NL Scholarship for Non-EEA Students: Bachelor's and Master's in the Netherlands

The NL Scholarship gives non-EEA international students €5,000 toward a bachelor's or master's at a Dutch research university or university of applied sciences. The Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science finances it, along with several Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences, and Nuffic administers it. The award is a one-time grant for the first year of study, not a full-tuition scholarship.

• Host country: Netherlands
• Level: Bachelor's or Master's
• Value: €5,000 for the first year of study, awarded once
• Who can apply: International students from outside the EEA
• Deadline: Check the institution's website for the specific deadline; applications for 2026-2027 opened on 1 November 2025
• How to apply: Directly to the participating Dutch institution

Participating research universities and universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands. The list changes every year; the official website gives the participating institutions for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Bachelor's or Master's programmes in eligible fields offered by the participating institutions. Specific fields of study for the academic year are on the website of the institution you want to apply to.

Not specified.

International students from outside the EEA.

The scholarship amounts to €5,000. You will receive this in the first year of your studies. It is not a full-tuition scholarship. The grant can be received only once.

• Your nationality is non-EEA.
• You are applying for a full-time bachelor's or master's at one of the participating Dutch higher education institutions.
• You meet the specific requirements of your chosen institution, which are on its website.
• You do not have a degree from an education institution in the Netherlands.

This award suits students from outside the EEA who are starting their first degree in the Netherlands and want a €5,000 contribution toward a full-time bachelor's or master's at a participating institution. If you already have a degree from an education institution in the Netherlands, you are not eligible.

You must apply for the NL Scholarship directly to the participating institution of your choice. The application for the 2026-2027 academic year opened on 1 November 2025. Check the website of the institution you want to apply to for the specific deadline(s).

Further details on the application procedure and specific deadlines are available on the institution's website. Visit the official website (link below) for full information on how to apply.

• Who can apply for the NL Scholarship? International students from outside the EEA who are applying for a full-time bachelor's or master's at a participating Dutch institution and who do not have a degree from an education institution in the Netherlands.
• What does the scholarship cover? A €5,000 grant for the first year of study. It is not a full-tuition scholarship and can be received only once.
• When is the deadline? Check the website of the institution you want to apply to for the specific deadline(s). The application for 2026-2027 opened on 1 November 2025.
• How do I apply? Apply directly to the participating institution of your choice. The application procedure is on the institution's website.
• Can I receive the scholarship more than once? No, the grant is awarded for one year and can only be received once.

• Read the official guidelines on the Nuffic website before you start.
• Prepare your documents early, including proof of nationality and admission letters.
• Check the specific requirements of your chosen institution on its website.
• Confirm the deadline with your institution, as it varies and is listed on its website.