Holland Scholarship (NL Scholarship) Guide | Netherlands

NL Scholarship Guide

The Holland Scholarship is now officially known as the NL Scholarship. It supports international students from outside the European Economic Area who want to complete a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the Netherlands.

The scholarship is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science together with participating Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences.

Successful applicants receive €5,000 during the first year of their degree. This is a contribution towards study expenses rather than a complete funding package. It does not automatically cover full tuition, accommodation, airfare, visa costs, or all living expenses.

Applications are managed by individual Dutch institutions. There is no single application form or universal deadline for every university. Applicants must first choose an eligible programme, check whether the institution participates in the NL Scholarship, complete the admission process, and then follow that university’s scholarship procedure.

This guide explains eligibility, funding, participating universities, application requirements, deadlines, supporting documents, motivation letters, and practical ways to strengthen an application.

€5,000 AwardBachelor’s & Master’sNon-EEA StudentsDutch Universities

What Is the Holland Scholarship?

The Holland Scholarship was created to attract talented international students to Dutch higher education institutions.

Its official name is now the NL Scholarship.

It is available through participating:

  1. Research universities
  2. Universities of applied sciences

The programme supports students beginning a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the Netherlands.

The scholarship is financed jointly by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and participating higher education institutions.

The award is designed as first-year financial support. It is not automatically renewed throughout the entire degree.

Why Is It Now Called the NL Scholarship?

The official scholarship page describes the NL Scholarship as the programme formerly known as the Holland Scholarship.

Applicants may therefore find both names online:

  1. Holland Scholarship
  2. NL Scholarship
  3. Netherlands Scholarship

The correct current name is NL Scholarship.

However, many students, university pages, scholarship databases, and older articles continue to use Holland Scholarship.

For application purposes, always follow the terminology used by the university where you plan to study.

Latest Application Status

The central NL Scholarship page currently lists participating institutions for the 2026 to 2027 academic year.

That application cycle opened on November 1, 2025. Each institution set its own closing date and programme restrictions.

The complete central schedule for the 2027 to 2028 academic year has not yet been published.

However, some universities have already released their next application dates.

For example, the University of Twente will open its NL Scholarship application on October 15, 2026. Its deadline for programmes beginning in September 2027 will be April 1, 2027, at 4 pm Central European Time. Results are expected during the first week of May 2027.

Maastricht University has also announced that applications for its combined NL-High Potential Scholarship will reopen in October 2026.

These dates do not apply to every institution.

Applicants must check the scholarship page of their selected university.

Who Can Apply?

The main national eligibility conditions are straightforward.

You may be considered when:

  1. You hold a nationality from outside the European Economic Area.
  2. You are applying for a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
  3. Your programme is offered by a participating Dutch institution.
  4. You meet the university’s academic and admission requirements.
  5. You do not already hold a degree from an educational institution in the Netherlands.

These are the general national conditions.

Individual universities may add further requirements related to grades, class ranking, language proficiency, programme selection, age, previous education, financial circumstances, or admission status.

Meeting the national conditions does not guarantee that every participating university will accept your scholarship application.

Eligible Countries

The NL Scholarship is not limited to one region or a small list of developing countries.

It is generally available to applicants whose nationality is outside the European Economic Area.

This can include eligible applicants from countries such as:

  1. India
  2. Bangladesh
  3. Nepal
  4. Sri Lanka
  5. Bhutan
  6. Maldives
  7. Afghanistan
  8. Pakistan
  9. Iran
  10. Kazakhstan
  11. Uzbekistan
  12. Kyrgyzstan
  13. Tajikistan
  14. Turkmenistan
  15. China
  16. Indonesia
  17. Malaysia
  18. Philippines
  19. Saudi Arabia
  20. United Arab Emirates
  21. Egypt
  22. Kenya
  23. Nigeria
  24. South Africa
  25. Brazil
  26. Mexico
  27. Canada
  28. United States
  29. United Kingdom
  30. Australia

These are examples rather than the complete list.

The University of Twente’s current eligible-country list includes applicants from South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, East Asia, the Americas, Oceania, and other non-EEA regions.

Eligibility may also depend on residence status.

A non-EEA national who qualifies for the lower Dutch statutory tuition fee because of a particular residence status may not qualify at some institutions. The University of Twente, for example, excludes students who are eligible to pay the statutory tuition rate.

What Does Non-EEA Mean?

EEA stands for European Economic Area.

