The Netherlands is a popular study destination in Europe, and many international students search for “fully funded scholarships in the Netherlands 2027”. Before you plan your application, it is important to understand which scholarships actually exist, what they cover and where to check the latest details. This guide explains the main Dutch government-backed scholarship and the realistic funding picture for 2027.
The Main Scholarship: NL Scholarship (Formerly Holland Scholarship)
According to the official Study in NL NL Scholarship page, this scholarship is meant for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to study for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the Netherlands. It is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science together with several Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences.
| Amount | €5,000, paid in the first year of study |
| Level | Full-time bachelor’s or master’s |
| Eligible nationality | Non-EEA (this includes Pakistan) |
| Type | Partial scholarship, not a full-tuition award |
| Deadline | Set by each participating institution |
Eligibility Criteria
- You hold a non-EEA nationality.
- You apply for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s programme at a participating Dutch institution.
- You meet the specific requirements of your chosen institution.
- You do not already have a degree from an educational institution in the Netherlands.
Which Universities Participate?
The list of participating institutions changes every year. The official page currently shows the list for the 2026-2027 academic year, and students planning to start in 2027 should check the page again for the next list. Research universities shown for 2026-2027 include Radboud University, the University of Groningen, the University of Twente, Utrecht University, VU Amsterdam and Wageningen University & Research. Many universities of applied sciences are also listed on the official page.
What Does “Fully Funded” Really Mean?
Many websites describe every Dutch scholarship as fully funded, but this is misleading. The NL Scholarship is a €5,000 contribution, so students still need to plan for tuition, accommodation, health insurance and daily living costs. Fully funded awards do exist at some universities, but they are limited in number and highly competitive. Each university sets its own criteria, so always read the scholarship page of the institution you are applying to.
Important Updates to Know Before Applying
- The Study in NL scholarships overview page states that the Orange Knowledge Programme ended in 2024, with no new application rounds.
- Utrecht University states on its Utrecht Excellence Scholarships page that the scholarship will no longer be offered for programmes starting in 2026-2027 because of budget cuts.
- Study in NL notes that the scholarships it highlights are not all that exist, so contact your chosen institution to ask about other options.
How to Find and Apply for Funding
- Use the official Study in NL StudyFinder to shortlist programmes taught in English.
- Check whether your chosen institution participates in the NL Scholarship for your intake year.
- Read the scholarship page of that institution for deadlines, fields of study and documents.
- Apply for admission to the programme and follow the scholarship instructions of the institution.
- Keep copies of your documents and confirm every deadline on the official website before submitting.
A Note on PhD and Postdoctoral Opportunities
These are not covered by the NL Scholarship. As general guidance, Dutch universities usually advertise doctoral and postdoctoral positions on their own vacancy pages, so check the website of each university directly.
Conclusion
The Netherlands offers real funding opportunities, but they are more limited and specific than many online lists suggest. The NL Scholarship can ease part of the cost for eligible non-EEA students, and university-level awards may offer more. Rely on official websites, confirm deadlines early and plan your finances carefully. Winning a scholarship is never guaranteed.
tech karimi Service is an information platform and is not affiliated with the Dutch government or any Dutch university.