Location: Netherlands
Program: Postgraduate – Masters
Eligibility: International Students
Duration: 1 year (First year)
Deadline: February 1 and May 1, 2026
The NL Scholarship (formerly known as the Holland Scholarship) is a distinguished financial award established by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in partnership with Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. It is specifically designed to support highly motivated international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who aspire to pursue their master’s programme in the Netherlands. By reducing financial barriers, the scholarship not only makes world-class education more accessible but also provides recipients with the chance to benefit from the Netherlands’ strong reputation for innovation, research, and academic excellence. In addition, scholars become part of a dynamic and multicultural community, gaining exposure to diverse perspectives and opportunities for professional growth. Through this initiative, the Dutch government and higher institutions promote global collaboration and cultural exchange while strengthening the international profile of Dutch higher education.
The University of Twente (UT) is a top-ranked research university located in Enschede, Netherlands, renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit, innovative teaching methods, and focus on high-tech and human-centered solutions. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, UT blends technology, engineering, and social sciences to address real-world challenges. The campus is often described as one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands, offering a vibrant international community, modern facilities, and an inspiring environment for both academic and personal growth. Through initiatives like the UTS, the university continues to attract global talent, nurturing professionals and leaders equipped to make a difference worldwide.
Benefits of the Scholarship
The value of the scholarship is € 5,000 only for the first year at the University Twente, Netherlands. These funds can also be used by the students to cover:
- Tuition fees
- Housing
- Health care
- Food
- Books and Materials
- Transportation cost
Also Check:
Fully Funded Canon Foundation Research Scholarship
University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) – Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria
In order to be eligible for a NL Scholarship, you should meet all the following requirements:
- Your programme starts in the academic year 2026/2027
- You have not studied in the Netherlands before for a full degree (e.g. a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree), or You do not have a degree from an education facility in the Netherlands;
- You are from a non-EU/EEA country
- You are an excellent student (i.e. CGPA of 7.5 (out of 10). This means that you only belong to the best 5 to 10 percent of your graduation class at your home university. Self-knowledge is of the essence!
- You have been (provisionally) admitted to one of the qualifying study programmes (Please note: After completion of your application, it may take up to 8 weeks before you receive the results).
- You comply with the conditions for obtaining an entry visa in the Netherlands (if applicable)
- You comply with the general English language test requirement Academic IELTS 6.5 (or TOEFL iBT of 90) and an additional 6.0 (TOEFL iBT 20) on the subscore of speaking skills
- You are not eligible for a Dutch study grant
- The NLS is not available for students who pay the statutory tuition fee, which usually applies to EU/EEA students. If you are a non-EU/EEA student but have a Dutch residence permit that makes you eligible for the statutory tuition fee, you are not eligible for the NLS. If you receive the NLS and later become eligible for the statutory tuition fee during your studies, you must inform the NL Scholarship Coordinator as soon as possible. In that case, the scholarship will be cancelled, and you will no longer receive any payments.
Selection Criteria
The NL Scholarship is a scholarship for excellent students from non-EU/EEA countries, applying for a Master’s programme at the University of Twente.
How to Apply
CLICK HERE to visit the official webpage and submit your application.
