The Netherlands Government’s (NL Scholarship) 2027 is now open, offering international students a one-time €5,000 award to help fund their studies at participating Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. Therefore, it is the best time to know your eligibility, the benefits, visa requirements, application deadline and most of all; How to Apply. For international students looking for an affordable route to study in the Netherlands, the NL Scholarship 2027 is worth considering—but applicants should understand one important point from the beginning: this is not a fully funded scholarship.
The NL Scholarship, formerly known as the Holland Scholarship, is intended for talented students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to pursue eligible bachelor’s or master’s programmes at participating Dutch universities and universities of applied sciences. The scholarship is financed jointly by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and participating institutions.
For the 2027 intake, the programme is particularly attractive because the scholarship provides a one-time €5,000 award for the first year at participating institutions. At the same time, students should budget for the remaining tuition, accommodation, insurance, transportation and living expenses.
One of the most important features of this scholarship is that there is no single application deadline for every Dutch university. Participating institutions determine their own deadlines and may also impose additional eligibility requirements. The official Study in NL page currently lists the 2026–2027 participating institutions, while universities have already started publishing some information for the 2027–2028 intake.
This news publication explains how the NL Scholarship works, what the €5,000 actually means, which students are eligible, how to apply, what makes an application competitive and how it compares with larger Dutch scholarship programmes.
Facts & Quick Verification for NL Scholarship
| Scholarship Detail | NL Scholarship 2027 |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | NL Scholarship |
| Former name | Holland Scholarship |
| Host country | Netherlands |
| Funding partners | Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science + participating institutions |
| Study level | Bachelor’s and Master’s |
| Applicant nationality | Non-EEA |
| Scholarship value | €5,000 |
| Duration | One-time payment for the first year |
| Fully funded? | No |
| Tuition fully covered? | No |
| Accommodation | Not generally fully covered |
| Living allowance | No separate full living stipend |
| Travel allowance | Not generally a core benefit |
| Eligible institutions | Participating Dutch universities and universities of applied sciences |
| Application | Through participating institution |
| Deadline | Varies by institution |
| 2027/28 start | Generally September 2027 |
| Previous name | Holland Scholarship |
| Direct Nuffic application | No |
The official Study in NL information states that the participating institutions and deadlines can change from year to year, so students must verify their chosen university’s individual scholarship page.
NL Scholarship Coverage & Requirements Matrix
| Requirement/Benefit | NL Scholarship 2027 |
|---|---|
| Non-EEA nationality | ✅ |
| Bachelor’s applicants | ✅ Where offered |
| Master’s applicants | ✅ |
| PhD applicants | ❌ |
| Full tuition waiver | ❌ |
| €5,000 scholarship | ✅ |
| Monthly stipend | ❌ |
| Full accommodation | ❌ |
| Travel allowance | ❌ Core benefit |
| Health insurance | ❌ Core benefit |
| Previous Dutch degree | Generally not eligible |
| Admission to participating institution | Required |
| Institution-specific requirements | Required |
| Separate national application portal | ❌ |
| University application | Required |
| Fully funded | ❌ |
What the 2027 NL Scholarship Actually Covers
The most important thing prospective applicants should understand is that €5,000 is a contribution, not a complete study package.
For example, if an international Master’s programme has tuition of €20,000 or more per year, a €5,000 scholarship would cover only part of that cost.
Current Dutch programme listings demonstrate how substantial non-EEA tuition can be. For example, the University of Groningen lists a 2026/27 non-EEA tuition fee of €19,900 for its Philosophy, Politics and Economics Master’s programme.
Benefits Breakdown
| Expense | NL Scholarship |
|---|---|
| First-year scholarship | €5,000 |
| Full tuition | ❌ |
| Remaining tuition | Student responsibility |
| Accommodation | Student responsibility |
| Food | Student responsibility |
| Transportation | Student responsibility |
| Visa/residence costs | Generally student responsibility |
| Health insurance | Generally student responsibility |
| Personal expenses | Student responsibility |
What does €5,000 really mean?
