The NL Scholarship 2027 is an excellent funding opportunity for international students who wish to pursue undergraduate or master’s studies in the Netherlands. Sponsored by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in collaboration with participating Dutch higher education institutions, the scholarship helps outstanding non-EEA students reduce the cost of studying at some of the country’s leading universities.

Although the NL Scholarship is not a fully funded award, it provides a €5,000 grant toward tuition fees, making it a valuable financial boost for international students beginning their academic journey in the Netherlands.

In this comprehensive guide, CertiBridge explains everything you need to know about the NL Scholarship 2027, including its benefits, eligibility requirements, participating universities, required documents, and the step-by-step application process.

About the NL Scholarship

Formerly known as the Holland Scholarship, the NL Scholarship is designed to encourage talented students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to pursue higher education in the Netherlands.

The scholarship is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science together with participating research universities and universities of applied sciences. It supports students enrolling in eligible bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes across a wide range of academic disciplines.

With the Netherlands consistently ranked among Europe’s top study destinations, recipients benefit from internationally recognized education, innovative teaching methods, and multicultural learning environments

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) and Master’s

Host Institutions:  Check Participating Dutch Research Universities here and Universities of Applied Sciences here 

Study Destination: Netherlands

Eligible Programmes: Approved bachelor’s and master’s programmes offered by participating institutions

Scholarship Value: €5,000

Duration: One-time award for the first year of study

Participating Research Universities

The following Dutch research universities participate in the NL Scholarship 2027–2028 programme:

• Eindhoven University of Technology
• Maastricht University
• Protestant Theological University
• Radboud University
• Theological University Apeldoorn
• University of Groningen
• University of Twente
• Utrecht Theological University
• Utrecht University
• VU Amsterdam
• Wageningen University & Research

Each institution determines its own eligible courses and application deadlines. Applicants are encouraged to review the specific scholarship information on their chosen university’s website before applying.

Application Deadline

Applications for the 2027–2028 academic year opened on 1 November 2026.

Closing dates vary by institution and generally fall between February and June 2027. Since each participating university sets its own deadline, applicants should confirm the exact date with their preferred institution.

Scholarship Benefits

Recipients of the NL Scholarship receive:

• A €5,000 scholarship grant to support tuition expenses during the first year of study.

Important: The NL Scholarship is not a full-tuition scholarship. Students are expected to cover any remaining tuition fees and living expenses through personal funding or other financial support.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the NL Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Required Language: English
• Eligible Nationalities: Citizens of non-EEA countries
• You must be applying for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s programme at one of the participating Dutch higher education institutions.
• You must satisfy the admission requirements of your chosen university, including academic qualifications, English language proficiency, and any programme-specific requirements.
• You must not already hold a degree from a higher education institution in the Netherlands. Click here for more.

How to Apply for the NL Scholarship

Follow these steps to submit a successful application:

Step 1: Apply for Admission

Submit an application for admission to an eligible bachelor’s or master’s programme at one of the participating Dutch universities. Click HERE to apply.

Step 2: Prepare Your Motivation Letter

Write a motivation letter of no more than 500 words, explaining:

• Your academic achievements
• Leadership qualities and extracurricular activities
• Volunteer work or community involvement
• Why you deserve the scholarship
• How studying in the Netherlands aligns with your academic and career goals

Step 3: Indicate Your Scholarship Interest

During your online university application, indicate that you wish to be considered for the NL Scholarship and upload your motivation letter where required.

Step 4: Await the University’s Decision

Each participating university independently evaluates scholarship applications. Successful applicants will be contacted directly by their institution regarding the outcome of their application.

Official Website

To access the official application portal, view participating institutions, explore eligible programmes, and obtain the latest scholarship information, visit the official NL Scholarship website here