The 6-Step Application Process
Click each step to see what to do. There is no central portal — you apply through your chosen university.
1. Select Your Programme
Use the StudyFinder tool to search 2,100+ English-taught programmes. Filter by level, field, and institution.
2. Find Available Scholarships
Check each university's scholarship page, studyinnl.org/finances, and faculty-specific pages. University scholarships (Amsterdam Excellence EUR 25,000, Utrecht Excellence full tuition + living) are often worth 5-10x the NL Scholarship.
3. Review Requirements Carefully
Each scholarship has specific requirements beyond basic eligibility. Some want minimum GPA 7.5/10, specific motivation letter formats, research proposals, or video essays.
4. Note All Deadlines (Critical Step)
The scholarship deadline is frequently earlier than the programme admission deadline. You might have until April for admission but only until February 1 for the scholarship.
5. Begin Your Admission Application
Register on Studielink (max 4 programmes), then upload documents through each university's portal: transcripts, language scores, passport, CV, and motivation letter.
6. Submit Your Scholarship Application
At some universities this is a separate form; at others, a checkbox on your admission application. Always confirm which model your university uses. Typical documents: motivation letter (500-1,000 words), academic transcripts, CV, language proof.
Two Application Paths
University Direct Application
Both university portal AND Studielink registration are required at most institutions.
Studielink (Central System)
Studielink is for official enrollment. Documents and scholarship applications go through the university portal.
Application Document Checklist
Check off documents as you prepare them. Have everything ready before you start any application.
Application Timeline for September 2027
Click a month to see what you should be doing. Start early — students who begin in September have a significant advantage.
September 2026 — Research Phase
Browse programmes on StudyFinder. Make a spreadsheet of universities, programmes, tuition fees, and deadlines. Begin IELTS/TOEFL preparation.
October 2026 — Narrow Down
Finalize shortlist to 2-3 universities. Take your language test. Request academic transcripts. Start drafting motivation letter. Contact references.
Typical November — Check university sites
2026-2027 NL Scholarship applications opened 1 November 2025. A national 2027-2028 list is not fully published. Register on Studielink when your target university opens. Confirm each institution’s date.
December 2026 — Early Deadlines
TU Delft and some other university-specific scholarships close. Submit early programme applications. Finalize references.
Typical January — Numerus fixus
Numerus fixus is a legal 15 January cutoff in years it applies. NL Scholarship and excellence-award dates are university-specific. Do not treat January 2027 as a national NL Scholarship deadline.
Typical February — University-specific closes
Some universities have historically closed NL Scholarship or excellence awards around early February. 2027-2028 dates must be checked on each university site.
Typical late winter — Final university closes
Some institutions historically close in March. 2027-2028 NL Scholarship dates are university-specific and must be checked on each university site.
April 2027 — Decisions
Admission and scholarship decisions arrive. Numerus fixus results released. Accept your offer. University begins your visa process.
May-June 2027 — Visa & Housing
MVV processing (3-8 weeks). Actively search for housing. Prepare proof of funds. Book refundable flights.
July-August 2027 — Final Prep
Collect visa from Dutch embassy. Confirm housing. Pay tuition (minus scholarship). Arrange health insurance.
September 2027 — Arrival!
Arrive in the Netherlands. Introduction week. Municipality registration (BSN). Bank account. Start your programme.