Holland Scholarship
Overview
The Holland Scholarship is a partially funded scholarship program offered by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science together with several research universities and universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands. The scholarship is designed for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who wish to pursue undergraduate or master’s degree programs in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands has become one of the most attractive study destinations in Europe because of its high-quality education system, internationally recognized universities, and strong focus on innovation and research. International students also benefit from a multicultural environment and a wide range of English-taught programs.
Students interested in studying in Europe may also explore other opportunities such as the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship and the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals for additional fully funded options.
The Holland Scholarship is ideal for students looking for financial support while studying at top Dutch institutions such as the following:
- Leiden University
- Utrecht University
- Maastricht University
- University of Groningen
- Erasmus University Rotterdam
Students can also read our guide on the following:
“Best Universities in the Netherlands for International Students”
to compare institutions and tuition fees before applying.
Scholarship Benefits
The Holland Scholarship offers financial assistance to help reduce the cost of studying in the Netherlands.
Benefits include:
- Scholarship grant of €5,000
- Support for undergraduate and master’s degree studies
- Opportunity to study at top Dutch universities
- Access to international research and innovation networks
- Exposure to multicultural academic environments
- Improved international career opportunities
The scholarship is usually awarded during the first year of study and does not fully cover all living expenses.
Students looking for fully funded opportunities can also explore the following:
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Holland Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a non-EEA international student
- Apply for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program
- Meet the admission requirements of the chosen Dutch university
- Must not already be studying in the Netherlands
- Shall have strong academic performance
- Should meet English language proficiency requirements if applicable
Some universities may have additional admission criteria depending on the selected program.
Required Documents
Applicants are generally required to prepare the following documents:
- Valid international passport
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters
- English language proficiency results (IELTS/TOEFL if required)
- Proof of admission application
- Passport photograph
It is important to prepare your application documents early. Students may also benefit from reading the following:
- How to Write a Winning Motivation Letter
- Best CV Format for Scholarship Applications
- How to Write Cold Emails to Professors
before submitting applications.
Application Process
Step 1: Choose a Dutch University
Visit participating Dutch universities and select an eligible bachelor’s or master’s program.
Step 2: Apply for Admission
Submit your university application through the institution’s official admission portal.
Step 3: Check Scholarship Eligibility
Verify whether your selected university participates in the Holland Scholarship program.
Step 4: Prepare Required Documents
Gather all required application materials, including transcripts, a CV, and a motivation letter.
Step 5: Submit Scholarship Application
Apply for the scholarship according to the university’s application procedure.
Step 6: Await Admission and Scholarship Decision
Successful candidates will receive official communication from the university.
Students should carefully review university-specific requirements because application procedures may differ slightly between institutions.
Deadline
The Holland Scholarship deadline varies depending on the university and study program.
Typical application periods are the following:
- February 2026
- May 2026
Applicants are strongly advised to check the official university website for exact deadlines.
Official Website
For official details and participating universities, visit:
Study in NL – Holland Scholarship