Think of the award as a tuition and study-cost contribution rather than a full scholarship.
This distinction is especially important for students from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe and other countries where converting tuition and living expenses into local currency can make the overall cost substantial.
Official Source & Portal Verification for NL Scholarship
The official Study in NL website describes the NL Scholarship as an opportunity for international students from outside the EEA who wish to study a bachelor’s or master’s programme in the Netherlands.
The programme is administered through participating institutions rather than through a single central scholarship application.
This means:
You do not simply apply to Nuffic and wait for a scholarship.
Instead, you identify a participating university, apply for its eligible programme and follow that institution’s scholarship procedure.
The official Study in NL page also warns that the participating institution list changes every year.
The Step-by-Step Roadmap for NL Scholarship
Step 1: Choose a Dutch university
Begin by identifying universities offering your preferred course.
You can use the official Study in NL database to search English-taught programmes.
Step 2: Confirm that the institution participates
Do not assume that every Dutch university offers the NL Scholarship.
The participating list changes each year.
For the current published cycle, participating research universities include institutions such as:
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Maastricht University
- Radboud University
- University of Groningen
- University of Twente
- Utrecht University
- VU Amsterdam
- Wageningen University & Research
The official list also includes universities of applied sciences.
For 2027/28, verify the final participating list when Nuffic publishes the updated cycle information.
Step 3: Check the university’s scholarship page
This is extremely important.
The university decides:
- Which courses qualify
- Whether bachelor’s or master’s students can apply
- Academic requirements
- Documents
- Scholarship deadline
- Selection method
- Notification date
For example, the University of Twente has already published 2027/28 NL Scholarship information for certain programmes, with an application deadline of 1 April 2027 and a requirement for a CGPA of 7.5/10.
This demonstrates why there cannot be one universal NL Scholarship deadline.
Supporting Academic Collaboration
Although the NL Scholarship is primarily a financial award, studying at a Dutch university provides access to an international academic environment.
Dutch universities attract students and researchers from around the world, creating opportunities for:
- International research
- Industry collaboration
- Academic networking
- Internships
- Innovation
- Entrepreneurship
- European research projects
For students pursuing technology, engineering, agriculture, business, health sciences or social sciences, the Dutch higher-education environment can provide connections that extend well beyond the scholarship itself.
Duration and Funding Opportunities from NL Scholarship
The NL Scholarship is generally a one-time €5,000 award for the first year.
It is therefore important to distinguish it from scholarships that provide funding throughout an entire degree.
Example
Suppose you enrol in a two-year Master’s programme.
| Year | NL Scholarship |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | €5,000 |
| Year 2 | €0 from NL Scholarship |
| Total | €5,000 |
This means students need a financial plan for the entire programme.
Focus on Development Through Scientific Research at Dutch Universities
The NL Scholarship for selected Dutch universities are not restricted to one academic field.
Depending on the participating institution and eligible programmes, applicants can find opportunities in fields such as:
- Engineering
- Computer science
- Artificial intelligence
- Agriculture
- Environmental sciences
- Economics
- Business
- Social sciences
- Humanities
- Health-related disciplines
- Design
- Technology
The exact fields available depend on the participating institution.
Growing Importance of International Research Partnerships
The Netherlands has a strong international orientation in higher education and research.
For an international student, the value of studying there is therefore not limited to obtaining a degree.
Students may gain exposure to:
- European research networks
- International laboratories
- Dutch companies
- Start-up ecosystems
- Multinational organisations
- International research collaborations
This can be especially useful for students intending to return home and apply their training to development challenges.
NL Scholarship Mission in Netherlands
The NL Scholarship forms part of the Netherlands’ effort to attract talented international students.
The programme is jointly supported by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and participating Dutch higher-education institutions.
Its practical purpose is to make Dutch higher education more accessible to talented students from outside the EEA.
