NL Scholarship

The NL Scholarship (formerly known as the Holland Scholarship) is a financial award for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the Netherlands. This scholarship provides a one-time grant of €5,000 during the first year of study, and it is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science as well as participating universities. Designed to cover part of your tuition or living expenses, the NL Scholarship makes studying at top Dutch universities like the University of Amsterdam, TU Delft, or Utrecht University more accessible.

What is the NL Scholarship?

The NL Scholarship is a targeted grant for non-EEA students enrolling in full-time bachelor’s or master’s programs at participating Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. It is not a full-ride scholarship but rather a financial boost for your first year.

• Offers a fixed amount of €5,000 paid out in the first year of study.
• Available for both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
• Open to students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
• Administered by the universities themselves, not by the Dutch government directly.
• Can be combined with other scholarships or financial aid, depending on the institution’s rules.

Who is eligible for the NL Scholarship?

Eligibility requirements are straightforward but strict. You must meet the nationality, academic, and admission criteria set by your chosen Dutch university.

• You must be a national of a non-EEA country. This includes countries like India, China, the United States, Brazil, and Indonesia.
• You must apply for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program at a participating Dutch institution.
• You must not have previously studied or lived in the Netherlands for any extended period (exceptions apply for short exchange programs).
• You must meet the specific entry requirements of the degree program, including English language proficiency and prior academic grades.
• You must apply directly to the university and be accepted into the program before the scholarship deadline.

How much does the NL Scholarship cover?

The NL Scholarship provides a one-time grant of exactly €5,000. This amount is paid during the first academic year, typically in two installments or as a tuition fee reduction. It is not a recurring scholarship for subsequent years.

• The €5,000 is paid once, usually in the first year of your program.
• It can be used to reduce your tuition fee or as a contribution toward living expenses.
• Some universities apply the €5,000 directly to your tuition invoice, while others deposit it into your bank account.
• If your tuition is lower than €5,000, the remainder may be paid to you for living costs (check with your specific university).
• This grant does not cover the full cost of studying or living in the Netherlands; you will still need additional funding.

The NL Scholarship is not a free ride. It’s a helping hand that makes the first year of your Dutch education more affordable. Plan your budget carefully beyond this grant.

Which universities participate in the NL Scholarship?

Over 50 Dutch universities and universities of applied sciences participate in this program. The exact list can change, but major institutions are consistently involved.

Each university sets its own application process and deadline for the scholarship. Always check the specific page of the university you are applying to for exact details.

• Research universities focus more on academic theory and research.
• Universities of applied sciences offer practical, career-oriented programs.
• The scholarship is not available for all programs at every university; confirm your specific program is listed.

How to apply for the NL Scholarship

The application process requires careful timing. You cannot apply for this scholarship separately; it is integrated into the university admission process.

• Step 1: Choose a participating university and a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program that is eligible for the NL Scholarship.
• Step 2: Apply for admission to the program through the university’s online portal (often Studielink first, then the university system).
• Step 3: Look for the NL Scholarship application section within your admission application. Some universities require a separate motivation letter or specific form.
• Step 4: Submit your complete application before the university’s internal deadline. This is often earlier than the general admission deadline.
• Step 5: Wait for the university to notify you. The scholarship is competitive, and not all admitted students receive it.

I applied to three different Dutch universities. Only one offered me the NL Scholarship along with my admission letter. The key was reading the fine print on their scholarship page months before the deadline.

Deadlines and timing for the NL Scholarship

Deadlines vary by university, but they generally fall into two main windows. Missing the deadline means losing the chance for the full year.

• Most universities have a primary deadline between February and May for programs starting in September (the main academic start).
• A few universities offer a second deadline around September for programs starting in February.
• You must apply for the scholarship at the same time as you apply for admission, or shortly after, depending on the institution.
• Results are usually announced between April and June for September start dates.
• Scholarship recipients are selected based on academic merit, motivation, and the quality of their application.

Can you combine the NL Scholarship with other funding?

Yes, many students combine the NL Scholarship with other financial resources. However, there are strict rules about what you can stack.

