The NL Scholarship 2026–2027 (formerly known as the Holland Scholarship) offers an incredible opportunity for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who wish to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the Netherlands.
Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, along with top Dutch universities, this program supports talented students who dream of studying at world-class institutions in Europe.
Are you ready to take the next step in your global education journey? The NL Scholarship could be your chance of a lifetime.
About this scholarship
This scholarship is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science as well as several Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences.
The scholarship amounts to € 5,000. You will receive this in the first year of your studies. Please note that this is not a full-tuition scholarship.
Deadlines
The application for the academic year 2026-2027 opened on 1 November 2025.Each institution sets its own specific deadlines, so applicants should check the official website of their chosen university for details.
Eligibility/Criteria
- Your nationality is non-EEA.
- You are applying for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s programme at one of the participating Dutch higher education institutions.
- You meet the specific requirements of the institution of your choice. You can find these on the website of the institution.
- You do not have a degree from an education institution in the Netherlands.
Also Read: Find the latest fellowship opportunities for Africans. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or early-career professional
Scholarship Benefits
- A one-time grant of €5,000 awarded in the first year of study.
- Access to prestigious Dutch universities with global recognition.
- Opportunity to study and live in the Netherlands, one of Europe’s most innovative and international education hubs.
- Exposure to cutting-edge research, diverse cultures, and a vibrant student community.
Participating research universities and universities of applied sciences
The list of participating universities changes every year. Below you can find an overview of the Dutch research universities participating in the NL Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Also Read: Halcyon Climate Resilience & Food Security Fellowship 2026 for African Entrepreneurs
Participating research universities 2026-2027
Below is an overview of the Dutch research universities participating in the NL Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year. You can find the specific closing dates and the fields of study for this academic year on the website of the institution you want to apply to.
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Maastricht University
- Protestant Theological University
- Radboud University
- Theological University Apeldoorn
- University of Groningen
- University of Twente
- Utrecht Theological University
- Utrecht University
- VU Amsterdam
- Wageningen University & Research
Participating universities of applied sciences 2026-2027
Below is an overview of the Dutch universities of applied sciences participating in the NL Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year.
- 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
- Driestar Christian University
- Fontys University of Applied Sciences
- Gerrit Rietveld Academie
- The Hague University of Applied Sciences
- Hanze University of Applied Sciences
- Hotelschool The Hague
- HAN University of Applied Sciences
- HKU University of Applied Sciences
- HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
- HZ University of Applied Sciences
- NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
- Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
- Saxion University of Applied Sciences
- Thomas More Hogeschool
- University of the Arts, The Hague
- Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
Why Apply for the NL Scholarship
The NL Scholarship opens the door to one of Europe’s top education destinations — the Netherlands. It’s ideal for ambitious students seeking international experience, academic excellence, and career growth in a global environment.
For more information: Visit the website for Netherlands NL Scholarship 2026–2027