Research Expectations and Academic Responsibilities
The NL Scholarship itself is not primarily a research fellowship.
Therefore, applicants should not approach the scholarship like a PhD research grant.
Instead, your academic application should focus on:
- Academic preparation
- Course suitability
- Motivation
- Career goals
- Academic achievements
- Leadership or extracurricular achievements where relevant
- Why you want to study in the Netherlands
If you are applying for a research-oriented Master’s programme, however, your academic interests and proposed research direction can strengthen your application.
NL Scholarship Overview and Academic Purpose in the Netherlands
The NL Scholarship can be viewed as a partial funding opportunity for international degree students.
It is particularly useful for students who:
- Have strong academic credentials.
- Have already secured or are seeking admission to a Dutch institution.
- Can finance the remaining cost of study.
- Want an international European degree.
- Need additional funding but do not necessarily require a fully funded scholarship.
What This NL Scholarship Offers: The Advantage
The biggest advantage is flexibility.
Unlike scholarships restricted to one university, the NL Scholarship operates across participating Dutch higher-education institutions.
That gives applicants the ability to search for a programme that fits their academic background and career goals.
The second advantage is the €5,000 first-year contribution, which can significantly reduce the initial financial burden.
Features of the NL Scholarship
- Formerly known as the Holland Scholarship
- Available to non-EEA international students
- Bachelor’s and Master’s opportunities
- Participating research universities
- Participating universities of applied sciences
- €5,000 one-time award
- First-year funding
- Not a full scholarship
- University-specific application
- University-specific deadlines
- University-specific selection criteria
Eligible Courses in NL Scholarship in Dutch Schools
There is no single national list of every eligible course.
Each participating institution determines which programmes are eligible.
This means a student should never write:
“All courses in all Dutch universities are eligible.”
Instead, check the scholarship page of the university and programme you intend to apply for.
For example, the official Study in NL database identifies the NL Scholarship as an available funding option for selected programmes at institutions including Maastricht University, Leiden University and University of Twente.
Who Can Apply?
The core target group is:
- International students
- Citizens of countries outside the EEA
- Applicants seeking eligible Bachelor’s or Master’s study
- Students applying to participating Dutch institutions
- Applicants who satisfy the institution’s admission and scholarship requirements
For Nigerian applicants, the non-EEA requirement is particularly relevant because Nigeria is outside the EEA.
Eligibility Requirements to Apply for NL Scholarship
The general requirements include:
1. Non-EEA nationality
You should be a citizen of a country outside the EEA.
2. Apply for a participating programme
Your chosen programme must be eligible under the institution’s NL Scholarship scheme.
3. Meet admission requirements
You must satisfy the academic and language requirements of the university.
4. Meet university-specific scholarship conditions
Individual universities can impose additional requirements.
For example, the University of Twente requires applicants for its 2027/28 NL Scholarship to be excellent students with a CGPA of 7.5/10, corresponding to approximately the top 5–10% of their graduating class. It also requires admission to a qualifying programme and English-language proficiency.
This is a good example of why applicants should not assume that meeting the general NL Scholarship criteria automatically makes them competitive at every Dutch university.
Eligibility Comparison Table
| Requirement | General NL Scholarship |
|---|---|
| Non-EEA nationality | ✅ |
| EEA nationality | Generally ❌ |
| Bachelor’s | ✅ Where institution offers it |
| Master’s | ✅ |
| PhD | ❌ |
| Academic excellence | ✅ |
| Minimum GPA | Varies by institution |
| English proficiency | Usually required by programme |
| Admission | Required |
| Previous Dutch degree | Generally excluded |
| Age limit | No universal national limit |
| Work experience | Programme-dependent |
| Research proposal | Usually not a general scholarship requirement |
Study Period and Funding
The scholarship is intended as a contribution toward the first year of study.
This is an important difference from fully funded awards.
