NL Scholarship 2025: Study in the Netherlands Today

Quick Facts

The NL Scholarship for international students, formerly the Holland Scholarship, is your golden ticket. Designed for students outside the European Economic Area (EEA), this opportunity can jumpstart your journey toward a world-class education in the Netherlands.

Host Country: The Netherlands

Imagine studying among windmills, canals, and vibrant student cities. The Netherlands offers more than just scenic beauty. It boasts a progressive education system, friendly locals, and a strong international community.

Whether you want to study in the Netherlands for a master’s or a bachelor’s degree, Dutch institutions are globally respected for their high-quality education, particularly in fields like engineering, social sciences, design, and technology.

 Host Universities: A Diverse List of Choices

Have you ever dreamed of studying in a country known for its innovation, diversity, and top-ranked universities?  The NL Scholarship is supported by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, alongside many research universities and universities of applied sciences.

Here’s a breakdown of participating institutions for the 2025–2026 academic year:

Research Universities:

• Utrecht University
• University of Groningen
• Erasmus University Rotterdam
• Maastricht University
• VU Amsterdam
• Radboud University
• Delft University of Technology
• Eindhoven University of Technology
• University of Twente
• Theological University Apeldoorn
• Theological University Kampen

Universities of Applied Sciences:

• Amsterdam University of the Arts
• Aeres University of Applied Sciences
• ArtEZ Institute of the Arts
• Breda University of Applied Sciences
• Codarts Rotterdam
• Design Academy Eindhoven
• Fontys University of Applied Sciences
• Gerrit Rietveld Academie
• The Hague University of Applied Sciences
• Hanze University of Applied Sciences
• Hotelschool The Hague
• HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
• HAN University of Applied Sciences
• HZ University of Applied Sciences
• NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
• Saxion University of Applied Sciences
• Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
• University of the Arts, The Hague

These institutions offer a wide range of programs in English, making the transition smoother for international learners.

Key Benefits of the Program

Let’s be clear: the NL Scholarship is not a full scholarship. However, it still opens many doors.

• €5,000 Grant: A one-time award given during the first year of your studies.
• Financial Relief: While it doesn’t cover full tuition or living expenses, this amount can go toward tuition, rent, books, or travel.
• Access to Top Universities: It helps you enter globally ranked Dutch universities.
• A Head Start for International Careers: Dutch degrees are well-respected worldwide, brightening your future career path.
• Work While You Study: International students can work part-time while studying in the Netherlands, ideal for gaining experience and offsetting costs.

Netherlands Scholarship Application Requirements

Before you hit that “Apply” button, make sure you check these boxes:

1. You are a non-EEA national.
2. You are applying to a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program at a participating Dutch institution.
3. You meet the specific institutional requirements—these vary, so always visit the official university site.
4. You do not already have a degree from any educational institution in the Netherlands.

This scholarship offers fresh opportunities, so prior Dutch degree holders aren’t eligible.

Application Deadline

The NL Scholarship 2025-2026 deadline depends on the institution and program you choose.

Some universities close applications as early as February or March, while others accept them until May or June. Always double-check the university’s website to stay ahead.

The tentative deadline for this NL Scholarship is May 1, 2026.

 Course Level: Bachelor’s and Master’s

The scholarship supports two types of study levels:

• Study in the Netherlands Bachelor programs (undergraduate level)
• Study in the Netherlands Master’s programs (graduate level)

You must enroll in a full-time course. There are no part-time options for this scholarship.

Course Duration and Study Time

Your degree duration will depend on the program:

• Bachelor’s programs: Usually 3–4 years
• Master’s programs: Typically 1–2 years

The scholarship grant is awarded only during the first year of your study.

Why Study in the Netherlands?

You might be wondering, “Why choose the Netherlands?” Here’s why students from all over the world fall in love with studying here:

• High-quality education with international accreditation
• Courses in English across nearly all disciplines
• A multicultural classroom environment
• Strong research and innovation infrastructure
• Welcoming work-study policies for international students
• Centrally located in Europe, ideal for weekend travel adventures

Many international students who begin their studies with scholarships stay for internships, work placements, or even permanent jobs.