It includes the countries of the European Union together with Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

The NL Scholarship is generally intended for students who do not hold a nationality from one of these countries.

Some institutions may also exclude applicants who hold dual nationality from an EU or EEA country.

Always check the institution’s exact nationality rules.

Can Swiss Students Apply?

Switzerland is not part of the EEA, but Dutch institutions may treat Swiss applicants similarly to EU and EEA applicants for tuition and scholarship purposes.

Some university-specific awards explicitly exclude applicants from Switzerland.

Applicants with Swiss nationality or dual Swiss nationality should therefore check the institution’s scholarship page rather than assuming eligibility.

Eligible Degree Levels

The standard NL Scholarship supports:

  1. Full-time Bachelor’s degrees
  2. Full-time Master’s degrees

The programme does not generally support:

  1. PhD programmes
  2. Short courses
  3. Exchange semesters
  4. Part-time programmes
  5. Professional training without a full degree
  6. Students who already hold a Dutch degree

The selected programme must be offered by a participating Dutch higher education institution.

Not every Bachelor’s or Master’s programme at a participating university is automatically included. Institutions may limit scholarship consideration to particular faculties or degree programmes.

Does the Scholarship Support Bachelor’s Degrees?

Yes.

International students can apply for eligible full-time Bachelor’s programmes offered by participating research universities or universities of applied sciences.

Bachelor’s applicants should check:

  1. Secondary education requirements
  2. Subject prerequisites
  3. Language requirements
  4. Numerus fixus conditions
  5. Portfolio or audition requirements
  6. Scholarship eligibility

Some universities participate only for selected Bachelor’s programmes.

Does the Scholarship Support Master’s Degrees?

Yes.

Many participating institutions use the NL Scholarship primarily for international Master’s applicants.

Master’s applicants normally need:

  1. A recognised Bachelor’s degree
  2. Relevant previous education
  3. Strong academic results
  4. English language evidence
  5. Admission or provisional admission to an eligible programme
  6. A separate scholarship application where required

At the University of Twente, applicants must first apply for an eligible Master’s programme. After receiving a student number, they can submit the NL Scholarship application.

Does the Scholarship Support PhD Study?

No.

The standard NL Scholarship is intended for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes.

PhD candidates should explore university research positions, doctoral employment contracts, faculty funding, and external research scholarships.

Participating Research Universities

The participating research universities for the 2026 to 2027 academic year include:

  1. Eindhoven University of Technology
  2. Maastricht University
  3. Protestant Theological University
  4. Radboud University
  5. Theological University Apeldoorn
  6. University of Groningen
  7. University of Twente
  8. Utrecht Theological University
  9. Utrecht University
  10. VU Amsterdam
  11. Wageningen University and Research

The list changes each academic year.

A university included in one cycle may not participate in the next cycle, and its eligible programmes may change.

Participating Universities of Applied Sciences

The participating universities of applied sciences for the 2026 to 2027 academic year include institutions such as:

  1. Aeres University of Applied Sciences
  2. Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
  3. Amsterdam University of the Arts
  4. ArtEZ Institute of the Arts
  5. Breda University of Applied Sciences
  6. Codarts Rotterdam
  7. Design Academy Eindhoven
  8. Fontys University of Applied Sciences
  9. The Hague University of Applied Sciences
  10. Hanze University of Applied Sciences
  11. Hotelschool The Hague
  12. HAN University of Applied Sciences
  13. HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
  14. HZ University of Applied Sciences
  15. NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
  16. Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
  17. Saxion University of Applied Sciences
  18. Zuyd University of Applied Sciences

The official 2026 to 2027 list contains additional art, design, theological, and professional institutions.

Applicants should not choose an institution based only on scholarship availability.

The academic programme should also match their educational background and future goals.

Research University and University of Applied Sciences Difference

Dutch research universities focus strongly on academic theory, research, and preparation for advanced academic or professional careers.

Universities of applied sciences focus more heavily on professional education, practical projects, industry experience, and applied learning.

Both types can offer recognised Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

The better option depends on your subject, learning preference, and career plan.

An applicant seeking a research-focused Master’s may prefer a research university.

An applicant seeking practical professional training, industry projects, and internships may prefer a university of applied sciences.

Scholarship Amount

The standard NL Scholarship provides €5,000.

The amount is paid during the first year of study.

It is not automatically paid every year of a multi-year degree.

A student completing a three-year Bachelor’s degree should not assume they will receive €15,000.

