Timeline
Four dates that shape your year
Applications open
Sep 1, 2026
Applications close
Feb 28, 2026
Results announced
May 15, 2026
Period begins
Sep 1, 2026
* Popular Scholarship pathway. Verified deadlines and details.
02 — Eligibility
Who can apply
Ensure you qualify on core disciplines, citizenship status, and credential requirements.
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Nationality
You must hold a non-EEA nationality. This is a fundamental requirement, as the scholarship aims to support students from outside the EU/EEA region.
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Prior Education
You are applying for a full-time Bachelor's or Master's program at one of the participating Dutch research universities or universities of applied sciences.
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Previous Study in the Netherlands
You have not previously obtained a degree from an educational institution in the Netherlands. This scholarship is generally for new international students commencing their first degree in the country.
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Academic Performance
You must possess an excellent academic record, often demonstrated by consistently high grades, strong recommendations, and a compelling motivation for your chosen field of study. Institutions look for candidates who show significant potential for academic success.
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Admittance Status
You must either be in the process of applying for, or have already received, provisional admission to a Bachelor's or Master's program at a Dutch higher education institution that participates in the Holland Scholarship. Final award of the scholarship is almost always contingent upon final admission to the program.
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Language Proficiency
While not always a specific scholarship requirement, proficiency in the language of instruction (typically English) will be a prerequisite for admission to your chosen degree program. You'll likely need to provide scores from recognized tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
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Age
Generally, there are no strict age limits, but applicants should consider if their academic profile aligns with typical Bachelor's or Master's entry ages.
Who this is NOT for
- Short-term residency seekers: Candidates looking for conference or travel support rather than active degree enrollment.
- Remote learners: Students planning to attend online degree modules from Pakistan.
- U.S. Dual Citizens: Dual nationals holding U.S. citizenship (for U.S. study grants).
- Late planners: Those unable to commit 9–12 months of early preparation for visa and document assembly.
03 — Documents
Required credentials
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Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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Copies of all official academic transcripts from previous educational institutions (high school for Bachelor's applicants, Bachelor's degree for Master's applicants).
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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Certified copies of diplomas or degree certificates.
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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Translations of these documents into English by a sworn translator, if they are not originally in English or Dutch.
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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Proof of Admission or Application
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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A copy of your provisional or unconditional admission letter to a Bachelor's or Master's program at a participating Dutch university. If you haven't received it yet, evidence that you have formally applied to an eligible program.
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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Motivation Letter/Statement of Purpose
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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A compelling essay outlining your academic goals, reasons for choosing your specific program and the Netherlands, your future aspirations, and why you believe you are a deserving candidate for the Holland Scholarship.
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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An up-to-date document detailing your academic history, work experience (if any), volunteer activities, publications, awards, and relevant skills.
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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Typically one or two letters from academic referees (professors, lecturers) who can speak to your academic abilities, potential, and character. Some programs might also accept professional references.
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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Proof of English Language Proficiency
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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Official score reports from recognized English language tests such as IELTS Academic (minimum band score usually 6.0 for Bachelor's, 6.5 for Master's) or TOEFL iBT (minimum scores typically 80 for Bachelor's, 90 for Master's). Exemptions may apply if you've completed a degree taught entirely in English.
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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Copy of Passport
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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A clear, scanned copy of the personal details page of your valid passport.
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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Financial Plan (Optional but Recommended by some universities)
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
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While the scholarship is partial, some universities may request a brief outline of how you plan to finance the remainder of your study and living costs.
Mandatory verification credential required for the application portfolio.
04 — The pipeline
Narrative steps, four acts
Most candidates underestimate how much prep work is done before the online form opens. Follow this structured chronological timeline to plan deliberately.
Research Participating Universities and Programs:
Begin by identifying Bachelor's or Master's programs in the Netherlands that align with your academic and career goals. Then, check if your chosen university participates in the Holland Scholarship program and if your specific program is eligible.
Verify Eligibility Criteria:
Meticulously review the general Holland Scholarship eligibility requirements (non-EEA nationality, academic level, etc.) and any additional criteria set by your chosen university.
Apply for University Admission:
The first and most critical step is to apply for admission to your desired Bachelor's or Master's program at a participating Dutch university. You must receive (or be in the process of receiving) provisional or unconditional admission before you can be considered for the scholarship.
Locate the Scholarship Application:
Once you have applied for university admission, navigate to the scholarship section of your university's official website. Search specifically for the "Holland Scholarship" or "Netherlands Scholarship" application details.
Complete the Scholarship Application Form:
Fill out the online application form with accurate and complete information. This form will likely ask for personal details, academic history, and potentially some short essays or statements of motivation.
Gather Required Documents:
Prepare all necessary supporting documents as specified by the university. This will typically include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, proof of language proficiency, and a compelling motivation letter.
Submit Your Application:
Submit your complete scholarship application package through the university's designated online portal before the stated deadline. Pay close attention to submission instructions and file formats.
Await Notification:
After submitting, you will enter a selection period. Universities typically review applications after the deadline. You will be notified of the outcome directly by the university.
Accept the Offer (if successful):
If you are offered the Holland Scholarship, carefully review the terms and conditions. Accept the scholarship offer by the specified deadline and complete any further steps required by the university, such as signing a scholarship agreement.
Prepare for Your Studies:
Upon acceptance, proceed with visa applications, accommodation arrangements, and other preparations for your move to the Netherlands, ensuring you meet all general requirements for international students.
Get the free application checklist (PDF)
A comprehensive, printable spreadsheet checklist mapping milestones, required essays, references, and deadline checks.
05 — Answered
Frequently asked questions
What is the Holland Scholarship?
The Holland Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship offered by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in collaboration with Dutch universities, aimed at talented international students from outside the EEA wishing to study a Bachelor's or Master's degree in the Netherlands.
Can international students apply for the Holland Scholarship?
Yes, the Holland Scholarship is specifically designed for international students from non-EEA countries who are applying for a first-time Bachelor's or Master's program at a participating Dutch higher education institution.
Is the Holland Scholarship fully funded?
The Holland Scholarship is a partial scholarship, typically awarded as a one-time payment towards study costs. While it significantly reduces the financial burden, applicants should plan for other expenses such as tuition fees (beyond the scholarship amount), living costs, and health insurance.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Holland Scholarship?
Key eligibility criteria include holding non-EEA nationality, applying for a full-time Bachelor's or Master's program at a participating Dutch institution, and not having previously studied in the Netherlands for a degree. Specific academic requirements are set by individual universities.
How competitive is the Holland Scholarship?
As a nationally recognized scholarship, the Holland Scholarship is highly competitive. Successful applicants typically demonstrate strong academic records, a compelling motivation for studying in the Netherlands, and a clear vision for their future studies.
Where can I find a list of participating universities for the Holland Scholarship?
A comprehensive list of participating Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences, along with their specific application procedures, is available on the Study in Holland website and often linked from individual university scholarship pages.
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