Hey future global scholars! 👋 Ever dreamed of experiencing student life in the beautiful Netherlands? Well, listen up because the NL Scholarship Bursary 2026 could be your ticket to making that dream a reality! While Bursaries Room usually focuses on South African opportunities, we know some of you are looking beyond our borders, and this one is too good not to share, especially if you’re keen on international study.
This fantastic bursary, formerly known as the Holland Scholarship, is specifically designed to support international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) – yes, that includes our awesome South African students! It’s a brilliant opportunity if you’re aiming for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the Netherlands.
So, what exactly is the NL Scholarship Bursary? It’s a partial funding opportunity, spearheaded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, alongside various Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. Think of it as a helping hand to kickstart your international study adventure.
The scholarship provides a generous €5,000 during your first year of studies. While it’s not a full-tuition bursary, that €5,000 can seriously help with your costs, making studying abroad more accessible. It’s perfect for those who want to experience world-class education and culture in the Netherlands.
Who Can Apply?
Ready to see if you qualify? Here’s the lowdown on who can apply for the NL Scholarship Bursary:
- Your nationality must be from a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) – great news for South African students!
- You need to be applying for a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s programme at one of the participating Dutch higher education institutions.
- You must meet the specific admission requirements of your chosen institution. Make sure to check their website for all the details!
- You should not have obtained a degree from an educational institution in the Netherlands previously.
What Does It Cover?
The NL Scholarship Bursary provides a significant financial boost to help you with your studies. Here’s what you need to know:
- The bursary amounts to a cool €5,000.
- You’ll receive this amount in the first year of your studies.
- Important Note: This is a partial bursary, meaning it’s designed to help cover some of your expenses, not the full tuition fee or living costs. It’s a great supplement to your existing funds or other financial aid.
How to Apply?
Alright, let’s get down to how you can apply for this amazing opportunity. The application process for the NL Scholarship Bursary is handled directly by the Dutch higher education institutions themselves, and deadlines can vary!
- Choose Your Institution: First, you need to decide which Dutch research university or university of applied sciences you want to attend. The list of participating institutions can change yearly, so always check the latest updates.
- Check Specific Requirements & Deadlines: Once you have an institution in mind, head over to their official website. This is crucial because each university will have its own specific requirements, application procedures, and, most importantly, its own closing date for the NL Scholarship Bursary for the 2026-2027 academic year. You’ll find details on specific fields of study eligible at each institution there too.
- Prepare Your Application: Gather all necessary documents as requested by your chosen institution. This usually includes academic transcripts, letters of motivation, references, and proof of English proficiency.
- Submit Your Application: Apply directly through the admissions portal of your chosen Dutch university. Make sure to indicate your interest in the NL Scholarship Bursary during the application process, if prompted, or follow their specific instructions.
Here are some of the participating institutions for the 2026-2027 academic year (remember to check their sites for exact deadlines and details!):
Participating Research Universities 2026-2027:
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Maastricht University
- Protestant Theological University
- Radboud University
- Theological University Apeldoorn
- University of Groningen
- University of Twente
- Utrecht Theological University
- Utrecht University
- VU Amsterdam
- Wageningen University & Research
Participating Universities of Applied Sciences 2026-2027:
- Aeres University of Applied Sciences
- Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
- Amsterdam University of the Arts
- ArtEZ Institute of the Arts
- Breda University of Applied Sciences
- Codarts Rotterdam
- Design Academy Eindhoven
- Driestar Christian University
- Fontys University of Applied Sciences
- Gerrit Rietveld Academie
- The Hague University of Applied Sciences
- Hanze University of Applied Sciences
- Hotelschool The Hague
- HAN University of Applied Sciences
- HKU University of Applied Sciences
- HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
- HZ University of Applied Sciences
- NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
- Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
- Saxion University of Applied Sciences
- Thomas More Hogeschool
- University of the Arts, The Hague
- Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
For more general information about the NL Scholarship Bursary, you can also visit the official Study in NL webpage:
Visit the Official NL Scholarship Bursary Webpage
If studying in the Netherlands sounds like the ultimate adventure for you, don’t hesitate! Start researching your favourite institutions, check those specific deadlines, and get your application ready. This partial bursary could be exactly what you need to kickstart your international academic journey. Good luck, and remember to explore more amazing bursaries right here on Bursaries Room!
