NL Scholarship Programme
National scholarship programme for international students funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and 47 Dutch higher education institutions. Formerly known as the Holland Scholarship, it aims to stimulate talented international students from outside the European Economic Area to study in the Netherlands.
Quick Facts
Status
Applications OpenFunding
Partial FundingDeadline
Varies - check with the specific Dutch higher education institution
Country
NetherlandsAll Netherlands guidesEvery Netherlands scholarship in one place→About the NL Scholarship Programme
The NL Scholarship Programme, previously known as the Holland Scholarship until its name change in June 2023, is the national scholarship programme for international and Dutch students. It serves as a primary means of profiling Dutch higher education internationally while encouraging global mobility.
The programme is specifically aimed at stimulating talented international students from outside the European Economic Area to pursue their studies in the Netherlands. In parallel, it supports the international mobility of Dutch students by providing scholarships for them to study outside the EEA.
Nuffic plays an advisory role in the implementation of the programme, handling information provision, promotion, and event organization. The overarching vision stems from a joint initiative by the Association of Universities in the Netherlands, the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences, and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.
The initiative is jointly financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science together with 47 participating Dutch higher education institutions. Together, they grant scholarships to 2,112 students per academic year.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Backed directly by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science
Involves a network of 47 participating Dutch higher education institutions
Designed specifically to increase non-EEA student mobility into the Netherlands
Coordinates with Nuffic for national promotion and guidance
What the Scholarship Covers
Eligibility Requirements
2 requirements
Documents Checklist
1 document required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Select a participating Dutch higher education institution from the list of 47 partner institutions
Check specific criteria, deadlines, and application instructions on the Study in NL website or the target institution portal
Submit the scholarship application directly to the chosen Dutch higher education institution
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Verify your fee status to confirm you reside outside the European Economic Area before applying
Check the Study in NL website for the exact list of participating higher education institutions
Contact the admissions office of your target Dutch university directly because application rules vary by school
Review admission requirements for your chosen study programme well in advance of institutional deadlines
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions - click any to expand
No, the scholarship is specifically aimed at stimulating talented international students from outside the European Economic Area to study in the Netherlands.
You must apply directly to the participating Dutch higher education institution where you intend to study, as each of the 47 partner institutions manages its own selection process.
Yes, the name was officially changed from Holland Scholarship to NL Scholarship in June 2023, but the core programme purpose remains the same.
Ready to Apply?
Head to the official portal and start your application today.
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Deadline: Varies - check with the specific Dutch higher education institution