Example budget
If your first-year costs are:
- Tuition: €20,000
- Living costs: €12,000
- Other expenses: €3,000
Your approximate total could be €35,000.
A €5,000 NL Scholarship would reduce that amount to approximately €30,000.
Therefore, applicants should prepare a second funding source.
What Past Winners & Student Forums Say
Because the NL Scholarship is decentralised, applicant experiences vary significantly between universities.
One important lesson is that there is no single national selection formula.
For example, Utrecht University’s separate NL Scholarship scheme for students going abroad uses a lottery among eligible applicants, demonstrating that institutional implementation can differ considerably.
By contrast, the University of Twente sets an academic excellence threshold and evaluates applicants for its Master’s scholarship.
What this means for applicants
Don’t copy the strategy of someone who won the NL Scholarship at another university without checking your institution’s rules.
The scholarship name is the same, but the selection process can be different.
About the Dutch Universities Offering the NL Scholarship
The NL Scholarship is particularly attractive because it can lead to study at a wide range of Dutch higher-education institutions.
Research universities
The currently published Study in NL list includes:
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Maastricht University
- Radboud University
- University of Groningen
- University of Twente
- Utrecht University
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
- Wageningen University & Research
The official list also contains additional institutions, including theological universities.
Universities of applied sciences
The programme also involves Dutch universities of applied sciences, including institutions such as:
- Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
- Breda University of Applied Sciences
- Fontys University of Applied Sciences
- Hanze University of Applied Sciences
- HAN University of Applied Sciences
- NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
- Saxion University of Applied Sciences
- Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
The complete participating list should be checked against the official Study in NL page for the relevant academic year because participation changes.
Who Should Apply and Who Should Skip This Scholarship?
Who should apply?
The NL Scholarship is a good fit for applicants who:
- Are from outside the EEA.
- Want a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the Netherlands.
- Have strong academic results.
- Can finance costs beyond the €5,000 award.
- Have identified a participating university.
- Are comfortable applying under institution-specific requirements.
Who should think twice?
You should reconsider relying on this scholarship if:
- You need a fully funded scholarship.
- You cannot finance the remaining tuition.
- You need a monthly stipend.
- You require full accommodation funding.
- Your chosen university does not participate.
- Your preferred course is not eligible.
Realistic Chances of Winning
There is no single acceptance rate for the NL Scholarship because participating institutions run their own selection processes.
That means it would be misleading to say:
“The NL Scholarship has a 10% acceptance rate.”
The competition varies from one institution to another.
At Maastricht University, for example, the NL-High Potential Scholarship is a separate, much more comprehensive scholarship combining the NL Scholarship with the university’s High Potential Scholarship. Maastricht states that only about 2% of applicants receive that scholarship.
That should not be interpreted as a 2% acceptance rate for the general NL Scholarship across the Netherlands.
Your realistic advantage
Applicants improve their chances by:
- Applying early.
- Choosing eligible programmes carefully.
- Maintaining excellent grades.
- Writing a targeted motivation letter.
- Demonstrating leadership and impact.
- Meeting every document requirement.
- Avoiding last-minute submissions.
Hidden Requirements or Common Rejection Reasons
1. Assuming €5,000 means fully funded
It does not.
2. Applying to the wrong institution
Not every Dutch university participates.
3. Ignoring the programme-specific requirements
The scholarship does not replace the university’s admission requirements.
4. Missing the university deadline
There is no universal deadline.
5. Weak motivation letter
A generic statement about wanting to study in Europe is unlikely to stand out.
6. Waiting until admission is complete
Some universities require you to have applied or been admitted before you can apply for the scholarship.
For example, the University of Twente instructs applicants to apply for the Master’s programme first and then use their student number for the scholarship application.
