Holland Scholarship
Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science · All India
| Scheme Name | Holland Scholarship |
| Provided By | Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science |
| Eligibility Summary | Undergraduate, Masters · No income limit |
About the Program
Comprehensive guide for Holland Scholarship. Get eligibility details, stipend amounts, and registration instructions here.
Benefits & Financial Support
€5,000 (approx. ₹5.5 Lakh+)
The NL Scholarship (formerly known as Holland Scholarship) is a one-time grant of €5,000 (approximately ₹5,49,000, subject to exchange rate fluctuations) which is disbursed during the first year of your studies. This is a partial scholarship and is intended to contribute towards tuition fees, accommodation, or living expenses, but it does not cover the full cost of studying and living in the Netherlands. Funds are typically disbursed directly through the participating Dutch university, and there is no mention of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded accounts for this international scholarship.
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Nationality:Must hold a nationality from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). Citizens of EU member states, EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), Switzerland, and Suriname are not eligible.
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Degree Level:Must be applying for a full-time Bachelor's or Master's program at a participating Dutch higher education institution.
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Prior Education:Must not already hold a degree from a Dutch higher education institution. Taking part in an exchange program in the Netherlands does not make one ineligible.
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Academic & Language Requirements:Must meet the specific academic and language requirements (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL scores) of the chosen Dutch institution and program.
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First-Time Applicant:Generally, you should be a first-time applicant to study in the Netherlands at the degree level you are applying for.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Undergraduate, Masters |
| Course / Stream | Undergraduate, Masters |
| Minimum Marks | 75% |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | General, OBC, SC, ST |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Completed admission application to a participating Dutch higher education institution
- ✓Completed NL Scholarship application form (often integrated into the university's admission system or a separate form)
- ✓Valid passport copy showing non-EEA nationality
- ✓Official academic transcripts and degree certificates (in English or Dutch)
- ✓Motivation letter/Statement of Purpose (typically 500-1000 words, tailored to the program and scholarship)
- ✓English language proficiency certificate (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- ✓Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume (if required by the institution)
- ✓Proof of financial resources to cover living expenses and remaining tuition costs (for visa purposes, approximately €11,000-€14,000 per year)
- ✓Any additional documents specified by the chosen institution
Selection Process
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Candidates for the NL Scholarship are selected based on academic merit and must be admitted to a full-time bachelor's or master's program at one of the participating Dutch higher education institutions
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Applicants must be from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and should not have a degree from a Dutch educational institution
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The selection process often considers the quality and relevance of the motivation letter
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Each participating university sets its own specific admission requirements and scholarship criteria, and they are responsible for nominating candidates
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A limited number of scholarships are available annually across participating institutions.
Renewal Policy
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The NL Scholarship is a one-time grant awarded for the first year of study and is not renewable annually for subsequent academic years
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It cannot be combined with other Dutch government-funded scholarships.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
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Research and Choose Your University & Program Begin by exploring the official 'Study in NL' website to find a list of participating Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. Select a full-time bachelor's or master's program that aligns with your academic and career goals at one of these institutions for the 2026-2027 academic year.
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Check University-Specific Requirements and Deadlines Since the NL Scholarship is decentralized, each participating university sets its own specific admission criteria, scholarship requirements, and application deadlines. The national application window for 2026-2027 typically opens around November 1, 2025, with university deadlines often falling between February 1 and May 1, 2026.
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Apply for Admission to Your Chosen Program Submit your admission application to your selected Dutch university through their standard process, which often involves the Dutch centralized portal (Studielink) and the university's online portal. Ensure you meet all academic and English language proficiency requirements (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL scores, or a Medium of Instruction certificate if applicable).
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Apply for the NL Scholarship During your admission application, or through a separate scholarship portal on the university's website, you will typically indicate your interest in being considered for the NL Scholarship. Some universities may require a separate scholarship-specific form or essay. Required Documents generally include: * Completed application form (provided by the institution). * Proof of application or admission letter from a participating Dutch university. * Motivation letter/Statement of Purpose explaining your academic goals, why you chose the Netherlands, and how the scholarship will benefit you. * Academic transcripts and degree certificates (certified copies, translated into English if necessary). * Updated Academic Curriculum Vitae (CV). * Copy of your passport confirming non-EEA nationality. * Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL scores).
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Status Tracking** Scholarship status updates will generally be provided directly by the university you applied to. There is no central portal for tracking the NL Scholarship status. It is advisable to regularly check your application portal and email for communications from the university's admissions or international office.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Is the NL Scholarship a full scholarship that covers all study and living expenses?
No, the NL Scholarship is a partial scholarship, providing a one-time grant of €5,000 (approximately ₹5,49,000) during your first year of study. It is intended to help offset some of the costs, but it does not cover the full tuition fees or all living expenses in the Netherlands. Students are expected to have additional funds to cover the remaining costs.
Can I renew the NL Scholarship for my second year of study or beyond?
No, the NL Scholarship is a one-time grant. It is awarded only for the first year of your bachelor's or master's program and is not renewable for subsequent academic years.
As an Indian student, how do I apply for the NL Scholarship?
Indian students must first apply for a full-time bachelor's or master's program at one of the participating Dutch higher education institutions. During the university application process, you will typically indicate your interest in the NL Scholarship or apply through a separate scholarship application portal on the university's website. There is no central application portal for the NL Scholarship; all applications are handled directly by the individual universities.
Plan your study abroad
Use these guides to plan your next steps. Check this scholarship's eligibility before choosing a university or program.
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Legal Disclaimer
IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science website before final submission.