Government Scholarship · Undergraduate, Postgraduate

NL Scholarship (Netherlands)

Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Netherlands · All India

Annual Award€5,000 (approx. ₹4.5 Lakh+)
Deadline1 Apr
Scheme NameNL Scholarship (Netherlands)
Provided ByMinistry of Education, Culture and Science, Netherlands
Eligibility SummaryUndergraduate, Postgraduate · No income limit

Share this Scholarship

About the Program

Find NL Scholarship 2026 eligibility (formerly Holland Scholarship), €5,000 amount details, participating Dutch universities, and apply online guides.

Benefits & Financial Support

€5,000 (approx. ₹4.5 Lakh+)

The NL Scholarship provides a one-time payment of €5,000 (approximately INR 5,49,000) to recipients during their first year of study. This is a partial scholarship, intended to contribute towards tuition fees, accommodation, or living expenses, and does not cover the full cost of studying and living in the Netherlands. There is no mention of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded accounts, as this is an international scholarship and funds are typically disbursed through the university.

One-time cash grant of €5,000 to help offset living and study-related costs.

Note: Must not have previously studied or obtained a degree in the Netherlands.

Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit

Education LevelUndergraduate, Postgraduate
Course / StreamRelevant courses
Income LimitNo income bar
Category / CasteAll
Domicile StateAll India

Mandatory Documents Checklist

  • ✓Proof of application or admission letter from a participating Dutch university
  • ✓Academic transcripts and degree certificates
  • ✓Motivation letter or scholarship essay
  • ✓Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • ✓Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)

Selection Process

  • —

    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

  • —

    Applicants must hold a non-EEA (European Economic Area) passport and should not have a degree from a Dutch educational institution

  • —

    Each university sets its specific admission and scholarship requirements, and students apply directly through their chosen institution, which then nominates candidates

  • —

    Academic excellence, demonstrated through outstanding study results in their present field, is a key criterion

  • —

    There is a limited number of scholarships available.

Renewal Policy

The NL Scholarship is a one-time grant provided for the first year of studies and does not renew automatically for subsequent academic years.

How to Apply Online

Applications are submitted online via Online. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.

  • 1
    Choose Your University & Program

    Identify a Dutch higher education institution (research university or university of applied sciences) that participates in the NL Scholarship program and select your desired full-time bachelor's or master's program for the 2025-26 or 2026-27 academic year.

  • 2
    Check University-Specific Requirements

    Visit the official website of your chosen institution to understand their specific admission criteria, program requirements, and any additional eligibility criteria for the NL Scholarship.

  • 3
    Apply for Admission

    Submit your application for the chosen full-time bachelor's or master's program through the university's online application system (often via Studielink, the Dutch centralized portal for higher education applications).

  • 4
    Apply for the NL Scholarship

    Indicate your interest in the NL Scholarship within your university application form or submit a separate scholarship application if the institution requires it. Be sure to follow the university's specific instructions for scholarship application.

  • 5
    Prepare Documents

    Gather necessary documents, which typically include academic transcripts and diplomas, a motivation letter/statement of purpose, an updated academic CV, and proof of non-EEA nationality (e.g., passport copy).

  • 6
    Meet Deadlines

    Be aware that while the national application campaign generally opens around November 1st for the following academic year (e.g., November 1, 2025, for the 2026-27 academic year), each university sets its own internal deadline, often between February 1st and May 1st.

  • 7
    Await Decision

    Scholarship decisions are communicated directly by the institution, often alongside or shortly after the admission decision. Status Tracking: As the application is processed directly by individual universities, there is no single central portal for status tracking. You will need to monitor your application status through the portal or communication channels provided by your chosen university.

Common Questions (FAQs)

Is the NL Scholarship a full scholarship covering all my study expenses?

No, the NL Scholarship is a partial scholarship, providing a one-time grant of €5,000 (approximately INR 5,49,000) during your first year of study. It is intended to contribute towards your tuition fees, accommodation, or living expenses, but it does not cover the full cost of studying and living in the Netherlands. You will need to budget for the remaining expenses.

Can I apply for the NL Scholarship if I have previously studied in the Netherlands?

No, one of the key eligibility criteria for the NL Scholarship is that you must not have obtained a degree from an educational institution in the Netherlands, nor received any previous education in the Netherlands (exchange programs are typically excluded from this restriction, provided they are part of a Bachelor's degree achieved outside the Netherlands).

How and when will I receive the scholarship funds if selected?

The scholarship amount of €5,000 is a one-time payment that you will receive during the first year of your studies. The exact disbursement method and timeline will be communicated by your chosen university upon successful selection. This payment is typically made after you commence your studies.

Plan your study abroad

Use these guides to plan your next steps. Check this scholarship's eligibility before choosing a university or program.

Explore international scholarships →

Similar Opportunities You Can Apply For Today

Discover More

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 Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Netherlands website before final submission.