NL Scholarship 2026 — Your step-by-step guide to win €5,000
Start your study in Netherlands. Good news! NL Scholarship 2026 is accepting applications for international students. This guide explains what the scholarship covers, who can apply, how to apply, and the exact steps to improve your chances.
The NL Scholarship 2026 (formerly the Holland Scholarship) is a national fund co-financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education and participating Dutch higher education institutions. It aims to help talented students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) start a full-time bachelor’s or master’s programme in the Netherlands. The award is a one-time grant meant to contribute toward first-year costs.
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Degree Level
The NL Scholarship 2026 supports students enrolling in full-time bachelor’s or master’s programmes at participating Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. Programs must be the first year of study in the Netherlands for that student.
Available Subjects
Most participating institutions offer the scholarship across many fields taught in English. That can include engineering, business, social sciences, arts, life sciences, and more. Availability depends on each institution and the specific programme. Check the chosen university’s scholarship page for the exact eligible programmes.
Benefits
€5,000 one-time grant to support your first year of study. This is not a full tuition waiver.
Access to study at top Dutch universities and practical networking opportunities.
Eligible Nationalities
To apply for NL Scholarship 2026 you must be a national of a non-EEA country. Students from EU/EEA countries are not eligible. Some universities also exclude specific countries — always confirm the exclusions on the university page.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the NL Scholarship 2026, you generally must:
Be a national of a country outside the EEA.
Apply for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s programme at a participating Dutch institution.
Not hold a prior degree from a Dutch higher education institution.
Meet the specific academic and language requirements of the chosen programme (these differ by university).
Tip: many universities list a minimum GPA and language test scores (for example, IELTS/TOEFL) as part of their internal selection rules.
Application Procedure
Below are practical steps to apply for NL Scholarship 2026:
Step 1 — Choose and apply to a programme
Apply directly to the degree programme at a participating Dutch university or university of applied sciences. You must follow that university’s application process and deadlines.
Step 2 — Prepare your scholarship documents
Most universities require a scholarship motivation letter (often max 500 words) explaining why you deserve the award — highlight academic achievements, extracurriculars, leadership, and relevant experience. Keep a polished CV and certified academic transcripts ready.
Step 3 — Tick the scholarship option in the online application
When filling the university’s application, indicate that you are applying for the NL Scholarship 2026 and upload the required documents where the form asks for scholarship evidence.
Step 4 — University selection & notification
Each institution runs its own selection and will notify successful applicants. If awarded, the university will give instructions on receiving the grant and any follow-up obligations.
Important Dates
Deadlines differ by university and programme. Common institutional deadlines mentioned for recent cycles include dates in February, May, and June, but these vary each year and by institution. Always check the exact application deadlines.
Participating Institutions (examples)
Many Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences participate. Examples often include Eindhoven University of Technology, Maastricht University, Radboud University, University of Groningen, Utrecht University, VU Amsterdam, Wageningen University, and numerous applied sciences institutions such as HAN, Saxion, and Hanze. The official participating list is updated annually by the scholarship organisers and individual universities.
Final Thoughts
NL Scholarship 2026 is a valuable boost for non-EEA students who want to study in the Netherlands. It is not a full scholarship but offers meaningful support and a chance to study at highly regarded Dutch institutions. Focus on a strong motivation letter, meet university requirements early, and confirm deadlines well before they pass. Always use the official university or Nuffic pages for the most current rules and lists.
FAQs
Q: Who is eligible to apply for NL Scholarship 2026?
A: Nationals from outside the EEA applying for the first year of a full-time bachelor’s or master’s at a participating Dutch institution.
Q: How much does NL Scholarship 2026 award?
A: The scholarship awards €5,000 as a one-time contribution toward your first year. It is not full tuition.
Q: Can I apply directly to the scholarship body?
A: No. You apply through the participating university’s application portal. Follow the university’s instructions and indicate you want to be considered for the NL Scholarship
Q: Is the name Holland Scholarship the same as NL Scholarship 2026?
A: Yes. The programme formerly called the Holland Scholarship is now marketed as the NL Scholarship.
Q: Where can I get official updates?
A: Always check the official study in the Netherlands pages and the scholarship pages of the university you plan to attend. Those pages are the primary sources for deadlines, participating programmes, and application details.
