Introduction
Imagine this: you, a motivated undergraduate student from Nigeria or Kenya or Bangladesh, accepted into an English-taught Engineering or Business Bachelor’s degree in the Netherlands — and your financial worries largely handled. No tuition fees, a monthly support allowance, a vibrant international campus, and a career launch pad for Africa or Asia. That’s exactly the kind of opportunity we’re discussing today. The NL Scholarship (formerly known as the Holland Scholarship) offers international (non-EEA) students the chance to study in the Netherlands under favourable terms. Although many sources describe a one-time grant of €5,000, there are evolving versions and institutional variants that may offer more generous packages depending on the university.
In this blog post you’ll learn:
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Why the NL Scholarship matters in 2026 for African & Asian applicants
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A comparison of what it offers vs what you “normally” pay and what to watch out for
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A step-by-step application guide designed for someone new to international scholarships
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Key insights, benefits, real-world examples relevant to engineering & business undergrads
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A simple “Statement of Purpose” structure you can adapt
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Common mistakes and FAQs
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And finally, a concluding call to action with a quote
Let’s dive in.
Why the NL Scholarship Matters in 2026
For many students in Africa and Asia, studying abroad is still the dream—but the cost remains the biggest barrier. Pursuing an Engineering or Business Bachelor’s in the Netherlands brings strong advantages:
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Dutch universities are globally recognised for engineering, business, innovation and entrepreneurship.
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English-taught undergraduate programmes are increasingly available for non-EU/EEA students.
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The Netherlands offers excellent infrastructure, safe environments, multicultural campuses, and strong post-study work options in Europe.
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In 2026, the NL Scholarship can act as a gateway for deserving students from outside Europe to access these opportunities.
For example, tuition fees for non-EEA Bachelor’s students in the Netherlands typically range from approximately €6,000 to €15,000 per year for many programmes. A scholarship that reduces or fully covers tuition plus offers monthly support can therefore dramatically change the affordability narrative.
Furthermore, as global competition increases and employers seek capable graduates with international exposure, this scholarship helps students from Africa and Asia differentiate themselves. The earlier you prepare (for application deadlines in early 2026) the better your chances.
Scholarship Overview: What It Offers & What to Understand
Before we go to the step-by-step guide, here’s a breakdown of what the NL Scholarship is (and is not), specifically for undergraduates in engineering & business.
What the scholarship offers (in many cases):
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Eligibility: Students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) (i.e., most African & Asian countries) applying for a full-time Bachelor’s degree at a participating Dutch institution.
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Scholarship amount: Many sources list a one-time €5,000 grant for the first year of study.
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Recognised programme levels: Bachelor’s (undergraduate) and sometimes Master’s. Funded by: The Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture & Science together with participating universities.
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Deadline timing: Varies by institution, but for 2026 intake many deadlines fall in December 2025 to February 2026.
What the scholarship does not (always) offer:
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It is not always a full-tuition waiver. Many universities explicitly state that the €5,000 grant is not full coverage of tuition and living costs.
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It may not cover monthly living allowances beyond that single grant.
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It may not automatically include monthly stipends unless at specific universities with enhanced scholarship variants.
Because of this, it’s important to check the specific Dutch university’s version of the scholarship — some offer enhanced support (tuition + living for entire degree) under special programmes. Example: the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship at Maastricht offers approx. €34,000 including full fee waiver + monthly stipend for Master’s level.
Engineering & Business focus relevance:
Engineering and Business programmes often cost more and are in high demand. Using the scholarship for these fields means you’ll need to demonstrate strong motivation, capacity for these domains, and likely higher entry requirements (e.g., maths, English, business foundations). The scholarship’s value is amplified in these fields because your investment into high-value discipline pays dividends.
Comparison – Getting Clarity
To make sense of the scholarship versus “normal scenario” and what you should aim for, here’s a table comparing typical costs, benefits, and what the NL Scholarship may deliver for undergraduate engineering/business students:
| Category | Typical Non-EEA Undergraduate Costs in Netherlands* | NL Scholarship (Regular Version) | Ideal Enhanced Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | €6,000 – €15,000 per year (engineering/business tends higher) | Grant of approx. €5,000 for first year only | Tuition + monthly stipend + multi-year support |
| Living & Accommodation (per year) | ~€900-€1,400/month → ~€10,800-€16,800/year | May not cover; student must fund remainder | Fully covered by scholarship + stipend |
| Duration | 3-4 years typical for Bachelor’s | Scholarship usually for first year | Scholarship renewable for full duration |
| Fields Covered | Engineering, Business, Science, Humanities | Any eligible full-time programme at participating institutions | Engineering & Business specifically highlighted |
| Monthly Support/Stipend | Student self-fund or part-time job | Typically no ongoing monthly stipend unless institution offers | Dedicated monthly stipend included |
| Deadline for Application | Varies; often earlier for non-EEA | Typically Dec 2025 – Feb 2026 for 2026 intake | Same timeframe but looking for early prep |
Step-by-Step Application Guide (for Newbies)
Let’s walk through the process you can follow—from preparing your profile in your home country (Africa/Asia) to submitting your application for the undergraduate NL Scholarship in the Netherlands.
