Utrecht University NL Scholarship 2026 , Netherlands (Master’s Scholarship for International Students)
The NL Scholarship is a prestigious financial award funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, in collaboration with Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. The scholarship is designed to support highly motivated international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who wish to pursue a Master’s degree in the Netherlands.
At Utrecht University, the NL Scholarship helps talented students partially fund their postgraduate studies and build strong academic and professional futures in an international environment.
Degree Level
The NL Scholarship is available for:
- Master’s Degree Programmes
The scholarship is awarded for the first year of study, even if the Master’s programme has a duration of two years.
Available Subjects
The NL Scholarship applies to selected international Master’s programmes at Utrecht University.
Participating fields vary by programme and may include:
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Economics & Business
- Law
- Humanities
- Environmental & Earth Sciences
Not all Master’s programmes participate. Applicants must check the “Tuition fees and financial support” section of their chosen programme.
Benefits
Scholarship Amount & Benefits
The NL Scholarship provides partial financial support in the first year of study.
Available award amounts:
- €5,000
- €10,000
- €15,000
Important Notes:
- The scholarship is not a full scholarship
- Funds are paid only once, during the first year
- Students must demonstrate the ability to cover remaining study and living costs
Eligible Nationalities
The NL Scholarship is open to students who:
- Are citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA
- Do not hold an EU/EEA passport
- Are not eligible for the Dutch study grant and loan system
Students who previously participated in an exchange programme in the Netherlands may still be eligible.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the NL Scholarship at Utrecht University, applicants must:
- Be a non-EU/EEA international student
- Not be eligible for statutory tuition fees
- Have never been enrolled at a Dutch higher education institution
- Apply for an eligible international Master’s programme
- Submit a strong and realistic financial plan
- Be able to fund the remaining cost of studies
Applicants must also demonstrate academic readiness and motivation aligned with their future goals.
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Academic background and performance in the Master’s application
- Motivation letter, explaining:
- Why studying in the Netherlands is relevant
- How Utrecht University supports future career goals
- Quality and feasibility of the financial plan, supported by:
- Statement of Financial Resources
- Personal savings and/or external funding sources
A complete and realistic funding plan covering the full duration of the Master’s programme is essential.
Application Procedure
To apply for the NL Scholarship at Utrecht University, follow these steps:
- Apply for an NL Scholarship-eligible Master’s programme
- Log in to your OSIRIS Online Application account
- Locate “NL Scholarship” on your dashboard
- Click View/Edit for the scholarship linked to your programme
- Complete the NL Scholarship application form
- Answer all required questions and submit your application
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early to avoid document or technical issues.
Why Choose the NL Scholarship?
- Supports international Master’s students in the Netherlands
- Recognized and funded by the Dutch government
- Available at top-ranked universities like Utrecht University
- Encourages academic excellence and global mobility
