The Netherlands Government NL Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious financial award offered to outstanding international students from non-EEA countries who wish to study in Dutch universities. It is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, along with top universities across the Netherlands. This scholarship is designed to support talented students who want to pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in one of Europe’s most innovative and globally recognized education systems.
This article explains all the important details about the NL Scholarship 2026, including eligibility, benefits, documents, the application process, and deadlines.
What Is the NL Scholarship 2026
The NL Scholarship, previously known as the Holland Scholarship, is a one-time financial grant awarded to international students enrolling in full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programs in the Netherlands. The scholarship aims to attract global talent and promote international diversity in Dutch universities.
It is not a full scholarship but provides a valuable financial boost to help students begin their studies successfully.
You may also like:
Key Benefits of the NL Scholarship 2026
The Netherlands Government NL Scholarship offers the following advantages:
1. One-Time Financial Grant
Selected students receive a €5,000 scholarship, awarded during the first year of study. This amount helps with tuition costs or initial living expenses.
2. Available for Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs
International students can apply for a wide variety of English-taught programs at top-ranked Dutch universities.
3. Study in World-Class Universities
Over 32 Dutch universities participate in the program, including both research universities and universities of applied sciences.
4. Global Exposure
Students gain international academic experience in one of Europe’s most innovative learning environments.
Participating Universities in 2026
Many leading Dutch institutions offer the NL Scholarship, such as:
- University of Groningen
- Leiden University
- Radboud University
- Tilburg University
- Utrecht University
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Delft University of Technology
- Erasmus University Rotterdam
- The Hague University of Applied Sciences
- Fontys University of Applied Sciences
- Saxion University of Applied Sciences
These universities offer hundreds of Bachelor’s and Master’s programs taught entirely in English.
Eligibility Criteria for NL Scholarship 2026
To qualify for the Netherlands Government NL Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be non-EEA citizens.
- Apply to a full-time Bachelor’s or master’s program at a participating university.
- Meet the academic admission criteria of the selected program.
- Not hold a previous degree from a Dutch institution.
- Submit the required documents before the specific university deadline.
- Ensure they satisfy language requirements (usually English proficiency).
Each university may add some additional conditions, so applicants must check individual guidelines.
You may also like:
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026 in France—Fully Funded Opportunity for International Students
Required Documents
While exact requirements vary by university, common documents include:
- Valid passport copy
- Latest academic transcripts and certificates
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter explaining goals and interest in the Netherlands
- English language test score (if required)
- Reference letter(s)
- Additional documents, such as a portfolio for arts or design programs
All documents must be uploaded clearly and correctly.
Application Deadline for 2026
Deadlines differ for each Dutch university. However, most scholarship deadlines usually fall between
- February 2026
- May 2026
Applicants should always check the exact deadline on the university’s official website because late submissions are not accepted.
How to Apply for the NL Scholarship 2026
Follow these steps to apply successfully:
Step 1: Choose a University and Program
Select a participating Dutch university offering the program you want to study.
Step 2: Apply for Admission
Submit your application for a bachelor’s or master’s program through the university’s online portal.
Step 3: Apply for the NL Scholarship
Once your program application is submitted, apply separately for the scholarship through the university’s scholarship section.
Step 4: Prepare and Upload Documents
Submit all required documents, including a motivation letter, transcripts, and CV.
Step 5: Await the Result
Universities review applications and inform successful candidates directly via email.
Advantages of Studying in the Netherlands
- High-quality education with global recognition
- Affordable living costs compared to many European countries
- Safe, friendly, multicultural environment
- Hundreds of English-taught academic programs
- Strong career and research opportunities
The NL Scholarship makes the Netherlands even more accessible for international students.
Final Words
The Netherlands Government NL Scholarship 2026 is an excellent opportunity for talented students from non-EEA countries who want to study in one of Europe’s top education hubs. Although it is not a fully funded scholarship, the €5,000 grant significantly supports the first year of study and reduces the financial burden.
