Are you an international student dreaming of studying in the Netherlands? The Netherlands Government NL Scholarship 2025 (formerly known as the Holland Scholarship) offers a unique opportunity for talented students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree at top Dutch universities.
Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, this scholarship provides financial support to help kickstart your academic journey in one of Europe’s most innovative and student-friendly countries.
Netherlands Government NL Scholarship Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
| Scholarship Name | NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship) |
| Host Country | Netherlands |
| Funding Organisation | Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science + Dutch higher institutions |
| Eligible Applicants | Non-EEA international students |
| Level of Study | Bachelor’s and Master’s programs |
| Scholarship Value | €5,000 (awarded in the first year only) |
| Full Tuition Covered | No |
| Number of Institutions | 10+ Research Universities, 20+ Universities of Applied Sciences |
| Application Deadline | Varies by institution (Check the institution website) |
| Application Method | Apply through the participating Dutch institution’s website |
About the NL Scholarship
The NL Scholarship is a prestigious award designed for non-EEA international students who wish to pursue their bachelor’s or master’s degree in the Netherlands. It is not a full scholarship, but it provides a €5,000 one-time grant in the first year of your studies to help offset initial costs.
This program is a joint initiative of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and several Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences.
Eligibility Criteria for the Netherlands Government NL Scholarship
To be eligible for the NL Scholarship 2025, you must:
- Hold a nationality outside the EEA.
- Apply for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program at a participating Dutch institution.
- Meet the specific admission requirements of the chosen institution.
- Not already hold a degree from a Dutch higher education institution.
Code of Conduct
All scholarship-related programs are guided by Nuffic’s Integrity Code of Conduct, which ensures a safe and ethical academic environment. Applicants and institutions are expected to avoid any forms of misconduct, such as:
- Financial or interpersonal misconduct
- Money laundering or terrorist financing
- Breaches of tax or legal obligations
- Shell companies or irregularities
Read the full Code of Conduct
Participating Institutions
Research Universities (2025–2026)
Here are the Dutch research universities participating in the 2025–2026 cycle:
- Utrecht University
- University of Groningen
- Erasmus University Rotterdam
- Maastricht University
- VU Amsterdam
- Radboud University
- Delft University of Technology
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- University of Twente
- Theological University Apeldoorn
- Theological University Kampen
Universities of Applied Sciences (2025–2026)
Participating universities of applied sciences include:
- Aeres University of Applied Sciences
- Amsterdam University of the Arts
- ArtEZ Institute of the Arts
- Breda University of Applied Sciences
- Codarts Rotterdam
- Design Academy Eindhoven
- Fontys University of Applied Sciences
- Gerrit Rietveld Academie
- The Hague University of Applied Sciences
- Hanze University of Applied Sciences
- Hotelschool The Hague
- Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
- HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
- Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
- HAN University of Applied Sciences
- HKU University of Applied Sciences
- HZ University of Applied Sciences
- NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
- Saxion University of Applied Sciences
- University of the Arts, The Hague
- Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
Note: Each university may have different eligible programs and deadlines. Visit their websites for exact details.
Application Deadlines
The NL Scholarship 2025 application window is now open. However, each participating institution has its application deadline and process.
Visit the official website of the university you wish to apply to for the exact deadline and application instructions.
How to Apply for the Netherlands Government NL Scholarship 2025/2026
Follow these steps to apply:
- Choose a participating Dutch institution offering the program you’re interested in.
- Visit the institution’s official website and check the specific scholarship criteria.
- Submit your admission application for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program.
- Apply separately for the NL Scholarship, if required, via the institution’s application portal.
- Track your email and application status for updates or additional documents.
Visit the official website of your preferred Dutch institution to begin your application.
FAQs
Is the NL Scholarship a full scholarship?
No. It provides a €5,000 one-time grant, usually awarded in the first year only. It does not cover full tuition or living expenses.
Can I apply to multiple Dutch universities with this scholarship?
Yes, you can apply to multiple institutions; however, you must follow each university’s specific application process and deadlines.
Do I need to submit a separate application for the NL Scholarship?
In most cases, yes. Each institution may have its application method. Always check the specific instructions on the institution’s website.
Can I use the scholarship for any course?
No. Only specific bachelor’s and master’s programs are eligible. Refer to the course listings provided by each university.
When will I receive the €5,000 grant?
If selected, the scholarship is usually disbursed during the first year of your program, often at the start or within the first semester.
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