Are you dreaming of studying in the Netherlands but worried about the cost of tuition and living expenses? The Netherlands Government Scholarships 2026-2027, officially known as the NL Scholarship, may be an opportunity worth exploring.
The NL Scholarship is designed for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to study a full-time bachelor’s or master’s degree at participating higher education institutions in the Netherlands.
The scholarship is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science together with participating Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. For the 2026–2027 academic year, successful students receive €5,000 during the first year of their studies. However, applicants should understand that this is not a full-tuition or fully funded scholarship.
If you are planning to study in the Netherlands, this scholarship can still provide valuable financial support toward your first year of study.
Netherlands Government Scholarships 2026-2027 – Overview
| Scholarship | NL Scholarship |
|---|---|
| Study Country | Netherlands |
| Academic Year | 2026-2027 |
| Degree Level | Bachelor’s and Master’s |
| Eligible Students | Non-EEA international students |
| Scholarship Amount | €5,000 |
| Scholarship Duration | First year of study |
| Study Type | Full-time |
| Funding | Partial scholarship |
| Application Opening | November 1, 2026 |
| Deadline | Varies by institution |
| Official Provider | Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and participating institutions |
The official Study in NL website confirms that the scholarship is available for the 2026–2027 academic year and that individual participating institutions determine their own application deadlines.
What Is the NL Scholarship?
The NL Scholarship is a Dutch scholarship opportunity for talented international students who want to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the Netherlands.
It was previously known as the Holland Scholarship. The programme is supported by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and participating Dutch universities.
For 2026–2027, the scholarship provides €5,000 in the first year of study. Because it does not cover all tuition and living expenses, students should make sure they have a realistic financial plan for the remaining costs.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is mainly intended for students who meet the following conditions:
- You are a citizen of a country outside the EEA.
- You are applying for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s programme at a participating Dutch higher education institution.
- You meet the admission requirements of your chosen university or programme.
- You do not already hold a degree from an educational institution in the Netherlands.
- You meet any additional requirements established by the university or university of applied sciences you choose.
The exact eligibility conditions can differ between institutions, so applicants should always read the scholarship information provided by their chosen university.
How Much Is the Scholarship Worth?
Successful applicants receive a €5,000 scholarship in the first year of their studies.
It is important not to confuse this opportunity with a fully funded scholarship. The NL Scholarship does not cover the full cost of tuition, accommodation, food, travel and other living expenses.
Students should therefore calculate their expected costs and look for additional funding if necessary.
Participating Universities for 2026-2027
The official Study in NL information lists a number of participating research universities and universities of applied sciences for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Participating research universities include:
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Maastricht University
- Radboud University
- University of Groningen
- University of Twente
- Utrecht University
- VU Amsterdam
- Wageningen University & Research
- Protestant Theological University
- Theological University Apeldoorn
- Utrecht Theological University
There are also participating universities of applied sciences, including Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Breda University of Applied Sciences, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Saxion University of Applied Sciences and several others.
Because the participating institutions and programme requirements can vary, applicants should check the official scholarship page and the website of their chosen university before applying.
What Documents May Be Required?
The exact documents depend on the university and degree programme. Applicants should normally be prepared to provide documents such as:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificate or proof of previous education
- Passport or identification document
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Proof of English-language proficiency, where required
- Letters of recommendation, where required
- Other documents requested by the university
Do not prepare documents based only on a general scholarship checklist. Always check the specific requirements of your selected programme.
How to Apply for the Netherlands Government Scholarship
The application process is handled through the participating Dutch institution rather than through one single application form for every university.
Step 1: Choose a Study Programme
First, find a bachelor’s or master’s programme that matches your academic background and career goals.
The official Study in NL Studyfinder provides an overview of English-taught programmes in the Netherlands.
Step 2: Check the University Requirements
Visit the official website of your selected university and carefully check its admission and scholarship requirements.
Some universities may require you to apply for admission before applying for the scholarship.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Prepare your academic records, CV, motivation letter, language test results and any other documents requested by the institution.
Step 4: Submit Your University Application
For many Dutch programmes, students use Studielink, the official registration and application portal for Dutch higher education. However, the official Study in NL website advises applicants to first check with their institution because some universities use additional or different application procedures.
Step 5: Apply for the NL Scholarship
Follow the scholarship instructions provided by your selected participating institution.