A student completing a two-year Master’s degree should not assume they will receive €10,000.

Unless the university states otherwise, the standard award is a one-time contribution of €5,000.

Is the Holland Scholarship Fully Funded?

No.

The standard Holland Scholarship or NL Scholarship is not fully funded.

The official programme page clearly states that the €5,000 award is not a full-tuition scholarship.

International students may still need to pay:

  1. The remaining tuition fee
  2. Accommodation
  3. Food
  4. Health insurance
  5. Residence permit costs
  6. Travel
  7. Books
  8. Local transportation
  9. Personal expenses
  10. Financial proof required for immigration

Applicants should create a complete budget before accepting admission.

What the Scholarship Does Not Automatically Cover

The standard award does not automatically provide:

  1. A complete tuition waiver
  2. A monthly living allowance
  3. Free accommodation
  4. International airfare
  5. Visa fee coverage
  6. Health insurance
  7. Family support
  8. Funding for the entire degree
  9. Guaranteed housing
  10. A post-study job

The institution may offer additional benefits through a separate or combined scholarship programme, but these are not part of the standard national award.

University-Specific Scholarship Packages

Some universities combine the NL Scholarship with their own institutional funding.

These combined awards may provide significantly more support than the standard €5,000 scholarship.

A major example is the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship.

For the 2026 to 2027 academic year, that programme offered 21 full scholarships for selected non-EU and non-EEA Master’s students. Its package included tuition, living expenses, insurance, visa costs, and pre-academic training.

This does not mean every NL Scholarship recipient receives the Maastricht funding package.

There is an important difference between:

Standard NL Scholarship: €5,000 during the first year.

Combined institutional scholarship: The university adds its own funding and may provide tuition, living support, or other benefits.

Read the exact name and financial table on the university website before describing the scholarship as fully funded.

Academic Requirements

The central NL Scholarship programme does not publish one minimum GPA for every institution.

Each university creates its own academic standard.

Some institutions may consider:

  1. Overall GPA
  2. Class ranking
  3. Relevant subject grades
  4. Academic awards
  5. Research experience
  6. Portfolio quality
  7. Professional achievement
  8. Motivation
  9. Leadership
  10. Programme fit

The University of Twente requires applicants to be excellent students. Its 2027 criteria describe a GPA equivalent to 7.5 out of 10 and performance within approximately the top 5 to 10 percent of the graduating class.

Maastricht University’s combined NL-High Potential Scholarship also requires academic results equivalent to at least 7.5 out of 10. Its current page states that only around 2 percent of applicants receive the award.

These are university-specific standards, not universal requirements for every NL Scholarship institution.

How to Demonstrate Academic Excellence

Do not provide only your GPA.

Help the scholarship committee understand what the result means.

Useful evidence includes:

  1. Class ranking
  2. Cohort size
  3. Dean’s list
  4. Merit scholarships
  5. Academic prizes
  6. Strong dissertation result
  7. Research publications
  8. Competition achievements
  9. Relevant projects
  10. Performance in difficult subjects

For example:

“I graduated with a GPA of 3.70 out of 4.00.”

This is useful but limited.

A stronger statement would be:

“I graduated with a GPA of 3.70 out of 4.00, ranked fifth among 110 students, and received the faculty award for my final-year research project.”

Where possible, ask your university to provide an official ranking or grading-scale document.

English Language Requirements

The NL Scholarship itself does not have one universal IELTS or TOEFL score.

Applicants must meet the English language requirements of the selected degree programme and institution.

The University of Twente’s current Master’s scholarship criteria include IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90, together with specified speaking requirements.

Another institution may use a different minimum score.

Depending on the programme, accepted evidence may include:

  1. IELTS Academic
  2. TOEFL iBT
  3. Cambridge English qualifications
  4. Previous education completed in English
  5. Another recognised test

Do not assume that a medium of instruction letter will be accepted.

Check the programme’s exemption policy.

Admission Requirements

Scholarship eligibility does not replace university admission eligibility.

You must satisfy the academic requirements of the selected programme.

These may include:

  1. A recognised previous qualification
  2. Required subjects
  3. Minimum GPA
  4. English language proficiency
  5. Curriculum vitae
  6. Motivation letter
  7. Portfolio
  8. Audition
  9. Entrance examination
  10. Interview
  11. Work experience
  12. Research proposal

For most programmes, applicants begin through Studielink, the official registration and application portal used by Dutch higher education institutions. Some institutions use a different or additional application system.

