Netherlands Government Scholarship 2025/2026 in Netherlands [Bachelors & Masters]
Posted August 25, 2026
About this opportunity
The Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science administers the Netherlands Government Scholarship (formerly the Holland Scholarship) to attract high‑performing international talent to Dutch higher‑education institutions. The Ministry’s mission is to strengthen the Netherlands’ reputation as a hub for innovative research, sustainable development, and inclusive education. By offering a modest grant of €5,000 for the first year of study, the programme lowers financial barriers for students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Suriname. Applicants can enrol in any bachelor’s or master’s programme taught in English at participating research universities or universities of applied sciences. Use Oppora’s CV Builder Studio to craft a concise academic CV and the AI Cover Letter Generator to highlight your motivation and fit for the Dutch education system.
Benefits
- €5,000 cash award payable in the first academic year (partial tuition support, not a full‑tuition scholarship).
- Access to world‑ranked Dutch universities renowned for engineering, business, arts, and life sciences.
- Opportunity to study in a country known for high quality of life, strong work‑life balance, and extensive public transport networks.
- Eligibility for post‑study work permits that allow graduates to remain in the Netherlands for up to one year to seek employment.
- Inclusion in a diverse international student community that encourages networking and collaborative research.
Eligibility
- Must be a non‑EEA, non‑Swiss, and non‑Surinamese citizen.
- Must have secured admission to a bachelor’s or master’s programme at a participating Dutch university for the 2025‑2026 intake.
- Academic performance is a primary selection criterion; most universities require a minimum GPA equivalent to the Dutch “cum laude” standard.
- Applicants are evaluated on motivation, potential contribution to the programme, and alignment with the university’s research priorities.
- Some universities may impose additional discipline‑specific requirements (e.g., engineering programmes may prefer candidates with a STEM background).
Required Documents
- Official admission letter from the chosen Dutch university confirming enrolment for the 2025‑2026 academic year.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates (translated into English if originally in another language).
- A motivation letter that outlines academic goals, why the chosen programme fits those goals, and how the applicant will contribute to the university community.
- Updated curriculum vitae (use Oppora’s CV Builder Studio for a clean, academic‑focused format).
- Proof of English proficiency if the university mandates it (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent). Note that many programmes waive IELTS for applicants with prior English‑language instruction.
- Any additional documents required by the specific university (e.g., portfolio for arts programmes or GRE scores for certain master’s tracks).
How to Apply
- Visit the official website of the Dutch university you wish to attend and confirm that the NL Scholarship is available for your chosen programme.
- Submit your application for admission to the university by the institution’s deadline; admission is a prerequisite for scholarship consideration.
- After receiving the admission letter, gather the required documents listed above.
- Upload the documents through the university’s scholarship portal or follow the university‑specific instructions for NL Scholarship submission.
- Monitor your email for confirmation of receipt and any further requests from the university’s scholarship office.
Click the Apply button below to start your application.
Ready to start your application?
Submit your materials before the official deadline.
Verify all official guidelines and eligibility criteria directly with the host institution before submitting. Prepare your transcript evaluation, referee letters, and motivational statement early to avoid deadline bottleneck delays.
Official Application Strategy & Recommended Tools
Selection Committee Priorities
- •Academic/Professional Alignment: Ensure your statement explicitly ties your past work in Netherlands to Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science's strategic goals.
- •Leadership Evidence: Selection panels heavily weigh demonstrated initiative, community impact, or research output.
- •Financial & Language Prerequisites: Confirm if Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates can substitute for formal standardized language test fees.



