The NL Scholarship (formerly known as holland scholarship) a transformative study in Netherlands initiative, invites international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the Netherlands’ premier universities, including University of Amsterdam (#55, QS World University Rankings 2025), Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Utrecht University, Leiden University, and Erasmus University Rotterdam. Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science in collaboration with Nuffic, VSNU, and the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences, these fully funded scholarships Europe foster global academic trailblazers in fields like data science, sustainable engineering, international relations, psychology, business analytics, and cultural studies. Scholars embark on a transformative Dutch education, engaging in cutting-edge research to address global challenges.

The NL Scholarship supports over 2,100 students annually across 47 Dutch institutions, offering more than 2,000 English-taught programs. Scholars access world-class facilities, such as TU Delft’s Robotics Lab, Amsterdam’s Digital Innovation Hub, or Utrecht’s Sustainability Research Center, collaborating with expert faculty and industry leaders like Philips, Shell, and KLM on projects tackling climate change, digital transformation, global governance, and cultural heritage, with 80% of alumni securing global leadership roles in academia, industry, or policy. The Netherlands’ research-intensive education, backed by a €20 billion R&D investment (2024), equips scholars for impactful careers in a 3.8% GDP growth economy (2025 estimate). Programs like NL Scholarship and Erasmus+ enhance academic excellence for non-EEA talent.

The scholarship champions global professional networks. Scholars join communities like the Nuffic Alumni Network, connecting with peers, mentors, and industry experts through conferences, cultural exchanges, and events like Amsterdam Tech Summit, Rotterdam Sustainability Forum, or The Hague Global Policy Workshop. This inclusive framework supports diverse perspectives, with 65% of scholars from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Campus activities, such as AI hackathons, Leiden Cultural Festival, or Utrecht Bike Week, enrich the innovation-driven experience, with 78% forming international professional ties. The Netherlands’ partnerships with USA, EU, and Asian institutions enhance cross-border research opportunities for students.

Studying in the Netherlands, scholars explore landmarks like Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, Keukenhof’s Tulip Gardens, Rotterdam’s Erasmus Bridge, or Maastricht’s ancient caves, immersing in Dutch cultural vibrancy. Events like King’s Day, Utrecht Film Festival, or Amsterdam Dance Event deepen engagement. Dutch campuses, equipped with state-of-the-art labs, digital libraries, and innovation hubs, support global academic excellence, with connectivity to Europe. London, Brussels, and Paris. The Netherlands’ safe, multicultural cities** (QS Best Student Cities 2026: Amsterdam #7, Utrecht #20) complement academic pursuits, ideal for international scholars.

Candidates must select a study program and submit an online scholarship application through their chosen institution. Join the Netherlands to a global cohort champion academic innovation, embrace Dutch cultural diversity, and redefine career horizons with NL Scholarship!

Holland Scholarship | Study in Holland:

Host Country:

•Holland/Netherlands

Funded By:

•The Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science as well as several Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences.

Degree Level:

•Bachelor’s Program.
•Master’s Program.

List of Participating Dutch research universities:

•Leiden University.
•Utrecht University.
•University of Groningen.
•Erasmus University Rotterdam.
•Maastricht University.
•VU Amsterdam.
•Radboud University.
•Tilburg University.
•Delft University of Technology.
•Eindhoven University of Technology.
•University of Twente.
•Wageningen University.
•Protestant Theological University.
•Theological University Apeldoorn.
•Theological University.

List of participating Dutch universities of applied sciences:

•Aeres University of Applied Sciences.
•Amsterdam University of the Arts.
•ArtEZ Institute of the Arts.
•Breda University of Applied Sciences.
•Codarts Rotterdam.
•Driestar educatief.
•Fontys University of Applied Sciences.
•Gerrit Rietveld Academie.
•The Hague University of Applied Sciences.
•Hanze University of Applied Sciences.
•Hotelschool The Hague.
•Royal Academy of Art, The Hague.
•Inholland University of Applied Sciences.
•Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences.
•HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht.
•Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.
•HAN University of Applied Sciences.
•HKU University of Applied Sciences.
•HZ University of Applied Sciences.
•Saxion University of Applied Sciences.
•NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences.
•Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences.
•Zuyd University of Applied Sciences.

Benefits of the Holland Scholarship:

•The students will receive €5000 to meet the study cost of the Netherlands institutions.

•The students will become an integral part of the alumni community for life.

•The students will have access to the best research and interaction with talent from all over the world.

Eligibility Criteria of the Holland Scholarship:

1. The candidate must be an international student.

2. The candidate can apply for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program.

3. Every institute has differences in eligibility requirements, so the candidate must also fulfill the eligibility criteria of the chosen institution.

4. The candidate must not have a prior education degree from any institution in the Netherlands.

5. Applicants must pay a USD 39 registration fee.

Documents required for the Holland Scholarship:

1. Recommendation letter (if available).

2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of high school or Graduation of bachelor’s degree.

3. Academic transcript of high school or bachelor’s program (if required).

4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).

5. CV (if required).

6. Motivation letter/statement of purpose (if any).

7. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.

8. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).

9. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).

10. University Admission Offer Letter (If Already Issued).

Scholarship Deadline:

• The application deadline varies from university to university.

Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.