Can You Work and Study in the Netherlands?

Yes, international students can work while studying in the Netherlands—but there are rules you need to understand before jumping into a job. Whether you want to earn extra money, gain work experience, or build a network, part-time work is an excellent way to complement your academic journey.

Work Conditions for Non-EEA Students

If you’re a student from a non-European Economic Area (non-EEA) country, including Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, or Brazil, here are the main rules:

1. You need a work permit (TWV – tewerkstellingsvergunning).
   • Your Dutch employer must apply for this on your behalf.
   • It usually takes around 5 weeks to process.
2. Work Limitations:
   • During the academic year, you can work 16 hours per week.
   • Alternatively, you may work full-time (40 hours) during June, July, and August (the summer holidays).
   • You cannot do both simultaneously—part-time during studies or full-time in summer.
3. Freelancing is prohibited unless you register as a self-employed entrepreneur and meet specific tax and business requirements.

For EU/EEA/Swiss Students

Students from the EU/EEA or Switzerland have no work restrictions. They can work as many hours as they want and do not need a permit. However, health insurance and tax obligations still apply.

Do You Need Health Insurance?

If you’re working, Dutch law requires you to get Dutch basic health insurance, even if you already have student insurance. Once you start earning, this is a legal obligation; skipping it can lead to fines.

But don’t worry—there’s good news:

• You might be eligible for the Dutch government’s healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) to offset the insurance cost.

What Jobs Are Common for Students?

Here are some typical student jobs in the Netherlands:

• Working at cafés or restaurants
• Tutoring fellow students or younger pupils
• Campus jobs (student assistant or research assistant)
• Retail (clothing stores, supermarkets)
• Internships or side-projects in your study field

These jobs pay and help improve your Dutch language skills (though many jobs are available in English) and help you integrate better into Dutch society.

 Why Working During Studies is Beneficial

1. Build Practical Experience: Dutch employers value hands-on skills; part-time work can set your resume apart.
2. Boost Communication: It enhances your soft skills, especially in customer-facing roles.
3. Expand Your Network: Meeting people at work can open doors to future internships or jobs.
4. Support Living Costs: While you can’t fund your entire education this way, earning some income eases the financial burden.

What You Should Avoid

• Working without a permit is illegal and can risk your student status.
• Overcommitting to work: Don’t let a job interfere with your academic performance. Always prioritize your coursework.
• Not reporting income: Dutch tax laws apply to even part-time jobs, so make sure your employer registers everything officially.

You can work and study in the Netherlands, but you must plan it properly. Stick to the rules, manage your time wisely, and you’ll find that part-time work can be rewarding. It’s one more reason why so many students love the balanced, student-friendly environment in the Netherlands.

How to Apply for the NL Scholarship?

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to follow:

1. Choose Your University: Select a participating institution from the official list.
2. Pick Your Program: Ensure it’s a full-time bachelor’s or master’s course taught in English.
3. Check Requirements: Visit the university’s website to confirm their criteria.
4. Submit Application: Apply through the university’s admission portal and indicate you want to be considered for the NL Scholarship.
5. Wait for Notification: If selected, you’ll be notified directly by the institution.

📌 Pro Tip: Prepare a strong motivation letter explaining why you’re a great fit, not just academically, but also as a future ambassador of the Netherlands.

Integrity and Code of Conduct

Nuffic, the Dutch organization for internationalization in education, manages the NL Scholarship. Nuffic follows a strict Integrity Code of Conduct to ensure fairness, ethical practices, and transparency.

Applicants and participating institutions must not be involved in:

• Bankruptcy or fraud
• Money laundering
• Terrorist activities
• Academic misconduct or shell companies

This strict code ensures that only genuine and deserving candidates are selected.

Conclusion: A Launchpad to a Global Future

The NL Scholarship for international students is more than a financial grant. It’s a symbol of trust, a platform for growth, and a doorway to one of the most progressive education systems in the world.

Whether you’re just starting your bachelor’s journey or ready to dive into your master’s dream, this scholarship brings you one step closer to excellence, discovery, and global opportunity.

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