What is the Holland Scholarship?

A scholarship for international students from outside the European Economic Area who want to study at a Dutch university or university of applied sciences, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education and participating institutions.

Is it a full scholarship?

No. It has been a contribution toward costs, often paid as a one-time amount in the first year. Budget for the remaining costs.

Through the Dutch institution that has admitted you or that you are applying to, not through a central body. Each institution sets its own process.

Non-EEA students applying to a bachelor's or master's program at a participating institution, who meet the criteria. Check the current rules.

When is the deadline?

Dates are set by institutions and the program and are often tied to the admission cycle. Check the current deadlines early.

Holland Scholarship Explained: Eligibility and How to Apply

The Netherlands is among the most popular destinations in Europe for international students, with many degree programs taught in English and a strong reputation for teaching and research. Costs for non-European students can be significant, and the Holland Scholarship is one of the better-known ways to offset them. It is important to understand what it is, because it is often misread as a full scholarship.

Eligibility, amounts, deadlines and participating institutions change from year to year. This guide offers a general overview without figures, and you should check the official Study in Holland and institution websites. It does not predict any result and is general information, not advice.

What the scholarship is

The Holland Scholarship is funded jointly by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and participating Dutch institutions. It is designed to attract talented students from outside the European Economic Area to Dutch higher education.

Its main feature is that it provides a contribution to the costs of studying, not full funding. It has often been paid as a single amount in the first year of study, and it does not cover the whole program. You should treat it as part of your funding plan.

Who it is for

Typical eligibility includes:

Non-EEA nationality. Students from the EEA are not eligible, and there are rules about nationality and residence.
Applying to a bachelor's or master's program at a participating Dutch institution.
Starting a degree program, not continuing one you have already begun.
Meeting the admission requirements of the institution and program.
Not having previously studied in the Netherlands at the same level, in some cases.
Meeting any additional criteria set by the institution, such as academic merit.

Some countries or groups may be excluded or included in particular years, so check the current criteria.

How the application works

There is no central application. You apply through your institution.

Choose a Dutch institution and program that participates in the scholarship.
Apply for admission, following the institution's process and deadlines.
Check the scholarship page of the institution for the application form and deadline.
Submit the scholarship application, often an online form with documents or a short statement.
Wait for the institution's decision. Each institution selects its own recipients.
Accept the scholarship and complete admission steps.

Because institutions run their own process, requirements and deadlines differ. Some require you to have received an admission offer first, while others let you apply in parallel.

Timing

Deadlines are often early in the year for programs starting in September, sometimes in the spring. They can fall before admission decisions, so track both dates. Apply for admission as soon as the application opens. If you are applying to several institutions, make a table of each one's dates.

What the award generally provides

The award has typically been a one-time payment, paid in the first year. It is intended to help with costs such as tuition, travel or living expenses. The amount, number of awards and conditions vary. Read the terms for the institution you choose, and ask what the payment is and when it is paid.

Because it is partial, you must plan for the remaining cost. Tuition for non-EEA students at Dutch institutions can be high, and living costs in major cities are significant.

Budgeting beyond the award

Build a full budget.

Tuition fees for non-EEA students.
Housing, which can be expensive and scarce.
Food, transport and personal costs.
Health insurance and residence permit costs.
Books and materials.
Proof of funds required for your visa or permit.
A cushion for the first months before you receive payments.

Subtract the Holland Scholarship and other funding to find the gap. Our guide to fully funded scholarships for international students explains how to build a funding plan from several sources.

Working while studying

Rules on working during study apply to international students and depend on your status. Check the official immigration and institution pages before counting on income from work. Do not plan to cover essential costs with earnings that you cannot be sure of.

Preparing a good application

Where the institution asks for a statement, keep it clear and specific.

Explain why you chose the program and the Netherlands.
Describe your academic and personal achievements.
State your goals and how the program supports them.
Show how the scholarship would help.
Follow the instructions on length and format.

Our guide to scholarship essay tips can help you write with clarity and detail. Give any referees time and information.

Other funding for the Netherlands

Since the Holland Scholarship is partial, look at other options.

Institutional scholarships at Dutch universities.
Other national programs that fund study in the Netherlands.
Scholarships from your own government or employer.
Foundation awards for your field or region.
Programs for specific regions, such as development-focused awards.
Funded research positions, for doctoral candidates.

Combine several sources, and apply early.

A worked scenario

Imagine a student from outside Europe who wants a master's in the Netherlands.

She finds three universities with programs she likes, checks that each takes part in the Holland Scholarship and writes down the admission and scholarship deadlines. She applies for admission early, completes the scholarship form at each institution and writes a short statement explaining her goals. She also budgets for the full cost, applies for a scholarship from her own government and asks her employer about support. When an offer arrives with the Holland Scholarship, she knows how it fits into her plan and what remaining gap she must close.

She treated the award as one piece of a larger plan, which is the realistic way to use it.

Questions to ask each institution

Does this program take part in the Holland Scholarship, and how many awards are available?
What is the deadline, and do I need an admission offer first?
What documents or statements are required?
How and when is the award paid?
What other scholarships or support does your institution offer?

The answers, which are usually on the institution's scholarship page, let you plan your timeline.

Keeping records

Save your admission and scholarship applications, confirmation emails and the names of contacts. Keep a table of deadlines for each institution. If you are offered the award, keep the written terms, including payment dates and conditions, so that you can plan your budget with confidence.

Life in the Netherlands

Plan for housing early, since many cities have shortages and long waiting lists. Open a bank account, arrange health insurance and register with the local municipality as required. Dutch universities offer introduction programs, language courses and student associations. The academic culture emphasizes independence, group work and direct discussion. Cycling is a way of life, so be ready to adapt.

Where to get advice

The international offices of Dutch institutions, the official Study in Holland site and alumni from your country can answer practical questions about admission, funding and life in the Netherlands. Bring your questions early, since housing and visa steps take time. Confirm every rule on the official pages before acting on advice from forums or agents.

Alternatives and backups

Because the award is partial and competitive, apply to other scholarships and consider cheaper programs. Ask institutions about their own awards, and apply for funding from your home country and employer. A layered plan makes the Netherlands more affordable and protects you if one source falls through. Keep records of every application and deadline.

Common mistakes

Treating it as a full scholarship.
Missing the institution's deadline.
Assuming a central application.
Not budgeting for tuition and living costs.
Choosing a non-participating institution.
Applying without checking eligibility.
Ignoring other funding sources.

A quick checklist

Have I confirmed that my institution and program participate?
Do I know the deadlines for admission and the scholarship?
Have I budgeted for the full cost?
Have I looked at other funding?
Do I have a backup plan?

Final thoughts

The Holland Scholarship can reduce the cost of studying in the Netherlands, but it is a contribution, not a full award. Apply through your institution, track deadlines and plan your budget carefully. Combine it with other funding for a realistic plan.