Undergraduate, MastersPartial (€5,000 for the first year)

NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship)

Last verified 8 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The NL Scholarship (formerly known as Holland Scholarship) is meant for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to do their bachelor’s or master’s in the Netherlands. Are you ready for the chance of a lifetime? Apply for the NL Scholarship!

Provider: Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science / Nuffic
Host country: Netherlands
Deadline: Varies by institution (typically Feb–May)
Region: Europe

Official source

Topics

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship) is open to African students applying to study in Netherlands at the Undergraduate, Masters level, with partial (€5,000 for the first year) funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Undergraduate, Masters · applicants for Netherlands
Funding: Partial (€5,000 for the first year)
Study level: Undergraduate, Masters
Deadline: Varies by institution (typically Feb–May)

Key eligibility criteria

Nationalities outside the EEA, applying for full-time Bachelor's or Master's programs at participating Dutch higher education institutions, and not holding a degree from the Netherlands.

What the partial (€5,000 for the first year) award covers

Full tuition

About the NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship) (2026)

## Overview The NL Scholarship, formerly known as the Holland Scholarship, is a prestigious scholarship program designed to support international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who wish to pursue a bachelor's or master's degree in the Netherlands. This scholarship is jointly funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, as well as various Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. It offers a unique opportunity for aspiring students to experience higher education in the Netherlands and embark on a transformative academic journey. ## Benefits The NL Scholarship provides a significant financial contribution to selected students. The scholarship amounts to €5,000, which is disbursed during the first year of studies. It is important to note that this is a partial scholarship and does not cover the full tuition fees or living expenses. Therefore, applicants should plan for additional funding to support their studies and stay in the Netherlands. The scholarship aims to alleviate some of the financial burden for eligible international students, making Dutch higher education more accessible. ## Eligibility To be considered for the NL Scholarship, applicants must meet specific criteria: * **Nationality:** Applicants must be citizens of a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA). * **Program Enrollment:** Applicants must be applying for a full-time bachelor's or master's program at one of the participating Dutch higher education institutions. * **Institutional Requirements:** Applicants must satisfy the specific admission requirements set by their chosen institution. These requirements can typically be found on the respective university’s website. * **Prior Dutch Degree:** Applicants must not possess a degree from an educational institution in the Netherlands. ## Required Documents The official source does not explicitly list "Required Documents" for the NL Scholarship application process. However, it is essential for prospective applicants to understand that an application to a Dutch higher education institution generally entails submitting a range of documents, including academic transcripts, diplomas, a motivation letter, a CV, and proof of English proficiency. Since the scholarship application is often integrated with the university application, candidates should anticipate preparing these standard academic documents. It is highly recommended to consult the website of the chosen institution for precise information on their specific application requirements. ## How to Apply The application process for the NL Scholarship is intricately linked with the application to a participating Dutch higher education institution. Prospective students should follow these general steps: 1. **Identify a Participating Institution:** Review the lists of participating research universities and universities of applied sciences for the academic year in which you intend to apply. These lists are usually updated annually. 2. **Choose a Program:** Select a full-time bachelor's or master's program that aligns with your academic goals and interests at a participating institution. 3. **Check Institutional Requirements:** Visit the website of your chosen institution to understand their specific admission criteria and application procedures. This will also include details on how to apply for the NL Scholarship through their system. 4. **Submit Your Application:** Follow the instructions provided by the institution to submit your application for both the degree program and the NL Scholarship. The scholarship application opening date for the academic year 2026-2027 was November 1, 2025. 5. **Adhere to Deadlines:** Be vigilant about the application deadlines, as these vary by institution. ## Key Dates The application period for the NL Scholarship for the academic year 2026-2027 commenced on **November 1, 2025**. It is crucial to be aware that the specific deadlines for scholarship applications can vary significantly among participating institutions. Therefore, prospective applicants are strongly advised to consult the official website of the university or university of applied sciences to which they intend to apply for the exact deadlines relevant to their chosen program and institution. Early application is generally recommended to ensure all requirements are met and submitted on time. ## Selection Criteria The official source does not explicitly detail a separate set of "Selection Criteria" for the NL Scholarship beyond the general eligibility requirements. However, given that the scholarship is closely tied to admission to a participating Dutch higher education institution, it can be inferred that the selection process will heavily weigh the applicant's academic merit and their ability to meet the specific entry requirements of their chosen program and university. This typically includes strong academic performance, a compelling motivation for studying in the Netherlands, and relevant extracurricular achievements. Furthermore, institutions may have their own internal selection processes and criteria for awarding the scholarship to eligible candidates. ## Tips * **Thorough Research:** Carefully review the lists of participating research universities and universities of applied sciences to find an institution and program that suits your academic goals. * **Institutional Websites:** Always prioritize checking the specific websites of your chosen institutions for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding application procedures, deadlines, and any additional scholarship requirements. * **Prepare Early:** Gather all necessary application documents well in advance of the deadlines. This includes academic transcripts, diplomas, motivation letters, and any required language proficiency test scores. * **Understand Partial Funding:** Remember that the NL Scholarship provides partial funding (€5,000) for the first year of study. Plan your finances accordingly for the remainder of your tuition and living expenses. * **Code of Conduct:** Familiarize yourself with Nuffic's Integrity Code of Conduct. While it primarily outlines standards for those handling the scholarships, being aware of it reflects a commitment to ethical conduct. * **Contact Institutions:** If you have specific questions about the application process or scholarship details, reach out directly to the international admissions office or scholarship office of your chosen university. ## Official Source For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information regarding the NL Scholarship, including lists of participating institutions and detailed application procedures, please refer to the official Study in NL website: [https://www.studyinnl.org/finances/nl-scholarship](https://www.studyinnl.org/finances/nl-scholarship) Additionally, specific links to participating research universities and universities of applied sciences are provided on the official page, which should be consulted for institution-specific details and application portals. A downloadable flyer in PDF format is also available on the official website for quick reference.

What the Partial (€5,000 for the first year) NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship) covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Full tuition

NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship) eligibility for Netherlands applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Nationalities outside the EEA, applying for full-time Bachelor's or Master's programs at participating Dutch higher education institutions, and not holding a degree from the Netherlands.

Documents required for the NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship) application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Standardised test scores where required (SAT or ACT for many U.S. universities)
Secondary-school leaving certificate (WAEC, KCSE, NSC, EGSECE or equivalent)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship) 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://www.studyinnl.org/finances/nl-scholarship and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Nationalities outside the EEA, applying for full-time Bachelor's or Master's programs at participating Dutch higher education institutions, and not holding a degree from the Netherlands.". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Apply to the host university or programme first where required, and obtain a conditional admission letter. A growing number of sponsors only fund applicants who already hold an offer.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://www.studyinnl.org/finances/nl-scholarship, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by Varies by institution (typically Feb–May) (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science / Nuffic will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship) deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship)?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Undergraduate, Masters level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science / Nuffic, and be able to relocate to Netherlands for the duration of the programme.

Is the NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship) fully funded?+

Funding model: Partial (€5,000 for the first year). Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is Varies by institution (typically Feb–May). Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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