Introduction

The NL Scholarship is a valuable opportunity for international students who plan to study in the Netherlands for a bachelor’s or master’s degree. This scholarship is designed to support talented students from outside the European Economic Area by offering financial help during the first year of study. While it does not cover full tuition, it can significantly reduce initial study costs and make studying in the Netherlands more affordable.

About NL Scholarship

The NL Scholarship is a well-known study support program funded by the Dutch government together with participating Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. It aims to attract motivated international students and encourage global academic exchange.

This scholarship is available for students applying to full-time undergraduate or graduate programs in the Netherlands.

Scholarship Value

The NL Scholarship provides a one-time grant of €5,000.
This amount is paid during the first year of study only.
It is important to note that this is not a full scholarship and does not cover total tuition or living expenses.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must meet the following eligibility conditions:

• Must be a non-EEA international student
• Applying for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s degree
• Accepted or applying to a participating Dutch institution
• Meet all academic and admission requirements of the chosen university
• Must not have previously studied at a higher education institution in the Netherlands

Each university may have additional criteria, so applicants should carefully review program-specific requirements.

Participating Universities

The list of participating institutions may change each year. For the 2026–2027 academic year, the scholarship includes:

Research Universities

• Eindhoven University of Technology
• Maastricht University
• Radboud University
• University of Groningen
• Utrecht University
• Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
• Wageningen University & Research
• University of Twente
• Protestant and Theological Universities

Universities of Applied Sciences

• Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
• Fontys University of Applied Sciences
• Saxion University of Applied Sciences
• Hanze University of Applied Sciences
• Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
• The Hague University of Applied Sciences
• NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
• Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
• Many other applied science institutions

Applicants must apply through one of the participating institutions.

Required Documents

When applying for the NL Scholarship, students are usually asked to prepare:

• University application form
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of nationality
• Motivation letter
• Any additional documents required by the university

Document requirements may vary depending on the institution and study program.

Application Deadline

Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year opened on 1 November 2025.
Deadlines are different for each university, so applicants must check the exact closing date on the university’s website.

Early application is strongly recommended.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the NL Scholarship:

• Choose a participating Dutch university
• Apply for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program
• Submit the scholarship application through the university’s system
• Upload all required documents before the deadline

There is no separate central application for the scholarship. Everything is handled through the chosen institution.

Code of Conduct

All applicants and institutions involved must follow strict ethical and professional standards. Any form of academic misconduct, financial abuse, or illegal activity may lead to disqualification from the scholarship.

Extra Tips for Applicants

• Apply as early as possible
• Write a clear and honest motivation letter
• Choose a study program that matches your background
• Check university-specific deadlines carefully
• Make sure all documents are complete and accurate

Why Choose NL Scholarship

The NL Scholarship is an excellent starting support for international students who want to study in the Netherlands. It helps reduce first-year costs and opens doors to high-quality education, strong research environments, and international career opportunities in Europe.

Official Website

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