NL Scholarship 2026–2027

NL Scholarship 2026–2027: Study in the Netherlands with €5,000 Funding

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If you’ve been dreaming of studying in Europe, the Netherlands is one of the best places to start—and the NL Scholarship 2026–2027 could help you get there.

Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, this scholarship supports international students (including South Africans) to study at top Dutch universities.

While it’s not fully funded, it provides valuable financial support and access to world-class education.

What Is the NL Scholarship?

The NL Scholarship is a once-off grant of €5,000 awarded to international students from outside the EEA.

It supports students pursuing:

  • Bachelor’s degrees
  • Master’s degrees

Study destination: The Netherlands
Academic year: 2026–2027

What the Scholarship Covers

  • €5,000 grant
  • Paid in the first year of study only

⚠️ Important:

  • This is NOT a full scholarship
  • You must cover:
    • Remaining tuition fees
    • Accommodation
    • Living expenses

Who Can Apply?

To qualify, you must:

  • Be a non-EEA citizen (South Africans qualify )
  • Apply for a full-time programme at a Dutch institution
  • Meet the admission requirements of your chosen university
  • Not have previously studied in the Netherlands

Participating Universities

You can apply to top institutions such as:

Research Universities

  • University of Groningen
  • Utrecht University
  • University of Twente
  • Maastricht University
  • Wageningen University & Research
  • VU Amsterdam

Universities of Applied Sciences

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

There are many more participating institutions—choose based on your course.

Fields of Study

The scholarship does not limit you to specific fields.

You can study:

  • Engineering
  • Business & Management
  • IT & Computer Science
  • Social Sciences
  • Arts & Design
  • Health Sciences

As long as the programme is offered by a participating institution.

Useful YouthScope Links:

Application Deadlines

Deadlines vary by university

You MUST:

  • Check your chosen university’s website
  • Apply before their specific closing date

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Choose a University

Select a participating Dutch institution.

Step 2: Apply for a Degree Programme

Submit your application for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s.

Step 3: Apply for the Scholarship

Follow the instructions on the university’s website.

Some universities combine:

  • Admission + scholarship application

NL Scholarship Website  

Step 4: Submit Required Documents

Typically includes:

  • Academic transcripts
  • Passport copy
  • Motivation letter
  • CV
  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)

Important Things to Know

  • You can only receive the scholarship once
  • It is not renewable
  • You must ensure your qualification is recognised by:
    • South African Qualifications Authority

Is This Scholarship Worth It?

Yes, if you:

  • Can afford additional study costs
  • Want international exposure
  • Plan to study in Europe

Not ideal if:

  • You need a fully funded scholarship
  • You cannot cover remaining expenses

Pro Tip

Use this scholarship as a stepping stone:

Combine it with:

  • University-specific bursaries
  • Part-time student work in the Netherlands

This can significantly reduce your total cost.

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Final Thoughts

The NL Scholarship 2026–2027 is a great opportunity to access top European education, even though it doesn’t cover everything.

If you plan properly and apply early, it can open doors to:

  • International careers
  • Global networks
  • Higher-paying opportunities

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