Document Checklist
Prepare these documents in advance:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Passport | Nationality and identity |
| Academic transcripts | Academic performance |
| Degree certificate | Previous qualification |
| CV | Academic/professional profile |
| Motivation letter | Scholarship and programme fit |
| English-language test | Language requirement where applicable |
| Recommendation letters | Where required |
| Admission application | University admission |
| Scholarship application | Funding consideration |
| Portfolio | Creative programmes where required |
| Research statement | Certain research-oriented courses |
How to Write a Strong Motivation Letter
Don’t write:
“I want to study in the Netherlands because it is a developed country with good universities.”
That statement could be submitted to almost any European scholarship.
Instead, explain:
1. Your academic background
What have you studied?
2. Your problem or interest
What issue motivates you?
3. Why this programme?
Identify specific modules, facilities, research areas or teaching methods.
4. Why the Netherlands?
Explain what makes the Dutch academic environment useful to your goal.
5. What will you do afterwards?
Show how your education will translate into professional or social impact.
Timeline: From Application to Arrival
Because deadlines vary, applicants should build their own timeline around their chosen university.
| Period | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| August–September 2026 | Research universities and programmes |
| September–October 2026 | Prepare CV, transcripts and English test |
| November 2026 | Begin applications |
| December 2026–February 2027 | Submit early university applications |
| February–May 2027 | Major scholarship deadlines may occur |
| April–June 2027 | Scholarship decisions |
| May–August 2027 | Visa and accommodation arrangements |
| August–September 2027 | Travel preparation |
| September 2027 | Begin studies |
Important: This is a planning timeline, not a universal NL Scholarship deadline calendar. Each institution sets its own deadline. The official Study in NL page explicitly directs applicants to check their chosen institution’s website for specific closing dates.
Life as an NL Scholarship Student in the Netherlands
The scholarship can reduce the cost of studying, but students should still prepare for significant living expenses.
Major costs include:
- Accommodation
- Food
- Health insurance
- Transportation
- Books and study materials
- Personal expenses
- Residence permit/visa-related costs
Housing deserves special attention.
Study in NL itself advises international students to begin looking for accommodation as early as possible because finding a room can be challenging.
For students targeting cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, Delft or other popular university locations, accommodation planning should begin immediately after receiving admission.
What Happens After You Win?
After receiving the scholarship, successful students normally need to:
- Accept the scholarship.
- Complete university enrolment.
- Provide any outstanding documents.
- Complete immigration procedures if required.
- Arrange accommodation.
- Arrange health insurance.
- Plan travel.
- Register at the university.
- Begin the academic programme.
The scholarship should therefore be viewed as one component of a larger study-abroad plan.
Visa Requirements for Scholarship Students Travelling to the Netherlands (Holland)
For most non-EU/EEA students coming to the Netherlands on a scholarship, you will need a long-stay entry visa (MVV) and a residence permit (VVR) for study purposes. Your Dutch university usually applies for these on your behalf.
Who Needs What?
| Nationality Group | MVV (Entry Visa) | Residence Permit (VVR) |
|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA + Switzerland | No | No |
| USA, Canada, Australia, UK, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, etc. | No | Yes |
| Most other countries (e.g. Nigeria, India, China, Pakistan, Ghana, etc.) | Yes | Yes |
Main Requirements
- Admission to a recognised Dutch higher education institution
Official acceptance letter for a full-time Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programme. - Valid passport
Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay (preferably longer) with blank pages. - Proof of sufficient financial means
You must show you can cover living costs for at least 12 months.- Current study norm (2026): approximately €1,130 – €1,131 per month (€13,570+ per year), excluding tuition fees.
- Accepted proof:
- Official scholarship award letter (preferred for scholarship students)
- Bank statements
- Combination of scholarship + personal funds
- Health insurance
Valid health insurance covering your stay in the Netherlands (you will usually arrange Dutch basic health insurance after arrival). - Tuberculosis (TB) test
Required for students from certain countries (checked during the process). Some nationalities are exempt. - No threat to public order or national security
Clean criminal record (sometimes a police clearance certificate is requested). - Application fee
Around €243–€254 (paid by you or sometimes covered by the university/scholarship).
