A €5,000 one-time grant for your first year at a Dutch university — paid by the Dutch Ministry of Education and participating schools. It’s not a tuition waiver. It’s cash to offset living and study costs.
The NL Scholarship (Holland Scholarship) is open to non-EEA students in full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s programs at participating Dutch institutions. Deadlines are set per university — typically January-May 2027 for fall intake. One application, and you’re considered across 40+ participating institutions.
Quick Overview
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| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | NL Scholarship (Holland Scholarship) |
| Funded by | Dutch Ministry of Education + participating universities |
| Level | Bachelor’s, Master’s (full-time) |
| Value | €5,000 one-time grant (year 1) |
| Awards | Varies by institution |
| Duration | One-time (first year) |
| Eligibility | Non-EEA students at participating Dutch institutions |
| Coverage | Cash grant — offsets living/study costs (NOT tuition) |
| Application Route | Per-institution application |
| Deadline | Per-institution (typically Jan-May 2027) |
| Website | studyinnl.org |
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What the Scholarship Covers
€5,000 cash in your first year — paid in 1 or 2 installments.
The Grant
- €5,000 one-time payment in your first year of study
- Paid in one or two installments (university-dependent)
What it is NOT
- Not a tuition waiver — tuition at Dutch universities runs €10,000-20,000/year for non-EEA students
- It’s supplementary cash to offset living and study costs
Participating Institutions
- Research universities: Eindhoven, Maastricht, Radboud, Groningen, Twente, Utrecht, VU Amsterdam, Wageningen + more
- 20+ universities of applied sciences
What it does NOT cover:
- Full tuition (you’ll need additional funding for that)
- Living costs beyond the €5,000
- Travel or insurance
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Eligibility Requirements
1. Nationality
- Non-EEA students (from outside the EU/EEA)
2. Enrollment
- Full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s at a participating Dutch institution
- Must be admitted/enrolled in the relevant academic year
3. First-Time Enrollment
- Typically requires first-time enrollment in the program (check per institution — some exclude students who previously studied in the Netherlands)
4. Academic Standing
- Meet the admission requirements of your institution
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Application Process
Timeline: No single national deadline — each institution sets its own window, typically January-May 2027 for fall intake.
Step 1: Choose a Participating Institution (Now)
- Confirm your target university participates in the NL Scholarship
- Research universities and universities of applied sciences both participate
Step 2: Apply for Admission (December-February)
- Dutch university admission is competitive; apply early
- Non-EEA applicants need to prove funding for visa purposes (€5,000 helps, but you’ll need more)
Step 3: Submit the NL Scholarship Application (Per Institution)
- Each university runs its own application — check the university’s scholarship page for the deadline and form
- Materials: motivation, academic records, admission letter (if available)
Step 4: Award and Enrollment (Spring-Summer 2027)
- Decisions per institution
- Grant paid in year 1 once enrolled
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Selection Criteria
Institution-specific, but broadly: strong applicants with genuine need and motivation.
1. Academic Merit
- Strong grades and program fit
2. Motivation
- Clear reasons for choosing the Netherlands and your program
3. Financial Need (at Some Institutions)
- Some universities weight need; others are merit-only — check per institution
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NL Scholarship vs. Dutch University Scholarships
If the table is wider than your screen, scroll within the table to see every column.
| Scholarship | Coverage | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| NL Scholarship (Holland) | €5,000 one-time grant | Per-institution (Jan-May 2027) |
| Utrecht Excellence | Full tuition + €11,000 living | Dec 1 / Feb 1 |
| TU Delft Excellence | Full tuition + €14,000 | Per program |
NL Scholarship advantages:
- Broad participation (40+ institutions)
- Simple, cash-based grant
- Applies to universities of applied sciences too, not just research universities
Choose Utrecht/TU Delft if: you need full tuition coverage, not just €5,000 — but those are far more competitive.
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Common Mistakes
1. Treating It as a Full Ride
Mistake: Assuming €5,000 covers tuition.
Fix: This is supplementary cash. You still need a funding plan for tuition (€10,000-20,000/year) and living costs.
2. Missing the Per-Institution Deadline
Mistake: Looking for one national date.
Fix: Deadlines are set per university — typically Jan-May 2027. Track your specific institution’s window.
3. Applying Without Admission
Mistake: Sending a scholarship application before checking admission requirements.
Fix: The scholarship requires enrollment at a participating institution. Get your admission application moving first.
4. Ignoring the First-Time Rule
Mistake: Assuming you can get it in year 2.
Fix: This is a first-year, one-time grant. Some institutions exclude students who previously studied in the Netherlands.
5. Underestimating Visa Funding Proof
Mistake: Budgeting only €5,000 for the visa.
Fix: Dutch immigration requires proof of ~€12,000+/year in funds. The grant helps but doesn’t satisfy the requirement alone.
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Should You Apply?
Yes, if:
- You’re a non-EEA student admitted to (or applying to) a Dutch institution
- You need a €5,000 boost for your first year
- You have a broader funding plan for tuition and living costs
Realistic expectations:
- This is a contribution, not a full package
- It’s a low-effort, high-value add-on to your admission application
Worth applying:
- The application is usually simple and tied to admission
- €5,000 in year one is real money for books, rent, and settling in
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Strategy Tips
1. Apply to Multiple Participating Institutions
Each institution runs its own pool. Multiple applications = multiple chances.
2. Start Admission Early
Dutch admission is the real gate. The scholarship follows enrollment — get your admission application in early.
3. Check the Institution’s Scholarship Page
Requirements vary: some need a motivation letter, some need a separate form, some auto-consider. Read the fine print.
4. Budget Beyond the Grant
€5,000 helps, but tuition + living in the Netherlands runs €20,000+/year total. Have the full picture.
5. Use It in Combination
The NL Scholarship stacks with other awards. Apply to university-specific scholarships (Utrecht, Delft, etc.) in parallel.
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Next Steps
1. Now: Confirm your target institution participates; check its scholarship page
2. December-February: Apply for university admission
3. Per institution (Jan-May 2027): Submit the NL Scholarship application
4. Spring-Summer 2027: Award decisions; plan full-year funding
5. Fall 2027: Enroll — grant paid in year 1
€5,000 cash for your first year in the Netherlands — one application, 40+ participating institutions. It won’t cover everything, but it’s the easiest money in Dutch higher education.
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