Complete Guide to the
NL Scholarship 2026

The Netherlands is world-renowned for its innovative education system, English-taught programs, and vibrant international communities. To encourage global talent to study there, the Dutch government offers the NL Scholarship (formerly known as the Holland Scholarship).

Financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science alongside Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences, this scholarship acts as an excellent springboard for your studies. Let's break down everything you need to know about applying for the NL Scholarship for the 2026 academic year.

What is the NL Scholarship?

Previously famous worldwide as the "Holland Scholarship," the program was recently rebranded to the NL Scholarship to reflect the country's broader identity. It is specifically designed for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who wish to complete a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the Netherlands.

Unlike centralized scholarships (where you apply to a government portal), the NL Scholarship is decentralized. This means you apply directly through the specific Dutch university you wish to attend. The university itself selects the awardees based on academic merit.

Financial Value & Important Caveats

It is vital to understand the financial scope of the NL Scholarship to plan your budget correctly, as it is not a fully-funded scholarship.

Financial Proof for Visa: Because the NL Scholarship does not cover full tuition and living expenses, you will still need to prove to the Dutch immigration authorities that you have sufficient funds to cover the remainder of your costs to secure your student visa (MVV/VVR).

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the NL Scholarship, you must strictly meet the following baseline criteria:

• Nationality: Your nationality must be non-EEA. Students from the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Surinam are not eligible.
• First-time Student in NL: You must not have a degree from an educational institution in the Netherlands, nor can you have previously studied there.
• Program Type: You are applying for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program at one of the participating Dutch higher education institutions.
• University Requirements: You must meet the specific admission requirements of the institution you are applying to (including academic transcripts, GMAT/GRE if applicable, and English proficiency like IELTS/TOEFL).

Participating Universities

The Netherlands divides its higher education into Research Universities (focused on independent, research-oriented work) and Universities of Applied Sciences (focused on practical, career-oriented training).

Dozens of institutions participate in the NL Scholarship scheme. Some of the most notable include:

• Research Universities: Erasmus University Rotterdam, Leiden University, Utrecht University, University of Amsterdam (UvA), Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Wageningen University.
• Universities of Applied Sciences: Fontys, Hanze, NHL Stenden, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Saxion.

Note: Not all faculties within a university may participate. Always check the specific university's scholarship webpage to confirm if your chosen program is eligible.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

The application process varies slightly depending on your chosen university, but it generally follows this timeline:

1. Step 1: Choose Your Program
   Find a bachelor's or master's program at a participating university via StudyInNL or the university's official site.
2. Step 2: Apply for Admission (Studielink)
   Register on Studielink (the Dutch central application portal) and apply for your study program. You must apply for the program before you can apply for the scholarship.
3. Step 3: Apply for the Scholarship
   Follow the university’s specific instructions for the NL Scholarship. Some universities consider you automatically upon admission; others require a separate application portal, an additional motivation letter, or a budget plan.
4. Step 4: Keep Track of Deadlines
   The NL scholarship typically has two application rounds. The deadlines are usually February 1st or May 1st of the enrollment year. Check with your university which deadline applies to them.

Tips for a Strong Application

Because it's highly competitive and decided locally by the university, your academic excellence is the primary deciding factor. However, presentation matters:

"Dutch universities value directness, critical thinking, and independence. Your motivation letter should cut out the fluff and directly state why you are a perfect academic fit for their specific program."

• Tailor Your Motivation: Be specific about why the Netherlands and why that exact faculty. Mention specific professors, research centers, or Dutch industry connections. Structure it easily using our SOP Outliner Tool.
• Apply Early: Do not wait for the scholarship deadline to apply for university admission. Processing admission can take 4-6 weeks, and you need that admission letter to qualify for the scholarship review.
• Check Combined Grants: Many universities let you stack the NL Scholarship with their own university-specific excellence scholarships. Look for opportunities to combine them!