NL Scholarship 2026

The NL Scholarship is a study grant funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, often in cooperation with participating Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. It supports international students from outside the European Economic Area who wish to study in the Netherlands.

This scholarship is generally available for bachelor's and master's degree programmes taught full-time at participating institutions in the Netherlands. It is widely known as a contribution toward study costs rather than a fully funded package. Reference postings consistently indicate that the NL Scholarship provides a one-time payment of €5,000, usually for the first year of study. Some universities may combine it with their own funding schemes, but the NL Scholarship itself is not normally enough to cover full tuition and living costs.

To be considered, applicants typically need to be non-EEA nationals, apply for admission to an eligible full-time programme, and meet both the academic and language entry requirements of the university. Many institutions also require that applicants have not previously completed a degree in the Netherlands. Exact rules vary by university, because institutions manage their own selection processes under the broader scholarship framework.

The scholarship can be used at participating higher education institutions across the Netherlands, rather than being tied to a single university. Students should first identify an eligible programme and institution, secure or pursue admission, and then check that university's scholarship page for local deadlines, required documents, and nomination or application steps.

Before applying, keep in mind:

• It is primarily for students from outside the EEA.
• It usually supports only the first year of study.
• It is a grant contribution, not usually a full scholarship.
• Application procedures and deadlines differ by institution.

If you are planning to study in the Netherlands and need partial financial support, the NL Scholarship can be a valuable starting point, especially when combined with university-specific scholarships or other funding sources.