About the Holland Scholarship

The Holland Scholarship is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science together with Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. It is meant for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to do their Bachelor's or Master's degree in the Netherlands. The scholarship is awarded for one academic year and is intended to partially cover the costs of study.

Key Scholarship Programs

• Holland Scholarship (General): €5,000 awarded for the first year of study — one-time grant towards tuition or living costs
• Participating Universities: Over 40 Dutch institutions participate, each with their own selection criteria
• Partner Scholarships: Some universities add matching funds from their own scholarship budgets
• Renewal Option: A limited number of scholarships may be extended for a second year if academic performance is strong
• Number of Awards: Approximately 2,000 scholarships awarded each year across all participating institutions

Eligibility Requirements

• Nationality: Applicants must hold a passport from a non-EEA country (Afghanistan is eligible)
• Education: Applying for a full-time Bachelor's or Master's degree at a participating Dutch institution
• Enrollment: Must be a newly enrolled student — current Dutch students are not eligible
• Academic Merit: Strong academic record meeting the specific university's admission requirements
• English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+ (varies by program and university)
• Financial Need: Some universities consider financial need alongside academic merit
• No Prior Dutch Degree: Applicants must not already hold a degree from a Dutch institution
• Application Timing: Must apply through the specific participating university's process

Application Details

Required Documents

• Completed application form (via the specific Dutch university's portal)
• Certified copies of academic transcripts and diplomas
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
• Motivation letter (500–800 words) — explaining why you chose the Netherlands and this program
• Two academic or professional references
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copy of valid passport (non-EEA country)
• Portfolio (for arts, design, or architecture programs)
• Proof of financial planning (for visa purposes)

Application Timeline

• Application Opens: November 1 of the preceding year
• Deadline (Most Universities): February 1 or May 1 — varies by institution
• Scholarship Decision: Announced alongside admission decision
• Acceptance Deadline: Usually within 2–4 weeks of the offer
• Visa Application: April – July (must be done after acceptance)
• Academic Year Begins: September

Selection Criteria

• Academic excellence and motivation for the chosen program
• Quality of the motivation letter
• Relevance of prior education to the intended program
• Financial need (for universities that consider it)
• Potential to contribute to the university community
• Alignment with the university's strategic priorities

Benefits Covered

• One-time grant of €5,000 — awarded for the first academic year
• Applied towards tuition fees or living expenses (varies by institution)
• May be combined with other scholarships in some cases
• Access to Dutch public health insurance options for international students
• Renewable for a second year at select universities (based on performance)