Make sure you submit everything before the university’s scholarship deadline.
Step 6: Wait for the Decision
After your application has been reviewed, the university will communicate the admission and/or scholarship decision according to its own process.
Application Deadline
The NL Scholarship application for the 2026–2027 academic year opened on November 1, 2025.
There is no single deadline for every participating university. Each institution determines its own closing date and may have different deadlines depending on the programme.
Therefore, do not rely on a general deadline found on another website. Check the official university page for the programme you want to study.
Official Application Link
For the latest information, participating institutions and application instructions, visit the official Study in NL scholarship page:
Official NL Scholarship Information & Application:
https://www.studyinnl.org/finances/nl-scholarship
You can also search for English-taught programmes through the official Study in NL Studyfinder:
https://www.studyinnl.org/dutch-education/studies
Important Tips for Applicants
Applying for a scholarship can be competitive, so it is worth preparing your application carefully.
1. Start Early
Do not wait until the deadline is close. University admission and scholarship applications can involve several steps.
2. Write a Strong Motivation Letter
Your motivation letter should explain why you want to study the selected programme, what you hope to achieve and how your education fits into your future plans.
3. Check the University Website
The scholarship requirements are not necessarily identical at every participating institution. Always use the university’s official information as your final source.
4. Check Your Financial Plan
The €5,000 NL Scholarship award is helpful, but it does not cover every study and living expense. Make sure you understand the tuition fee and expected living costs before accepting an offer.
5. Apply Before the University’s Deadline
The official scholarship page states that deadlines vary by institution. Missing the university’s deadline can mean missing the scholarship opportunity as well.
Is the Netherlands Government Scholarship Fully Funded?
No. This is one of the most important points applicants should understand.
The NL Scholarship provides €5,000 for the first year, but it is not a fully funded scholarship covering all tuition and living expenses. Students should look for additional financial support if their total study costs are higher than the scholarship amount.
Can I Apply Without IELTS?
There is no single IELTS rule that applies to every NL Scholarship applicant.
English-language requirements are determined by the university and study programme. Some programmes may accept alternative English-language qualifications or exemptions in certain circumstances.
Therefore, check the official admission requirements of the university and programme you are applying to.
Final Thoughts
The Netherlands Government Scholarships 2026–2027, officially the NL Scholarship, can be a useful opportunity for international students who want to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the Netherlands.
Although the scholarship is not fully funded, the €5,000 first-year award can help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad. The most important step is to choose an eligible participating institution and carefully follow its admission and scholarship instructions.
If studying in the Netherlands is part of your academic plan, start researching programmes early, prepare your documents carefully and always verify deadlines directly with your chosen university.
Good luck with your application!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Netherlands Government Scholarship 2026-2027?
The Netherlands Government Scholarship generally refers to the NL Scholarship, formerly called the Holland Scholarship. It supports eligible non-EEA international students pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees at participating Dutch institutions.
2. How much does the NL Scholarship provide?
The scholarship provides €5,000 for the first year of study.
3. Is the NL Scholarship fully funded?
No. It is a partial scholarship and does not cover the full cost of tuition and living expenses.
4. Who is eligible for the NL Scholarship?
The scholarship is intended for students from outside the EEA who are applying for full-time bachelor’s or master’s programmes at participating Dutch higher education institutions and who meet the institution’s requirements.
5. When did the 2026-2027 application open?
The application for the 2026–2027 academic year opened on November 1, 2025.
6. What is the application deadline?
There is no single deadline for all universities. Each participating institution sets its own deadline.
7. Can bachelor’s students apply?
Yes. The NL Scholarship is available for eligible full-time bachelor’s and master’s programmes.
8. Can master’s students apply?
Yes. Eligible international students can apply for participating full-time master’s programmes.
9. Do I apply directly to the Dutch government?
The scholarship application is handled through participating Dutch higher education institutions. Applicants should follow the instructions provided by their chosen institution.
10. Where can I find the official scholarship information?
The official information is available through Study in NL, the Netherlands’ official starting point for studying in the country:
https://www.studyinnl.org/finances/nl-scholarship
Disclaimer: Scholarship requirements, participating institutions, programmes and deadlines can change. Always verify the latest information on the official university website and the official Study in NL website before submitting an application.