How a Turkish Scholar Secured the NL Scholarship to Pursue an LL.M. in Law and Technology at Tilburg University

My name is Berfin Kemal, and I’m from Turkey. I am currently finalizing my LL.M. in Law and Technology at Tilburg University in the Netherlands. My academic path has consistently focused on the intersection of law, technology, and human rights. Prior to this, I earned my Bachelor of Laws from Ankara University, where I also engaged in various internships, volunteering, and youth projects across Europe.

NL Scholarship Details

I was awarded the NL Scholarship (formerly known as the Holland Scholarship) to pursue my LL.M. in Law and Technology at Tilburg University. This merit-based scholarship is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in collaboration with several Dutch research universities. It is awarded to a limited number of outstanding non-EEA students applying for full-time degree programs in the Netherlands. I received a total amount of €10,000.

Educational Background

I earned my Bachelor of Laws from Ankara University with a CGPA of 3.6/4.0. During my undergraduate studies, I actively pursued extracurricular experiences that strengthened both my academic and personal development. I competed nationally as a debate speaker and instructor for over 10 years, becoming a finalist and champion in multiple tournaments. I also engaged extensively in Erasmus+ youth projects across Europe, focusing on intercultural dialogue, civic participation, and human rights.

Additionally, I volunteered with various organizations, including the Turkish Red Crescent, where I worked on child education and humanitarian law initiatives. These experiences sharpened my legal reasoning, public speaking, and cross-cultural communication skills, all of which prepared me to pursue advanced legal studies in the interdisciplinary field of law and technology.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Tilburg University?

I began by identifying master’s programs that would allow me to build an internationally relevant legal career. I focused my search on programs that addressed the intersection of law, technology, and innovation, specifically in areas such as data protection, intellectual property, and ICT law. After shortlisting potential programs, I studied their syllabi in detail and investigated the career paths of past graduates. Tilburg University’s LL.M. in Law and Technology stood out due to its strong academic offerings across a wide range of technology-related legal subjects, including data protection, cybersecurity, and IP law. Its alumni had built successful careers in international institutions, private sector roles, and academia.

I only applied to Tilburg and tailored my application to the university's unique profile. I researched the faculty and selected a few academics whose work aligned with my own interests. I then built my motivation letter around those specific research themes. I also explored student associations and included in my application a clear intention to engage with one that resonated with my previous extracurricular work. My approach was to thoroughly investigate the program and demonstrate how my academic and personal trajectory aligned with the university’s mission.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the NL Scholarship?

After receiving my admission offer from Tilburg University, I began searching for scholarship opportunities. I used intermediary websites, scholarship-focused Instagram pages, and also reached out to current or former students via LinkedIn to ask whether Tilburg offered any financial support. That’s how I discovered the NL Scholarship.

I carefully studied the official instructions for the scholarship’s cover letter, as it is the most critical component of the application. I followed the structure closely and tailored my letter to align my past experiences with the goals of the NL Scholarship. Just as I had done in my master's application, I highlighted how my academic work and volunteer background reflected the scholarship’s emphasis on long-term impact and societal contribution. I also made sure to clearly explain why I needed financial support, demonstrating both my motivation and my economic need. Overall, my strategy was to show that I had a clear, purpose-driven trajectory that would continue well beyond graduation and contribute meaningfully to society.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was the way I connected my background and volunteer work to the broader goals of the NL Scholarship. I emphasized that I come from a different socio-cultural and educational background and showed how that perspective would meaningfully contribute to both the academic community and society at large. I also highlighted my proactive approach by discussing two volunteer projects I had participated in, using them to demonstrate not only commitment to social impact but also resilience and the ability to overcome challenges. Rather than listing achievements, I focused on showing concrete examples of how I take initiative and follow through with a clear purpose.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were to go through the process again, I would start much earlier and actively reach out to a wider network, including not just institutions, but also individuals who may offer private or philanthropic scholarships. Cold emailing can be an effective way to uncover less visible opportunities, including support from professionals, alumni, or other sponsors who are willing to fund promising students. I would have taken that route more seriously and much earlier.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My first piece of advice is to actively reach out to alumni or current students and ask for their insights; not just about the scholarship, but also about the university and program culture. Their input can help you shape a more informed and strategic application. Second, include a concrete project, either one you’ve already worked on or one you plan to develop, and clearly explain how it contributes to society. Demonstrating tangible, purpose-driven impact is key.

Third, be authentic. Draw a strong connection between your personal background and your future goals. Your lived experience is what makes your application unique, so don’t shy away from highlighting how it shapes your perspective and potential. Finally, start early and don’t be afraid of cold outreach. Many valuable opportunities and pieces of advice come from people you’ve never met, if you’re willing to ask.