Scholarship Acceptance Rates Compared
No official NL Scholarship rate exists. Here is how it stacks up against major scholarships based on available data and credible estimates.
The honest picture: Nuffic publishes no official rate. The NL Scholarship is relatively accessible compared to Fulbright, Erasmus Mundus, or Chevening. The modest EUR 5,000 value, distribution across 35+ universities, and lower global awareness all reduce competitive pressure. University-specific Dutch scholarships (Amsterdam Excellence, TU Delft Excellence) are a different story — those are very selective.
NL Scholarship vs University Scholarships
The NL Scholarship is distributed across 35+ universities, each with its own allocation. No separate essay, interview, or review panel. Selection is based on your existing application: GPA, motivation letter, and CV. Lower global brand recognition means a smaller applicant pool.
Tip: Apply to both the NL Scholarship and university-specific scholarships simultaneously. The NL Scholarship is your realistic fallback; the excellence scholarship is your stretch goal.
University-specific scholarships offer much more money and are therefore much more competitive. They often require separate essays, stronger academic profiles (top 5–10% of class), and sometimes interviews. These attract the strongest applicants internationally.
How Competitive Are You?
Check the factors that apply to you. The bar shows your approximate competitiveness based on weighted criteria.
Strong candidate. With this profile at a mid-popularity university, your chances are good. Apply to both the NL Scholarship and university-specific excellence scholarships.
Decent shot. Focus on strengthening your motivation letter and consider applying to less popular universities (Twente, Tilburg, Wageningen) for better odds.
Needs work. Address the unchecked items above. Consider retaking language tests, strengthening your motivation letter, and broadening your university choices.
Improve Your Chances
Selection committees read hundreds of letters. If yours could apply to any university with a few name swaps, it will not stand out. Mention specific professors, courses, research groups, and explain why the Netherlands specifically. See our Motivation Letter guide.
Amsterdam, Delft, and Leiden attract the most applicants. Competition at the University of Twente, Tilburg, or Wageningen is naturally lower. The education is excellent; the only difference is the city vibe. Fewer competitors means better odds for the same scholarship.
IELTS 6.0 meets admission requirements but doesn't help your scholarship case. IELTS 7.0+ signals stronger communication skills. If you have time before the deadline, this is one of the most actionable improvements you can make.
EUR 5,000 won't sustain you. Apply to home country government scholarships, check employer sponsorship, explore university-specific scholarships, and budget for realistic living costs with or without the grant.
Considering Other Countries?
Fulbright (~20%)
Fully funded. More demanding application with essays, interviews, and country-specific panels.
Erasmus Mundus (2–5%)
Most competitive in Europe. Full funding for joint master's across multiple countries.
Chevening (~6%)
Full UK funding. Requires 2+ years work experience. Not for fresh graduates.
DAAD (~25%)
Germany. Monthly stipend + health insurance. No tuition at public universities.
Next Steps
- Check Eligibility to confirm you qualify
- Read How to Apply for step-by-step instructions
- Study Deadlines — don't miss the scholarship-specific date
- Prepare a strong Motivation Letter — this is your best lever
- Plan Housing early — the crisis affects everyone