No. The NL Scholarship page describes it as a partially funded scholarship rather than a fully funded one. In practice, recipients often used it to reduce first-year costs or paired it with other support. For example, according to Marina Mendes, the NL Scholarship “significantly helped with my cost of living” when she started her Research Master’s at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Applicants generally must be from outside the EEA, apply for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s degree at a participating institution in the Netherlands, satisfy the admission requirements of their chosen university, and not already hold a degree from a Dutch educational institution.

Applicants apply through an eligible institution, and the exact process depends on the university. Recipient stories confirm that the process is not identical everywhere. For example, Kathryn said that at Radboud University there were “no separate forms, just an earlier deadline,” while Marina Mendes noted that at VU Amsterdam, students applying for the VU Fellowship Programme are automatically considered for the NL Scholarship.

Yes, it is competitive. The general page presents it as a selective scholarship for international students, and recipient stories reinforce that point. João Pedro Rocha Oliveira wrote that “the first key criterion is academic merit,” and he also described it as a scholarship for a select number of high-performing non-EEA students. He added that, in his case, there was only one scholarship available through Tilburg Law School.

The recipient stories consistently point to fit, preparation, and tailored writing. Berfin Kemal said the scholarship’s cover letter “is the most critical component” of the application, and she tailored it around the scholarship’s goals and her long-term impact. João Pedro Rocha Oliveira also emphasized understanding the selection criteria and presenting a clear, coherent story that matches what the scholarship committee is looking for.

In some cases, yes. The Global Scholarships stories show that recipients sometimes received the NL Scholarship alongside other awards. Kathryn received both the Radboud Scholarship and the NL Scholarship, while Marina Mendes received both the VU Fellowship Programme and the NL Scholarship. Whether stacking is allowed depends on the university and the funding scheme involved.

In the recipient stories on Global Scholarships, the featured master’s programs were taught in English. For example, Kathryn shared that “All my courses are in English,” and she added that English is widely spoken both in and outside the classroom. Still, language expectations depend on the university and program, so applicants should always check the official admissions page for their chosen course.

The general scholarship page lists many participating institutions, including Tilburg University, Utrecht University, the University of Groningen, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Maastricht University, Radboud University, Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, the University of Twente, and several Dutch universities of applied sciences. Because participation and available places can change, applicants should confirm the current list through the scholarship page and their target university.

Start early, research carefully, and tailor everything. Marina Mendes prepared a detailed table of programs, scholarships, required documents, and personal deadlines. Berfin Kemal advised applicants to speak with alumni or current students and to explain clearly how their work contributes to society. João Pedro Rocha Oliveira recommended reading the requirements closely and making sure your profile genuinely matches the scholarship’s goals.