• You can combine it with personal savings, a student loan, or family support.
• You can combine it with a partial scholarship from a private organization or your home country government.
• You generally cannot combine it with another Dutch government-funded scholarship (like the Orange Tulip Scholarship or the full Holland Scholarship from a specific funder).
• Some universities allow you to receive the NL Scholarship alongside a partial tuition waiver from the same university.
• Always check with your university’s financial aid office to ensure no conflict exists between your funding sources.

Practical example: Using the NL Scholarship at Utrecht University

Consider a student from Brazil who gets accepted into a master’s program in Sustainable Development at Utrecht University. The tuition fee for the first year is €18,000. The NL Scholarship provides €5,000, reducing the amount they owe to €13,000 for the first year. The student then uses personal savings of €8,000 and a student loan of €5,000 to cover the rest. For the second year, the student must fund the full tuition from other sources (e.g., a part-time job, savings, or a separate scholarship). This example shows how the NL Scholarship lowers the immediate financial barrier but does not solve the entire funding puzzle.

Common mistakes to avoid

Many applicants miss out on the NL Scholarship because of small but critical errors. Avoid these pitfalls to improve your chances.

• Applying for a program that is not eligible for the scholarship. Always check the exact list on the university website.
• Missing the internal scholarship deadline because you focused only on the admission deadline.
• Submitting a generic motivation letter instead of one that explains why you specifically need the NL Scholarship.
• Assuming the scholarship is automatically considered after admission. You usually need to indicate your interest explicitly.
• Not preparing your financial documents for proof of sufficient funds for the remaining costs.

Conclusion

The NL Scholarship offers a practical financial boost for international students beginning their studies in the Netherlands. While the €5,000 grant does not cover all educational expenses, it significantly reduces the first-year burden and signals that the host country values international talent. To succeed, research your chosen university’s specific requirements, apply early, and plan your overall budget carefully. With the right preparation, this scholarship can be the stepping stone to a world-class Dutch education.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the exact amount of the NL Scholarship?

The NL Scholarship provides a one-time grant of exactly €5,000. This amount is paid only in the first year of your bachelor’s or master’s program and does not repeat for subsequent years.

Who is not eligible for the NL Scholarship?

Students from countries within the European Economic Area (EEA), including EU member states, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, are not eligible. Additionally, students who have previously studied or lived in the Netherlands for an extended period (excluding short exchange programs) are usually excluded.

Do I need to apply separately for the NL Scholarship?

Yes, in most cases you need to indicate your interest during the admission application process. Some universities have a separate form, while others integrate the scholarship selection into the general admission review. Check the specific instructions on your university’s website.

Can I get the NL Scholarship if I start in February?

Some universities offer the NL Scholarship for programs starting in February, but availability is more limited than for September intakes. Check the participating university list and their specific deadlines for February start dates.

Is the NL Scholarship taxable?

In the Netherlands, scholarships for tuition and living expenses are generally not considered taxable income for non-resident students. However, tax rules can vary based on your home country. Consult a tax advisor or your university’s international office for personal advice.

What happens if I drop out after the first semester?

If you withdraw from your program early, you may be required to repay a portion or all of the NL Scholarship grant. The specific repayment policy depends on your university’s terms and conditions. Always read the scholarship agreement carefully before accepting.

Can I use the NL Scholarship to pay for housing or food?

Yes, if your university pays the scholarship directly into your bank account (instead of applying it to tuition), you can use the €5,000 for living expenses including housing, food, and transportation. Check your university’s disbursement method.

Does the NL Scholarship guarantee admission to a Dutch university?

No. You must first be academically admitted to a degree program. The scholarship is awarded separately to admitted students based on merit and motivation. Receiving the scholarship does not change your admission status.

How many NL Scholarships are awarded each year?

There is no fixed national cap, but each participating university receives a limited budget to distribute. The total number varies by institution, ranging from a few dozen to over a hundred scholarships per university per intake.

Can I transfer the NL Scholarship to another university?

No. The NL Scholarship is awarded by a specific university for a specific program. If you transfer to another institution, you lose the scholarship. You would need to apply for a new scholarship at the new university if available.