Apply for Netherlands Government Scholarships 2026 (NL Scholarship). Study bachelor’s or master’s in top Dutch universities with €5,000 funding. Start your journey today.
Overview of Netherlands Government Scholarships
The Netherlands Government Scholarships, officially called the NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship), are prestigious funding opportunities for international students who are not from the European Economic Area (EEA). This scholarship program is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, in collaboration with 32 Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. It allows talented students from around the world to pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees in the Netherlands.
Through these Netherlands scholarships for international students, participants gain access to world-class education, cutting-edge research facilities, and global networking opportunities. Students enrolled in research-based programs can also develop strong foundations for future PhD studies or advisory careers in public and private sectors.
Also Apply For: Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarships
Studying in the Netherlands means learning in an innovative environment while experiencing one of Europe’s most vibrant and international study destinations.
Apply now and start your journey today toward studying in Europe.
Details of Netherlands Government Scholarship 2026
- Scholarship Name: NL Scholarship (Netherlands Government Scholarship)
- Host Country: Netherlands
- Scholarship Location: Participating Dutch universities across the Netherlands
- Degree Level: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
- Scholarship Amount: €5,000 (awarded during the first year of study)
- Participating Universities: 32 Dutch universities
- Application Opening Date: 1 November 2025
- Deadline: Varies by university (typically February–May 2026)
- Funding Type: Partial Funding
- Funded By:
- Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science
- Dutch research universities
- Universities of Applied Sciences
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Eligibility Criteria for Netherlands Government Scholarships
To qualify for the NL Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Must be a citizen of a non-EEA country
- Must apply for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s degree program
- Must obtain or apply for admission to a participating Dutch university
- Must meet the specific admission requirements of the university
- Must not have previously earned a degree from a Dutch institution
Academic Requirements
Applicants must also provide:
- Strong academic performance (competitive GPA)
- English language proficiency
- Supporting documents required by the chosen university
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Benefits of the Netherlands Government Scholarship
The Netherlands Government Scholarship provides financial support and academic opportunities for international students. Although the NL Scholarship is not a full tuition waiver, it still offers significant financial assistance.
Financial Benefits
Students selected for this scholarship receive:
- €5,000 grant during the first year of study
- Opportunity to study at prestigious Dutch universities
- Access to advanced research facilities
- Exposure to international networking opportunities
- Study in globally recognized English-taught programs
Career Advantages
Graduates benefit from:
- Global career opportunities
- Strong research experience
- Preparation for PhD programs
- Professional networks across Europe
Don’t miss this opportunity to secure your future in one of Europe’s best education systems.
Also Apply For: KAIST International Graduate Scholarship
Duration of the Scholarship
The scholarship duration depends on the chosen program.
- Bachelor’s Degree: 3–4 years
- Master’s Degree: 1–2 years
The €5,000 scholarship is provided in the first academic year, while students complete the entire degree program.
Also Apply For: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships Program
Study Tracks and Fields Offered in NL Scholarship
Students can choose from a wide range of high-demand academic programs across multiple disciplines.
Popular Fields of Study
- Engineering and Innovation
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Business Analytics and Operations Research
- Marketing and Human Resource Management
- Economics and Econometrics
- Quantitative Finance
- Entrepreneurship
- Law and Governance
- International Relations
- Social Sciences
- Psychology and Child Psychology
- Anthropology and Urban Studies
- Linguistics and Philosophy
- Communication and Cognition
- Arts Media and Society
- Supply Chain Management
- Accountancy and Business Taxation
- Health Wellbeing and Society
These programs help students gain modern skills required for global careers and research development.
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Participating Universities in Netherlands Government Scholarship
Students can apply to 32 Dutch universities participating in the NL Scholarship program.
Research Universities
- 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
- Aeres University of Applied Sciences
- Amsterdam 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
- 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
Each university offers different English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs.
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Required Documents for NL Scholarship Application
Applicants must prepare the following documents when applying.
- Motivation letter explaining scholarship goals
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Financial statement
- Budget plan for study expenses
- Updated CV or resume
- Reference letter (Contact details of referee)
- English language certificate (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent)
- Additional documents required by the university
Some Dutch universities may accept alternative proof of English proficiency or previous education in English instead of IELTS. If you don’t have an IELTS score, there are still many opportunities to study abroad. Several countries such as Germany, Italy, Poland, Hungary, and Norway offer scholarships and study programs without IELTS, explore our full guide to study in Europe without IELTS and start your journey today.
Is a Supervisor Required?
No, a supervisor is not required for the NL Scholarship because students apply directly to degree programs offered by universities.
Also Apply For: Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC Scholarships)
Application Process for Netherlands Government Scholarship
Applying for the NL Scholarship involves applying through a participating Dutch university.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Choose a participating Dutch university.
- Select your bachelor’s or master’s degree program.
- Check the admission requirements of the university.
- Submit your online application through the university website.
- Apply for the NL Scholarship through the same institution.
- Wait for the admission and scholarship decision.
Each department may have its own application form and deadline. Apply now and start your journey today toward studying in the Netherlands.
Also Apply For: Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP)
Secure Your Future with the Netherlands Government Scholarship
The Netherlands Government Scholarship 2026 offers international students a remarkable chance to study at world-class Dutch universities while gaining valuable international exposure. From advanced research opportunities to global networking and career prospects, this scholarship can transform your academic journey. If you want to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Europe, this is your chance.
Apply now, don’t miss this opportunity, and secure your future by studying in the Netherlands.