The NL Scholarship: Holland's Government Funding for Non-EEA International Students
By Muntasir Minhaz • Published May 08, 2026 • Guides
The NL Scholarship offers a one-time grant of €5,000 to non-EEA students during their first year of a Bachelor's or Master's degree in the Netherlands. Each participating university manages its own application process and deadlines.
Eligibility Requirements for Non-EEA Applicants
The Study in NL Scholarship Portal co-funds international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) wanting to obtain a degree in the Netherlands. You must meet specific national criteria alongside individual university requirements to secure this funding. Also model your regular student finance with the Netherlands DUO Planner.
- Your nationality is from outside the EEA.
- You are applying for a full-time Bachelor's or Master's program at a participating Dutch higher education institution.
- You have never obtained a degree from an education institution in the Netherlands.
- You meet the specific admission requirements of your chosen institution.
The Financial Benefits Package
This funding serves as a partial contribution toward your study expenses. The award does not cover full tuition or living costs, requiring you to arrange additional personal finances.
| Financial Component | Award Details and Terms |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Amount | €5,000 one-time payment |
| Distribution Timing | Paid during your first year of study only |
| Funding Purpose | Intended for tuition fees or living costs |
| Covered Academic Levels | Full-time Bachelor's or Master's degrees |
Application Deadlines and Milestones
Each university establishes its own application window and selection timeline. You must submit your scholarship application directly to the chosen institution rather than a central government portal.
| Participating University | Application Open Date | Submission Deadline | Result Notification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utrecht University | November 1, 2025 | February 1, 2026 | Mid-April 2026 |
| Maastricht University | October 1, 2025 | February 1, 2026 | April 2026 |
| University of Amsterdam | November 1, 2025 | January 15, 2026 | Mid-May 2026 |
Required Application Documents
You must prepare a comprehensive document portfolio to support your application. Universities assess your academic potential based on these submitted materials. Related: Netherlands English-taught degree restrictions.
- Official academic transcripts from your high school or previous university.
- A detailed motivation letter explaining your academic goals and interest in the Netherlands.
- Two letters of recommendation from academic supervisors.
- Valid English language proficiency certificate like IELTS or TOEFL.
- A written financial plan demonstrating how you intend to cover the remaining study costs.
Award Numbers and Selection Competitiveness
The Dutch government funds this program to attract top international talent from non-EEA nations. The selection process remains highly competitive due to the limited number of annual awards. Browse all universities in the Netherlands.
- The national program funds approximately 2,112 international students each academic year.
- Individual universities receive a specific quota, often ranging from 10 to 40 awards per institution.
- Selection committees prioritize applicants with a high GPA, strong academic references, and a realistic financial plan.
Strategies for a Winning Application
Successful applicants submit a well-structured portfolio highlighting their academic merit and motivation. You must present a clear vision of your intended studies in the Netherlands.
- Obtain high academic grades to stand out during the initial GPA screening.
- Write a concise motivation letter linking your academic objectives to the specific university program.
- Formulate a detailed financial plan showing the capacity to cover the remaining tuition and living expenses.
- Apply early to allow ample time for document verification by the university admissions office.