Important Notes for Scholarship Students
- Your university (as the recognised sponsor) submits the application to the IND (Dutch Immigration Service).
- A clear scholarship letter stating the amount, duration, and that it covers living costs is usually the strongest form of financial proof.
- Processing time is typically 2–8 weeks after the university submits a complete application.
- Once approved, you collect the MVV (if required) at a Dutch embassy/consulate in your home country before travelling.
Recommendation: Always follow the exact instructions from your Dutch university’s international office, as they handle the application and will tell you exactly which documents to prepare.
NL Scholarship vs Similar Dutch Scholarships
| Scholarship | Funding Level | Main Target | Competition/Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL Scholarship | €5,000 first year | Non-EEA Bachelor’s/Master’s | Partial funding |
| UM NL-High Potential | Full scholarship | Selected Master’s students | Very competitive |
| Wageningen ABF | Full funding | Selected developing-country MSc applicants | Invitation/selection |
| University-specific excellence awards | Varies | High-achieving international students | Institution-specific |
| Erasmus Mundus | Often fully funded | International Master’s | Multi-country European study |
The important lesson is that NL Scholarship should be treated as a partial scholarship, while some alternatives can cover tuition, living expenses and other costs.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| €5,000 financial contribution | Not fully funded |
| Available at multiple institutions | Participating list changes |
| Bachelor’s and Master’s opportunities | Not every programme qualifies |
| Non-EEA students can apply | Deadlines differ |
| Dutch universities and applied universities | No universal selection process |
| Can be combined with personal funding | Remaining costs can be substantial |
| International study environment | Accommodation can be difficult to secure |
Alternatives If You Don’t Get the NL Scholarship
Not receiving the NL Scholarship does not necessarily mean you cannot study in the Netherlands.
Consider:
University-specific scholarships
Many Dutch universities offer their own awards.
Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship
This combines the NL Scholarship with additional university funding and can provide a much more comprehensive package. Maastricht states that it offers 18 full scholarships under the programme for eligible Master’s students.
Wageningen scholarships
Wageningen University offers several funding opportunities for international Master’s students, including the Anne van den Ban Fund and university scholarship programmes.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
These can provide substantially more comprehensive funding and may include study across several European countries.
Other country scholarships
Applicants should also consider:
- DAAD Germany
- Chevening UK
- Erasmus+
- Swedish Institute scholarships
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
- Lester B. Pearson Undergraduate Scholarship – University of Toronto Canada
- University-specific scholarships in Canada, Australia and the United States
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NL Scholarship fully funded?
No. The €5,000 award is a contribution toward study costs. It does not normally cover the entire tuition and living expenses.
How much is the NL Scholarship 2027?
The current programme structure provides a €5,000 one-time award for the first year. Applicants should verify the final 2027/28 terms when the official cycle is updated.
Who is eligible?
The scholarship is primarily for international students from outside the EEA who apply for eligible Bachelor’s or Master’s programmes at participating institutions.
Can Nigerians apply?
Yes. Nigerian citizens are outside the EEA and can apply if they meet the requirements of the participating institution and programme.
Can I use the NL Scholarship for a PhD?
Generally, no. The programme is designed for Bachelor’s and Master’s study.
Does it cover tuition?
It provides a €5,000 contribution but does not constitute a full tuition waiver.
Does it provide a monthly stipend?
No general monthly stipend is attached to the NL Scholarship.
Does it pay for accommodation?
No general full accommodation package is included.
Is there one national deadline?
No. Each participating institution determines its own closing date.
Can I apply to multiple universities?
You can apply for admission to different universities, but scholarship rules are institution-specific. Check each university’s conditions before submitting multiple scholarship applications.
Do I need admission before applying?
This depends on the university. Some institutions require admission or provisional admission before the scholarship application.
