Netherlands Government Scholarship 2026–27 | NL Scholarship

What Is the NL Scholarship?

The NL Scholarship — formerly known as the Holland Scholarship — is a prestigious scholarship program funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, along with several Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences.

It’s designed specifically for students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the Netherlands.

👉 Official website: Study in NL – NL Scholarship

💰 What Does the Scholarship Offer?

• A one-time award of €5,000, given during your first year of studies.
  
  

• It’s meant as financial support, not a full scholarship.
  
  

• You’ll still need to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs — but this amount definitely helps with your initial expenses!
  
  

This scholarship is available across a wide range of English-taught programs — from Engineering and Business to Social Sciences and Arts.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the NL Scholarship 2026–27, you must:

• Be a citizen of a non-EEA country (i.e., not from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway).
  
  

• Be applying for a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s program at a participating Dutch university.
  
  

• Meet the specific admission requirements of your chosen university.
  
  

• Have never studied at a Dutch higher education institution before (some universities have this condition).
  
  

Each participating university might have slightly different criteria — so always check their individual scholarship page for details.

🏫 Participating Universities

Many top institutions take part in this scholarship each year, including:

• Maastricht University (UM)
  
  

• Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
  
  

• University of Groningen
  
  

• Utrecht University
  
  

• Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
  
  

• Leiden University
  
  

• Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
  
  

You can find the full list of participating universities here:
🔗 Study in NL – Participating Institutions

📅 Application Deadlines

Applications for the NL Scholarship 2026–27 generally open around 1 November 2025.

However, each university sets its own application deadline, so make sure to check the specific date on your chosen institution’s official website.

⚠️ Some universities have deadlines in February 2026, others may go up to May 2026, depending on their intake schedule.

🧭 Why Apply for the NL Scholarship?

Here’s why this scholarship stands out:

• 🌍 Study in one of Europe’s most innovative and inclusive countries.
  
  

• 💬 Over 2,100 English-taught programs are available in the Netherlands!
  
  

• 🎯 Gain an internationally recognized degree that boosts your career worldwide.
  
  

• 🤝 Meet students from all over the globe and build lifelong professional connections.
  
  

• 💡 The €5,000 grant gives you a financial head start when settling in a new country.
  
  

⚠️ Important Notes

• The NL Scholarship does not cover your full tuition or living expenses — it’s meant as a partial financial aid.
  
  

• Each university has its own application process, so make sure to follow their instructions carefully.
  
  

• Prepare your motivation letter, academic transcripts, and proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) early.
  
  

• Apply for admission and the scholarship at the same time — most universities combine both processes.
  
  

🎓 Tips for Students (Especially from Pakistan or South Asia)

• Start preparing your documents early — attested transcripts, valid passport, and English test results.
  
  

• Choose your program wisely — the Netherlands offers excellent degrees in Engineering, Business, Data Science, and Environmental Studies.
  
  

• Craft a powerful motivation letter explaining: