

3 Submit Your University Application

Apply to your chosen program through the Dutch centralized portal (Studielink) and the university's online portal.

4 Apply for the NL Scholarship

Depending on the university, you will either tick a box within your admission portal stating you want to be considered for the NL Scholarship, or submit your motivation letter through their dedicated scholarship portal link.

6. Participating Universities

The institutions taking part in the NL Scholarship are categorized into two types:

Dutch Research Universities

• Eindhoven University of Technology
• Maastricht University
• Radboud University
• University of Groningen
• University of Twente
• Utrecht University
• VU Amsterdam
• Wageningen University & Research
• Protestant Theological University / Theological University Apeldoorn / Utrecht Theological University

Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences

• Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
• Fontys University of Applied Sciences
• The Hague University of Applied Sciences
• Hanze University of Applied Sciences
• HAN University of Applied Sciences
• Breda University of Applied Sciences
• Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
• Saxion University of Applied Sciences
• NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
• Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
• Art & Design academies (ArtEZ, Codarts, Rietveld, Design Academy Eindhoven, HKU)

7. Staying in the Netherlands After Studies (Zoekjaar)

The Netherlands provides one of the most accessible post-study pathways in Europe. Upon completing your Bachelor's or Master's degree, you can apply for the Orientation Year permit (Zoekjaar).

This allows you to live and work in the Netherlands for a full 12 months with completely unrestricted labor rights—no work permit sponsorship needed. Once you land a job meeting the minimum salary threshold, you transition smoothly into a Highly Skilled Migrant residence permit.

Frequently Asked Questions