NL Scholarship 2027-2028

The NL Scholarship is paid by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and by participating Dutch universities. Nuffic manages it. It is for students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to start a bachelor’s or master’s programme in the Netherlands.

What you get

• A one-time payment of €5,000 in the first year of your studies.
• It is not a full-tuition scholarship. Plan how you will pay the rest of your costs.

Who can apply

• You must have non-EEA nationality.
• You must apply for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s programme at a participating Dutch university or university of applied sciences.
• You must meet the requirements of the institution you choose. You find them on its website.
• You cannot apply if you already have a degree from an education institution in the Netherlands.
• The list of participating institutions changes every year. Check the official page for the 2027-2028 list.

How to apply

1. Check that you meet the criteria: non-EEA nationality and no Dutch degree.
2. Pick a full-time bachelor’s or master’s programme at a participating institution.
3. Read that institution’s website for its requirements, fields of study and closing date.
4. Apply through the institution.

Key dates

• Application period: the 2027-2028 period is open now.
• Deadline: it is different for each institution and programme. Check the website of the university you want to apply to for the closing date.
• Opening date: not given. Check the official page.

Before you apply

• Find the closing date at your chosen institution first, and write it down with the time zone.
• Read the full rules on the official page and on the institution’s website.
• Prepare your documents early, so you are not rushing near the deadline.
• StudyFree is independent. Providers make the decisions, so confirm all details on the official NL Scholarship page.