For example, the University of Twente requires applicants to have been provisionally or fully admitted to a qualifying programme.
What was the scholarship previously called?
The NL Scholarship was formerly known as the Holland Scholarship.
Contact Information for Applicants
Because the NL Scholarship is administered through participating universities, applicants should generally contact the international office or scholarship office of their chosen institution.
For general information about studying in the Netherlands, the official Study in NL platform provides information about:
- Scholarships
- Programmes
- Admissions
- Tuition
- Cost of living
- Visas
- Housing
How To Apply for NL Scholarship 2027
Step 1: Search for your programme
Use the Study in NL programme database to identify suitable Bachelor’s or Master’s courses.
Step 2: Check participation
Confirm that your chosen institution participates in the NL Scholarship for the 2027/28 academic year.
Step 3: Read the university’s scholarship requirements
Check:
- Nationality
- GPA
- Degree requirements
- Language requirements
- Eligible programmes
- Application procedure
- Deadline
Step 4: Apply for admission
Most Dutch programmes use Studielink as the official registration and application platform, although universities can have additional application procedures.
Step 5: Prepare your scholarship application
Prepare your:
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Academic records
- References
- English-language evidence
- Other required documents
Step 6: Submit before the university deadline
Do not rely on a general “NL Scholarship deadline.” Your university’s deadline is the one that matters.
Step 7: Wait for selection
The university evaluates applications according to its own process.
Step 8: Accept the award
If selected, follow the institution’s instructions for accepting and receiving the scholarship.
Current Application Deadlines for NL Scholarship 2027
There is no single nationwide deadline.
The official Study in NL page says that participating institutions determine their own specific closing dates.
Some universities have already published 2027/28 deadlines.
For example:
| University | 2027/28 NL Scholarship Information |
|---|---|
| University of Twente | 1 April 2027, 16:00 CET for its published qualifying programmes |
| Other participating universities | Varies |
| National deadline | None |
The University of Twente states that its 2027/28 NL Scholarship application opens 15 October 2026 at 12:00 CET, closes 1 April 2027 at 16:00 CET, and results are expected in the first week of May 2027.
Therefore, do not publish a single “NL Scholarship 2027 deadline” as though it applies to every Dutch university.
Important 2027 Verification Note for our Readers at ScholarshipsTravel.com
The 2027/28 cycle requires special attention because the official national Study in NL page currently displays the participating institutions for 2026/27, while individual universities have begun publishing their own 2027/28 information.
For example:
- University of Twente has published a 2027/28 NL Scholarship deadline.
- Wageningen University currently says it is not yet known whether NL Scholarships will be available for September 2027.
This is exactly why applicants should verify the scholarship at the university level rather than assuming that every institution from the previous cycle will participate again.
Concluding Remarks
The NL Scholarship 2027 is a useful opportunity for international students who want to study in the Netherlands, but it should be presented accurately: it is a €5,000 partial scholarship, not a fully funded scholarship.
Its biggest strength is the range of Dutch institutions involved and the opportunity to reduce the first-year financial burden.
Its biggest limitation is equally clear: students must find additional money to cover the remaining tuition and living costs.
For applicants from Nigeria and other non-EEA countries, the best strategy is to begin preparing well before the application window:
Choose your programme → confirm university participation → check the university-specific requirements → apply for admission → submit the scholarship application → arrange additional funding.
And perhaps the most important point for your ScholarshipsTravel article is this:
There is no single NL Scholarship deadline for all Dutch universities.
The official Study in NL guidance says deadlines are determined by the participating institutions, while the 2027/28 information already published by universities shows that deadlines can differ substantially.
To start your application:
- Check the official NL Scholarship page on Study in NL
- Search Dutch study programmes through Study in NL
A Travel Consultant dedicated to helping students, job seekers, and professionals discover life-changing opportunities around the world. He holds a Diploma in Human Resource Management, Project Management & Ticketing, Degree in Microbiology, and Master’s in Public Health.