DUTCH MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, CULTURE AND SCIENCE AND DUTCH RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES/UNIVERSITIES OF APPLIED SCIENCES
Holland Scholarship
partial · bachelors, masters
- €5,000 (one-off)Award value
- PartialFunding type
- NetherlandsHost country
- Non-EEA studentsEligibility
- Bachelor’s & Master’sStudy levels
- First yearWhen paid
At a glance
partial
Funding
€5k
Max amount
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
Countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA)
Country
Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and Dutch research universities/universities of applied sciences
Provider
The Holland Scholarship is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science together with participating Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. It is designed to attract talented international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to study in the Netherlands. The scholarship is a one-off grant of €5,000, awarded in the first year of study, to help with the cost of moving to and studying in the Netherlands. It is a partial award — it does not cover full tuition or living costs — and is intended as a meaningful contribution rather than full funding. Students apply directly to a participating Dutch institution (not through a central portal), and each institution sets its own deadline (commonly ~1 February or ~1 May) and selection criteria. The Holland Scholarship is widely available across many Dutch institutions and is a popular entry point for international students.
What's covered
- First-year grant — A one-off €5,000 grant paid in the first year of study.
- Use of funds — A contribution toward moving and study costs; you arrange the rest of tuition and living costs.
- Partial funding — It is explicitly a partial award — not full tuition or a living stipend.
How to apply
Apply for the Holland Scholarship directly through your chosen participating Dutch institution, by that institution's deadline, alongside your degree application.
- Choose a participating institution — Confirm your chosen Dutch university or university of applied sciences participates in the Holland Scholarship.
- Check its deadline & criteria — Find the institution's Holland Scholarship deadline (~1 February or ~1 May) and any extra requirements.
- Apply for admission — Apply for your bachelor's or master's program at the institution.
- Apply for the scholarship — Submit the institution's Holland Scholarship application (often a short form or motivation).
- Selection — The institution selects recipients according to its own criteria.
- Award — Selected students receive the €5,000 grant in their first year.
Eligibility
NationalityNot from the European Economic Area (EEA), and meeting the institution's definition of an international student.
LevelApplying for a full-time bachelor's or master's at a participating Dutch institution.
First enrolmentEnrolling for the first time at the institution (not already studying there).
Not previously holding itYou have not previously received a Holland Scholarship.
Institution rulesMeet any additional criteria set by the participating institution.
Apply directly to the participating Dutch institution — there is no central application. Each institution sets its own deadline (often ~1 February or ~1 May) and may add criteria.
Eligible countries
Countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA)
Deadlines
2027 entry (institution-set)2027-02-01
Selection
Selection is made by each participating institution according to its own criteria, which commonly weigh academic merit and motivation. Because the award is institution-administered, the bar and process vary; check your chosen institution's specific Holland Scholarship page.
Verified sources
- Holland Scholarship — Study in NLstudyinnl.orgofficial
About the provider
The Holland Scholarship is a joint initiative of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and participating Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences, coordinated under the Study in NL banner (Nuffic). It aims to make the Netherlands an attractive study destination for talented students from outside the EEA.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Holland Scholarship?
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A €5,000 one-off grant funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education and participating Dutch institutions, to attract talented non-EEA international students to study in the Netherlands.
How much is it and is it full funding?
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It is €5,000, paid in the first year, and is a partial award — a contribution toward moving and study costs, not full tuition or a living stipend.
Who is eligible?
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Non-EEA international students applying for a full-time bachelor's or master's at a participating Dutch research university or university of applied sciences, enrolling for the first time.
How do I apply?
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Directly through your chosen participating Dutch institution — there is no central portal. Apply for admission and submit the institution's Holland Scholarship application by its deadline.
When is the deadline?
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Each institution sets its own, most commonly ~1 February or ~1 May. Always check the specific deadline on your chosen institution's page.
Can EEA students apply?
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No — the Holland Scholarship is specifically for students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
Which institutions participate?
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Many Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences participate; the list is maintained centrally on the Study in NL site and each institution's page.
Is it for bachelor's or master's?
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Both — the Holland Scholarship is available for full-time bachelor's and master's programs at participating institutions.
Can I combine it with other funding?
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Often yes, depending on institution rules — many students combine the €5,000 grant with other scholarships or personal funds to cover full costs.
Is it renewable?
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No — it is a one-off grant paid in the first year of study, not an annual or renewable award.
How competitive is it?
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It varies by institution; because it is widely available and relatively modest, it is more accessible than full-ride scholarships, but selection still depends on each institution's criteria.
Do I need a separate motivation letter?
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Often yes — many institutions ask for a short motivation statement as part of the Holland Scholarship application. Check your institution's requirements.