Check Your Eligibility in 60 Seconds
Answer six quick questions to find out if you qualify for the NL Scholarship.
Eligibility by Scholarship Type
Document Readiness Checklist
Toggle each item as you gather your documents. Your progress is tracked visually.
35+ Participating Universities
Plus additional institutions. Full list at studyinnl.org.
Important: Not every programme at a participating university is eligible. Some universities restrict the NL Scholarship to specific faculties. Always verify on the individual university's scholarship page.
Edge Cases & Common Questions
Yes. Since Brexit in 2020, British citizens are non-EEA nationals and eligible for the NL Scholarship. They now pay non-EU tuition rates and can apply for the same scholarships as students from India, Brazil, or Nigeria.
If you hold dual nationality and one passport is from an EEA country, you are classified as an EEA national. This means lower tuition (EUR 2,530) and access to DUO finance, but no NL Scholarship eligibility.
Turkey is not in the EEA, so Turkish students are eligible. The Orange Tulip Scholarship for Turkish students was discontinued in 2024. Check what is currently available at your specific university.
They are technically Dutch nationals but may pay different tuition rates. The rules are genuinely complex and have changed over the years. Check directly with the university's international office.
No. The NL Scholarship is only for full bachelor's and master's degree programmes. PhD positions in the Netherlands are typically paid employment. Exchange semesters and pre-master's programmes do not qualify.
No official age limit. Whether you are 18 or 45, you can apply. Individual university-specific scholarships may have implicit preferences, and the MENA Scholarship caps at 45, but the NL Scholarship itself has no age restriction. This makes it one of the most accessible options for mature students.
Same scholarship, different name. Renamed in 2022 from "Holland Scholarship" to "NL Scholarship." Old forum posts may use the old name with outdated details. Always verify on studyinnl.org.
How NL Compares to Major Scholarships
| Criterion | NL Scholarship | Fulbright | DAAD | Erasmus Mundus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationality | Non-EEA | 160+ countries | Varies | All |
| Work experience | Not required | Preferred | Varies | Not required |
| Value | EUR 5k once | Full funding | EUR 934/mo | EUR 1,400/mo |
| Complexity | Low | High | Med-High | High |
The NL Scholarship is easy to qualify for but offers modest funding. Apply alongside Fulbright, DAAD, or Erasmus Mundus for higher-value options.
Next Steps If You're Eligible
How to Apply
Step-by-step application process, from programme selection to scholarship submission.
NL Scholarship Deep Dive
How the EUR 5,000 is paid, what it covers, and how to maximize it.
Deadlines
University-specific deadlines and why you should apply months earlier than you think.
Scholarship Amounts
What each scholarship is worth and how to build a multi-source funding package.