Always follow the instructions on the university’s programme page.

Do You Need Admission Before Applying?

The procedure differs between universities.

Some institutions require full or conditional admission before the scholarship application.

Others allow you to apply for admission and scholarship consideration during the same period.

At the University of Twente, students must apply for the Master’s programme first and use their student number to complete the scholarship application.

At Maastricht University, applicants must first submit the Master’s application through Studielink and obtain a university student number before completing the scholarship form.

Applying early is important because admission decisions can take several weeks.

Documents Required

There is no single national document list for every NL Scholarship application.

Requirements depend on the university.

Applicants should prepare documents such as:

  1. Passport or identity document
  2. Academic transcripts
  3. Degree certificates
  4. Curriculum vitae
  5. Motivation letter
  6. English language certificate
  7. Recommendation letter
  8. Proof of academic ranking
  9. Grading-system explanation
  10. Admission or provisional admission letter
  11. Portfolio for creative programmes
  12. Financial statement where required
  13. Work experience evidence
  14. Programme-specific documents

Maastricht University’s combined scholarship process currently asks for a CV, motivation letter, proof of academic excellence, financial-needs statement, reference letter, and official referee information.

Another university may request fewer documents.

Curriculum Vitae

Your CV should highlight the experiences most relevant to the selected programme.

Include:

  1. Education
  2. Relevant employment
  3. Internships
  4. Research
  5. Academic projects
  6. Publications
  7. Awards
  8. Leadership
  9. Volunteer activities
  10. Technical skills
  11. Languages
  12. Professional training

Keep the formatting clean and professional.

Do not fill the CV with unrelated activities simply to make it longer.

Where the university gives a page limit, follow it exactly. Maastricht University currently limits its combined scholarship CV to two A4 pages.

Motivation Letter

A strong motivation letter should explain more than financial need.

It should show why you are academically prepared, why you selected the programme, and what you plan to do with the education.

A useful structure includes the following sections.

Academic Background

Explain your most relevant qualification, subjects, and academic achievements.

Programme Choice

Discuss the exact programme and the academic features that support your goals.

University Choice

Explain why the institution is suitable beyond its ranking or international reputation.

Career Goals

Describe the sector, role, research field, or professional problem you plan to address.

Scholarship Value

Explain how the €5,000 contribution will support your studies and why you have a realistic plan for the remaining costs.

Expected Contribution

Discuss the knowledge, experience, perspective, or skills you will bring to the university community.

Avoid general statements such as:

“I have always dreamed of studying abroad.”

“The Netherlands has the best education system.”

“This scholarship will help me become successful.”

These statements do not distinguish you from other applicants.

Should You Discuss Financial Need?

The standard national eligibility criteria focus on nationality, degree level, programme participation, institution requirements, and previous Dutch education.

Financial need is not listed as a universal central requirement.

However, some university-specific or combined scholarships may ask for a financial-needs statement.

Maastricht University’s combined NL-High Potential Scholarship, for example, asks applicants to describe financial difficulty or personal circumstances.

Follow the institution’s instructions.

Do not turn an academic motivation letter into a long hardship statement unless the scholarship specifically asks for financial information.

Recommendation Letters

Not every university requires a recommendation letter.

Where required, choose someone who can provide detailed evidence of your academic or professional ability.

Suitable referees may include:

  1. Professor
  2. Lecturer
  3. Research supervisor
  4. Thesis adviser
  5. Employer
  6. Professional manager

The referee should explain:

  1. How they know you
  2. How long they have known you
  3. What work they observed
  4. Your academic or professional strengths
  5. Your suitability for the selected degree
  6. Your potential for future success

A detailed letter from someone who knows your work is stronger than a general letter from a senior person who barely knows you.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Search for an Eligible Programme

Use the official Study in NL Studyfinder and university websites to identify a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

Step 2: Confirm University Participation

Check whether the institution participates in the NL Scholarship for your intended academic year.

Step 3: Confirm Programme Eligibility

A participating university may include only selected programmes.

Step 4: Review the Admission Requirements

Check previous qualifications, subject requirements, English scores, and additional selection criteria.

Step 5: Check the Scholarship Deadline

The scholarship deadline may be earlier than the programme’s final admission deadline.

Step 6: Apply for Admission

For most programmes, this begins through Studielink. Some institutions require an additional university portal.

