NL Scholarship 2025-2026 Study in the Netherlands with Support

Overview

The NL Scholarship (formerly known as the Holland Scholarship) is a merit-based grant designed for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who wish to pursue a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the Netherlands
Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science together with participating Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences.
The scholarship offers €5,000 for the first year of study; it is not a full tuition waiver and does not cover living expenses.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the NL Scholarship 2025-2026, applicants must meet the following typical conditions:

• Hold non-EEA nationality (i.e., national of a country outside the European Economic Area) and not be eligible for the lower EU/EEA tuition fee category.
• Be accepted (or applying for) a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s programme at a participating Dutch institution for the academic year 2025-2026.
• Have not previously studied at an institution in the Netherlands (some institutions list this as a requirement).
• Meet the specific admission and language (English-taught) requirements of the institution and chosen programme.

Institutions Participate

Many Dutch universities (research universities and universities of applied sciences) take part in the NL Scholarship programme for 2025-2026. Some of them include:

• Research universities such as Radboud University, University of Groningen, Maastricht University, Delft University of Technology, & others.
• Universities of applied sciences such as Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Gerrit Rietveld Academie, and others.
• Important: Each institution may have its own deadline, application process and eligible programmes — you must check the website of the institution you plan to apply to.

Netherlands and This Scholarship

• The Netherlands offers world-class education, a multicultural environment, and many English-taught programmes.
• The €5,000 grant provides valuable financial support, helping to offset initial costs of studying abroad.
• Being selected for this scholarship can enhance your academic profile and open pathways to European networks and global career chances.
• Studying in the Netherlands also gives you exposure to innovation, research and international student communities.

Key Considerations for Applicants

• While the €5,000 helps, you must still budget for tuition (if not covered fully) and living costs (housing, food, visa, insurance, etc.).
• The list of participating programmes and institutions changes each year — always verify with the specific university.
• The scholarship is one-time and applies only for the first year; subsequent years need your own funding.
• Meet all eligibility criteria strictly: e.g., non-EEA nationality, no prior Dutch tertiary study, full-time programme, etc.
• Prepare a strong application and motivation letter — many institutions select on merit and potential.
• Check visa and residence requirements for studying in the Netherlands.

Conclusion

If you are a motivated international student (non-EEA) looking for an opportunity to study in a vibrant and high-quality academic environment, the NL Scholarship 2025-2026 offers a great stepping stone. With a one-time €5,000 grant and access to English-taught Bachelor’s or Master’s programmes at Dutch institutions, this scholarship can help you break into Europe’s educational network and boost your global prospects.
Apply now