Holland Scholarship
Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science · All India
Amount
EUR 5,000, (approx. ₹5.5 Lakh+)
Deadline
31 Oct
Status
Open now
Provider Type
Study Abroad
Last Verified
2026-27
About the Program
Comprehensive guide for Holland Scholarship. Get eligibility details, stipend amounts, and registration instructions here.
Benefits & Financial Support
EUR 5,000, (approx. ₹5.5 Lakh+)
The NL Scholarship is a one-time grant of EUR 5,000, awarded for the first year of study only. This is not a full-tuition scholarship and does not cover full tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, health insurance, or travel costs. The grant is typically disbursed in one or two installments. Based on a current exchange rate of 1 EUR ≈ 109 INR, the approximate annual amount is 545,000 INR.
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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
- Income limit: No income bar
- Category: General, OBC, SC, ST
- Domicile: 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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The selection process is merit-based and primarily managed by the participating Dutch higher education institutions
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Selection is based on the student's academic background, as demonstrated in their application for the Bachelor's or Master's program
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A strong motivation letter explaining the relevance of studying in the Netherlands to future goals is crucial
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The quality and feasibility of the applicant's financial plan may also be assessed, requiring demonstration of ability to cover remaining costs
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Institutions may have additional excellence criteria, such as a GPA benchmark.
Renewal Policy
The NL Scholarship is a one-time grant awarded for the first year of study only and is not renewable for subsequent academic years.
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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Choose a Participating Institution and Program: Identify a Dutch research university or university of applied sciences that participates in the NL Scholarship for the 2026/2027 academic year. Confirm that your desired full-time Bachelor's or Master's program is eligible.
- 2Apply for Admission
Submit your admission application for your chosen program directly through the institution's standard application system. Start this process as early as possible.
- 3Indicate Scholarship Interest
During your admission application, indicate that you wish to be considered for the NL Scholarship. Some institutions have a specific checkbox or a separate scholarship application form.
- 4Prepare and Submit Documents
Gather all required documents, including your motivation letter, academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, and a valid passport. Upload these documents as per the institution's guidelines.
- 5Meet Deadlines
Be aware that scholarship deadlines are often earlier than general admission deadlines. Deadlines vary by institution, typically falling between February 1st and May 1st for the 2026/2027 intake.
- 6Await Selection Decision
Institutions typically communicate selection results between April and July.
- 7Visa Application
If selected, proceed with applying for your Dutch student visa or residence permit (MVV + VVR).
Apply Links
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Help & Contact Support
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Official Last Date & Timelines
31 October 2026
The Holland Scholarship (now known as the NL Scholarship) application deadlines are institution-dependent and vary by the participating Dutch higher education institution. For the 2026/2027 academic intake, applications generally opened on November 1, 2025, with institutional deadlines typically falling around February 1, 2026, or May 1, 2026. For the 2027/2028 academic intake, some institutions have an application closing date as late as April 1, 2027.
Dates are subject to change per the provider's official notification. Apply well before the closing date.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Is the NL Scholarship a fully funded scholarship?
No, the NL Scholarship is a partial scholarship. It provides a one-time grant of EUR 5,000 for the first year of your studies and does not cover full tuition fees or living expenses.
How do I apply for the NL Scholarship?
You must apply for the NL Scholarship directly through the participating Dutch higher education institution where you wish to study. There is no central application portal for the scholarship; each university handles its own application process.
Is the 'Holland Scholarship' still available, or has it been replaced?
The 'Holland Scholarship' was officially renamed the 'NL Scholarship' in June 2023. It is the active national scholarship program for international students from outside the EEA.
Can I renew the NL Scholarship for my second year of study?
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 years.
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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.