Are you dreaming of studying in the heart of Europe, surrounded by innovation, canals, and creativity? If yes, the NL Scholarship 2026 might be your golden ticket to the Netherlands! Formerly known as the Holland Scholarship, this opportunity is tailored for talented students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who wish to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree at a Dutch university.
Let’s walk you through everything you need to know — from benefits and eligibility to how to apply.
What is the NL Scholarship?
The NL Scholarship for spring 2026 batch is a one-time €5,000 grant awarded to international students starting their first year of a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program in the Netherlands. While it’s not a full-tuition scholarship, it provides a valuable financial boost to help cover part of your academic expenses.
This scholarship is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, in collaboration with Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. It’s a strong initiative to internationalize higher education in the Netherlands — and you’re invited to be part of it!
Who Can Apply?
You’re eligible for the NL Scholarship if you:
- Hold a nationality outside the EEA.
- Are applying for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program at a participating Dutch university or university of applied sciences.
- Have not previously studied at a Dutch institution (no Dutch degrees).
- Meet the specific admission requirements of the Dutch institution you are applying to.
Each institution may have additional criteria, so always check their individual scholarship page when applying.
Participating Universities to Award NL Scholarship
When applying for the NL Scholarship, you can choose from a wide range of Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. Both types offer high-quality education, but their focus and teaching methods differ:
Research Universities (Academic Track)
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Maastricht University
- Theological University Apeldoorn
- University of Twente
- Erasmus University Rotterdam
- Radboud University
- Delft University of Technology
- University of Groningen
- Theological University Kampen
- Utrecht University
- VU Amsterdam.
Research Universities (Academic Track)
These institutions focus on academic research and theory. They are perfect for students aiming for careers in research, academia, or advanced postgraduate study:
- Breda University of Applied Sciences
- Codarts Rotterdam
- HZ University of Applied Sciences
- Hanze University of Applied Sciences
- Saxion University of Applied Sciences
- HKU University of the Arts
- Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
- NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
- Fontys University of Applied Sciences
- Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
- And many more!
The list expands and evolves every year, so it’s important to visit your chosen university’s website to confirm their participation and program eligibility for Spring 2026!
Apply: https://www.studyinnl.org/finances/nl-scholarship
Application Deadlines
The NL Scholarship Spring 2026 intake is now open. Since each university sets its own deadlines, students are strongly encouraged to visit the individual university websites to confirm exact dates. Most institutions are expected to close applications between December 2025 and January 2026.
