Holland Scholarship

What the scholarship covers

• €5,000 in the first year of study
• Paid as a one-off contribution, not renewable
• Combinable with other funding in most cases

Eligibility requirements

• Nationality outside the European Economic Area
• Applying to a participating Dutch institution
• First time studying in the Netherlands
• Meet the institution's own admission requirements

Documents you will need

• Application on the university's scholarship page
• Proof of non-EEA nationality
• Admission application to the programme
• Motivation letter where the institution requires it

How to apply, step by step

1. 1

   Check the university participates

   Not every Dutch institution takes part, and each sets its own quota and deadline.

2. 2

   Apply for admission first

   The scholarship requires an active application to a degree programme.

3. 3

   Apply on the university's scholarship page

   There is no central portal, every institution runs its own form.

4. 4

   Meet the institution's deadline

   Deadlines cluster around 1 February and 1 May but vary; confirm on the university page.

When to do what

Counting backwards from the deadline. Applications rushed in the final fortnight are the ones that fail.

1. 16 weeks before

   Shortlist participating Dutch universities.

2. 13 weeks before

   Start the degree admission application.

3. 10 weeks before

   Locate the university's Holland Scholarship page and rules.

4. 7 weeks before

   Prepare the motivation letter if required.

5. 3 weeks before

   Submit the scholarship application.

What the panel is actually looking for

• Admission to a participating programme
• Non-EEA nationality
• Institution-specific merit criteria

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming a single national application covers all universities.
• Applying to an institution that does not participate.
• Expecting the grant to cover full costs, it is a one-year contribution.
• Missing the university's own deadline while watching a national one.

Fields of study