NL Scholarship (Formerly Holland Scholarship) for Indian Students 2025-2026

For Indian students dreaming of studying in the Netherlands, the NL Scholarship presents a valuable opportunity to turn that aspiration into reality. This government-backed grant, designed for talented international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), provides significant financial support for your first year of studies.

This guide offers a complete overview for the 2025-2026 academic year, covering everything from the scholarship amount and eligibility to the step-by-step application process from India.

What is the NL Scholarship for International Students?

The NL Scholarship is a grant financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, in collaboration with numerous Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. Its primary goal is to attract bright minds from around the world, including India, to pursue higher education in the Netherlands.

From Holland Scholarship to NL Scholarship: Understanding the Name Change

You might find information online referring to the “Holland Scholarship.” It’s important to know that this is the former name of the same program. The name was officially changed to the NL Scholarship to align with the country’s official branding. When searching for information, using “NL Scholarship” will yield the most current and accurate results.

Who is Eligible for the NL Scholarship? (Non-EEA Students)

The scholarship is exclusively for international students who do not hold a passport from any country within the European Economic Area (EEA). As an Indian citizen, you are a prime candidate for this scholarship, provided you meet the other academic and institutional requirements.

Is the NL Scholarship a Full Scholarship? What the Grant Covers

A common question among Indian applicants is whether this is a full scholarship. The NL Scholarship is not a full-tuition scholarship. It is a one-time financial contribution paid to you during the first year of your degree program. While it doesn’t cover all your expenses, it provides a substantial boost to your finances as you settle into your new academic life.

NL Scholarship 2025-2026: Key Dates, Deadlines, and Value

Understanding the concrete benefits of the scholarship is crucial for financial planning. Here are the key details for the upcoming academic year.

NL Scholarship Amount: What Does the €5,000 Grant Mean for You?

The NL Scholarship consists of a one-time payment of €5,000. As of mid-2025, this converts to approximately ₹5 Lakhs. This amount is typically disbursed in one or more instalments by the Dutch higher education institution you are enrolled in after you arrive in the Netherlands. It is intended to help cover initial costs such as accommodation, study materials, and living expenses.

NL Scholarship Application Deadlines: 2026 Intake

The application window for the NL Scholarship is determined by the individual universities. However, a general timeline for Indian students is as follows:

• Application Opening: Most universities open applications in November 2025.
• Application Deadlines: Deadlines vary significantly. Many research universities have deadlines on February 1, 2026, or March 1, 2026. Some universities of applied sciences may have later deadlines, around April 1, 2026, or May 1, 2026.

It is critical to check the specific deadline on the official website of your chosen university.

Is the Scholarship Renewable for Multiple Years?

No, the NL Scholarship is a one-time grant applicable only to the first year of your study program. It is not renewable for subsequent years of your bachelor’s or master’s degree.

NL Scholarship Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students

To be considered for the NL Scholarship, you must meet a set of standard criteria, along with any specific requirements set by your chosen institution.

Nationality and Academic Requirements for the NL Scholarship

• Your nationality must be non-EEA. As an Indian citizen, you fulfil this criterion.
• You must be applying for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program at one of the participating Dutch higher education institutions.
• You need to demonstrate strong academic performance, which is usually assessed based on your previous grades and the quality of your application.

Proving You Haven’t Studied in the Netherlands Before

A key condition is that you must not have previously obtained a degree from an educational institution in the Netherlands. Short exchange programs as part of your degree from an Indian university do not typically disqualify you, but a full degree program does.

University-Specific Admission Requirements

This is the most important step. Each university has its own set of academic and language proficiency requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL scores) for admission to its programs. You must first secure an offer of admission (or be in the process of applying) to be eligible to apply for the NL Scholarship at that institution.

How to Apply for the NL Scholarship from India: Step-by-Step

The application process is not centralised; you apply for the scholarship directly through the Dutch institution where you plan to study.

Step 1: Find a Course and a Participating University

First, explore the programs available at Dutch universities. The official www.studyinnl.org website is an excellent resource. Ensure that the universities you are interested in are listed as participants in the NL Scholarship program for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application Documents (CV, Letter of Motivation)

While applying for admission to your chosen program, you will need standard documents like your academic transcripts, degree certificates, and proof of English proficiency. For the scholarship, the most critical document is your Letter of Motivation. This is your chance to explain why you are the ideal candidate for the grant.

Step 3: Submit Your Application Directly to the University

Follow the instructions on your chosen university’s website. In most cases, you apply for the NL Scholarship at the same time you apply for admission to your bachelor’s or master’s program. There might be a separate box to tick or a section to complete in the university’s online application portal.

Step 4: Awaiting the Selection Outcome

The university’s admissions office and scholarship committee will review your application. The selection is competitive and based on your academic merit, the quality of your application, and your motivation. You will be notified of the outcome directly by the university, typically in the spring or early summer of 2025.

Universities Offering the NL Scholarship (Holland Scholarship) 2025-2026

A wide range of prestigious Dutch institutions participate in the scholarship program. They are broadly categorised into two types:

Top Research Universities Offering the NL Scholarship

These universities focus on research-intensive education and are popular choices for master’s and PhD programs. Prominent examples include:

• Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
• Utrecht University
• University of Amsterdam
• Leiden University
• Erasmus University Rotterdam
• University of Groningen
• Wageningen University & Research

Leading Universities of Applied Sciences with the NL Scholarship

These institutions offer professionally oriented programs that emphasise practical skills and real-world application. Popular choices include:

• The Hague University of Applied Sciences
• Hanze University of Applied Sciences
• Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
• Fontys University of Applied Sciences
• Saxion University of Applied Sciences

Note: Always verify the most current list on the Study in NL website or the university’s own admissions page.

Tips for a Successful NL Scholarship Application

• Craft a Powerful Letter of Motivation: Tailor your letter to the specific program and university. Connect your academic background and career goals to what the Netherlands and the institution can offer.
• Showcase a Strong Academic and Extracurricular Profile: High grades are important, but so are internships, research projects, or relevant volunteer work that demonstrate your commitment and potential.
• Why Applying Early Matters: Submitting your application well before the deadline gives you ample time to ensure all documents are correct and shows your seriousness as a candidate.

Life in the Netherlands for Indian Students

The Netherlands is known for its high quality of life, innovative culture, and welcoming attitude towards international students.

Cost of Living in the Netherlands

While the NL Scholarship provides a helpful start, you will need to budget for your living expenses. The average monthly cost of living for a student can range from €800 to €1,200 (approx. ₹70,000 – ₹1,05,000), depending on the city and your lifestyle. Amsterdam and Utrecht are generally more expensive than smaller cities like Groningen or Maastricht.

Post-Study Work Visa (Orientation Year) for Graduates

After graduating from a Dutch university, Indian students are eligible to apply for an ‘Orientation Year’ residence permit. This allows you to stay in the Netherlands for up to one year to search for a job as a highly-skilled migrant. This is a significant advantage for those looking to start their careers in Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)