Step 7: Receive Your Student Number

Several institutions require a student number before the scholarship form can be submitted.

Step 8: Prepare the Scholarship Documents

Collect the CV, motivation letter, transcripts, ranking evidence, recommendations, and other required materials.

Step 9: Submit the Scholarship Form

Use the application method specified by the university.

There is no single central NL Scholarship application for all institutions.

Step 10: Monitor Your Email

The university may request missing documents, clarification, an interview, or confirmation of admission.

Step 11: Prepare the Remaining Budget

Even when selected, you will still need a plan for the amount not covered by the €5,000 award.

Application Deadlines

Deadlines vary by university and programme.

The central 2026 to 2027 cycle opened on November 1, 2025, but institutions set their own closing dates.

General Dutch admission deadlines are often:

  1. January 15 for numerus fixus programmes
  2. May 1 for many other programmes

These are general dates. Universities and scholarship schemes can set earlier deadlines.

For September 2027 entry, the University of Twente has published the following scholarship schedule:

Opening date: October 15, 2026

Closing date: April 1, 2027

Expected results: First week of May 2027

Maastricht University’s 2027 to 2028 combined scholarship applications are expected to reopen in October 2026.

Applicants should begin researching institutions by September or October rather than waiting until the following spring.

How Applicants Are Selected

There is no single national scoring system published for every institution.

Universities may assess:

  1. Academic performance
  2. Class ranking
  3. Programme fit
  4. Motivation letter
  5. Relevant experience
  6. English language ability
  7. Recommendation letters
  8. Leadership
  9. Financial circumstances where relevant
  10. Quality and completeness of the application
  11. Admission status
  12. Availability of scholarships

At Maastricht University, complete applications are reviewed by faculties, which rank their strongest candidates before final review and interviews.

The University of Twente describes eligible applicants as excellent students within approximately the top 5 to 10 percent of their graduating class.

Selection standards may be very different at another institution.

How to Improve Your Chances

Apply to the Right Programme

Choose a degree that clearly connects with your previous education and future goals.

Target Participating Institutions Carefully

Do not apply to a university simply because it offers the scholarship.

Compare academic quality, programme fit, tuition costs, and selection requirements.

Apply for Admission Early

Scholarship applications often require a university student number or provisional admission.

Demonstrate Academic Context

Provide ranking, cohort size, awards, and a grading-system explanation.

Write a Programme-Specific Motivation Letter

Mention relevant modules, teaching methods, specialisations, projects, and research opportunities.

Present a Realistic Financial Plan

The €5,000 award will rarely cover all expenses.

Show that you understand tuition and living costs.

Choose a Strong Referee

Select someone who can provide specific examples of your abilities.

Follow Every Instruction

Use the correct file type, word limit, template, deadline, and document format.

Check Whether Documents Can Be Replaced

Some institutions do not permit changes after submission.

Maastricht University states that applicants can submit its combined scholarship form only once and cannot add or replace documents later.

Apply for Other Scholarships

The NL Scholarship can sometimes be combined with university funding, but the rules vary.

Research institutional merit scholarships, faculty awards, tuition waivers, and external funding.

Common Application Mistakes

Using Only the Old Scholarship Name

Search for both Holland Scholarship and NL Scholarship, but use the current name in formal applications.

Assuming It Is Fully Funded

The standard award is €5,000 for the first year.

Applying Without Checking University Participation

The list changes annually.

Assuming Every Programme Is Eligible

Universities may restrict the award to selected programmes.

Missing the Scholarship Deadline

It may differ from the admission deadline.

Applying for Admission Too Late

You may need a student number or admission decision before applying for funding.

Submitting a General Motivation Letter

The letter should be written for the selected programme and institution.

Providing No Academic Context

A GPA is more persuasive when supported by ranking and grading information.

Ignoring the Remaining Costs

You must plan for tuition and living expenses not covered by the award.

Applying With a Dutch Degree

Applicants who already hold a degree from a Dutch educational institution are not eligible under the central criteria.

Assuming All NL-Branded Awards Are the Same

A combined award such as Maastricht University NL-High Potential has different benefits and requirements from the standard NL Scholarship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about the NL Scholarship amount, eligible students, participating universities, degree levels, admission, deadlines, and application process.

Is the Holland Scholarship still available?

Yes, but its current official name is the NL Scholarship.

Why was the Holland Scholarship renamed?

