NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship) 2027: eligibility, funding, deadline and how to apply

🇳🇱 Netherlands · Offered by Dutch Ministry of Education and Dutch universities · For Bachelor's, Master's applicants.

Updated 10 November 2026 · Researched from the sources listed at the end. Confirm current details on the official website before you apply.

Country: 🇳🇱 Netherlands
Provider: Dutch Ministry of Education and Dutch universities
Degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's
Funding: One-time EUR 5,000 in the first year (partial; not tuition).
Deadline: 2027–28: most universities 1 Feb 2027 (Groningen, Utrecht); Radboud 31 Jan 2027; others up to 1 May 2027.
Expected opening: Open now
Duration: First year only.
Professor contact: Not required to apply.

Official website

About the NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship)

For students from outside the EEA starting a bachelor's or master's at a participating Dutch university. Apply through the university.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Students from outside the EEA (Pakistan qualifies) who have not studied in the Netherlands before.

Academic requirements

Admission to a participating Dutch Bachelor's or Master's programme; university-specific merit criteria.

Language requirements

IELTS/TOEFL as the programme requires.

What the scholarship covers

One-time EUR 5,000 in the first year (partial; not tuition).

Tuition: Not covered (the EUR 5,000 can be used for tuition or living).
Stipend and benefits: EUR 5,000 (first year only).
Duration: First year only.

Deadline and opening date

2027–28: most universities 1 Feb 2027 (Groningen, Utrecht); Radboud 31 Jan 2027; others up to 1 May 2027.

Expected opening: Open now.

Required documents

University scholarship application
Motivation letter
Admission to the programme
Transcripts

How to apply

Apply for admission to a participating university and submit its NL Scholarship application by its deadline.

Find a professor for the NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship)

Even when it isn't required, a professor who knows your work strengthens your application. ScholarReach finds professors in the Netherlands whose research matches yours, writes a personal email to each one, and tracks every reply.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Students from outside the EEA (Pakistan qualifies) who have not studied in the Netherlands before. Admission to a participating Dutch Bachelor's or Master's programme; university-specific merit criteria.

What does the NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship) cover?

One-time EUR 5,000 in the first year (partial; not tuition). EUR 5,000 (first year only).

What is the NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship) deadline?

2027–28: most universities 1 Feb 2027 (Groningen, Utrecht); Radboud 31 Jan 2027; others up to 1 May 2027. Expected opening: Open now.

Is IELTS required for the NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship)?

IELTS/TOEFL as the programme requires.

Do I need a supervisor or professor's acceptance for the NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship)?

Not required to apply.

How do I apply for the NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship)?