The programme is now presented under the name NL Scholarship. Official information refers to it as formerly known as the Holland Scholarship.

How much is the scholarship?

The standard scholarship provides €5,000 during the first year of study.

Is the NL Scholarship fully funded?

No. It is not a full-tuition scholarship.

Does it cover complete tuition?

No. The €5,000 may be used as a contribution, but remaining tuition is normally the student’s responsibility.

Does it provide a monthly stipend?

The standard scholarship is described as a €5,000 first-year award rather than a universal monthly stipend.

Does it cover accommodation?

Accommodation is not included automatically in the standard package.

Does it cover airfare?

International airfare is not listed as a standard benefit.

Does it cover visa costs?

Visa and residence permit costs are not automatically included in the standard award.

Can international students apply?

Yes, provided they are nationals of countries outside the EEA and meet the other conditions.

Can students from South Asia apply?

Yes. Eligible applicants may include students from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

Can students from Central Asia apply?

Yes. Eligible applicants may include students from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.

Can students from Africa apply?

Yes. Non-EEA applicants from eligible African countries may apply.

Can students from the United Kingdom apply?

United Kingdom nationals may generally be considered non-EEA applicants, subject to the institution’s conditions.

Can EU students apply?

The standard scholarship is intended for non-EEA nationals.

Can dual nationals apply?

It depends on the second nationality and the institution’s rules. Applicants holding an EU or EEA nationality may be excluded.

Does the scholarship fund Bachelor’s degrees?

Yes, at participating institutions and eligible programmes.

Does it fund Master’s degrees?

Yes.

Does it fund PhD programmes?

No.

Does it fund part-time study?

The central criteria require a full-time programme.

Can current students apply?

The scholarship is generally intended for students beginning an eligible degree. Institution-specific rules determine whether current students can be considered.

Can someone with a Dutch degree apply?

No. Applicants must not already hold a degree from an educational institution in the Netherlands.

Can exchange students apply?

The standard scholarship is intended for full degree programmes rather than exchange study.

Is there an age limit?

The central programme does not publish one universal age limit.

An individual university or combined scholarship may set one.

Is there a minimum GPA?

There is no single national minimum.

Universities may set their own standards. The University of Twente currently uses an academic level equivalent to 7.5 out of 10 and approximately the top 5 to 10 percent of the class.

Is IELTS compulsory?

It depends on the programme and institution.

Do I need admission first?

Many institutions require you to apply for admission before completing the scholarship form.

Do I apply through Studielink?

Most Dutch programmes use Studielink for the initial registration, but some institutions use additional or different procedures.

Is there one central scholarship application?

No. Applications are submitted through participating institutions.

Can I apply to several universities?

You may apply to several universities when their rules allow it. Each institution will assess your application separately.

Can I receive the award more than once?

The standard scholarship is intended as a one-time first-year award. Institution-specific rules may also prevent previous recipients from applying again.

When will 2027 applications open?

Dates vary. The University of Twente will open applications on October 15, 2026, while Maastricht University has announced that its combined scholarship will reopen in October 2026.

What is the 2027 deadline?

There is no universal deadline.

The University of Twente’s deadline is April 1, 2027, but other institutions will set their own dates.

When are results announced?

The result date depends on the university. The University of Twente expects to announce its 2027 results during the first week of May.

Can the scholarship be combined with another award?

Possibly, but this depends on the rules of both scholarships and the institution.

What is the Maastricht NL-High Potential Scholarship?

It is a combined scholarship that includes NL Scholarship funding and additional Maastricht University support. It is not the same as receiving only the standard €5,000 award.

Final Thoughts

The Holland Scholarship, now called the NL Scholarship, provides €5,000 to selected non-EEA students beginning an eligible Bachelor’s or Master’s programme in the Netherlands.

It is a useful contribution, but it is not normally a complete funding package.

A strong applicant should:

  1. Choose a suitable participating university
  2. Confirm that the exact programme is eligible
  3. Apply for admission early
  4. Demonstrate strong academic performance
  5. Provide ranking and grading context
  6. Write a programme-specific motivation letter
  7. Submit complete documents
  8. Follow the university’s deadline
  9. Prepare a realistic plan for remaining expenses
  10. Check whether additional institutional scholarships are available

The 2027 to 2028 central participating-institution list is not yet available. Some universities will begin accepting applications in October 2026, so applicants should start researching programmes, preparing transcripts, arranging language tests, and contacting referees before then.

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