Step 1: Choose your engineering/business programme and Dutch university
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Research Dutch universities offering Bachelor’s programmes in Engineering or Business taught in English.
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Ensure the programme is open to non-EEA students (international applicants).
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Confirm the institution participates in the NL Scholarship (or choose one that offers an enhanced variant). See participating lists on official site.
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Note application deadlines for the programme and the scholarship (often the scholarship deadline is separate).
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For Africa/Asia: check if your home country qualifies as non-EEA (most do).
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Example: A Kenyan student wanting to study “BSc International Business” in the Netherlands can check eligibility, deadlines, application portal.
Step 2: Check eligibility and gather documents
Eligibility criteria commonly include:
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Nationality from a non-EEA country (i.e., outside the EU area).
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Must pay the institutional tuition fee (not the lower statutory fee) — this typically means you’re considered an international student.
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Must not already hold a degree from the Netherlands and should not have been enrolled full-time previously in Belgium/Netherlands.
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Meet excellent academic performance standards (often high school grades, strong math/English for engineering/business).
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For business/engineering: proof of maths proficiency, English level (IELTS/TOEFL) unless exempted by prior English-medium study.
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Prepare documents: high school transcripts, English proficiency proof, motivation letter, CV (if required), recommendation letters (if required), passport, perhaps a resume of relevant extracurriculars.
Step 3: Apply for admission to the Bachelor’s programme
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Submit your application to the chosen Dutch university via their online portal (e.g., Studielink and university portal).
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Pay attention to deadlines (for sept intake in 2026, applications may open in late 2025).
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Accept study programme conditional offer (if given).
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Ensure you select full-time, English-taught version of the programme and confirm your fee category (institutional tuition fee for international students).
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After admission or conditional admission, you will then be eligible for scholarship application.
Step 4: Apply for the NL Scholarship
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Once you have submitted or been accepted to the Bachelor’s programme, apply for the NL Scholarship via the university’s scholarship portal or via the institution’s own scholarship application system. Some universities simply consider you once you apply to the programme; others require a separate scholarship form.
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Prepare your scholarship application documents:
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Motivation letter tailored to this scholarship (why Netherlands, why your programme, how you will contribute to your home country / region)
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Academic transcripts
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Proof of admission or application number for the Bachelor’s programme
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Any required English language test scores (or proof of English-medium prior education)
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Possibly references or certificates of extracurricular leadership, community service, engineering/business projects
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Fill in the scholarship form: often includes questions on your background, your motivation, your future career goals, how you will use your degree, why you need the grant.
Step 5: Timeline & submission
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Verify the exact deadline for your university’s scholarship pool (commonly December 2025, January or February 2026).
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Submit before the deadline—late or incomplete applications are usually disqualified.
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Some institutions may require you to explicitly tick that you are applying for the “NL Scholarship (Holland Scholarship)”.
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Keep copies of all documents submitted and note confirmation.
Step 6: After the outcome
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If you are awarded: You will receive a scholarship letter or notification. A portion will often be credited to your university student account (for a one-time grant) or paid out.
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Accept your offer for the programme and the scholarship.
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Apply for your Dutch student visa/residence permit, arrange accommodation, prepare finances for any remaining costs (living, transport, books).
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If the scholarship is for the first year only and you have a multi-year Bachelor’s programme, check what happens in subsequent years: will you need to cover remaining fees? Will you be eligible for renewal or other awards?
Key Insights & Benefits for African & Asian Applicants
1. Access to top-quality education in Europe
By securing this scholarship, students from Africa/Asia access institutions with strong engineering/business faculties, cutting-edge research labs and global industry connections.
2. Competitive edge in global job market
A Dutch Bachelor’s degree taught in English, combined with scholarship credentials, gives you an edge for both Dutch/European job markets and for returning to Africa/Asia with international credentials.
3. Leverage and growth for home countries
Graduates from engineering/business programmes can return to their region to contribute to infrastructure development, renewable energy, technology start-ups, or business innovation. Using this scholarship becomes a way to build capacity in your home country.
4. Financial relief & mobility
Even though some versions aren’t fully funded, the grant helps significantly. For students with limited resources, that relief can make the difference between not going abroad or studying in a top institution. Especially for high-cost programmes (engineering/business), that assistance matters.
5. Encouragement for early planning
Since deadlines are early and competition strong, early preparation (financial planning, language tests, strong grades, leadership activities) helps your application stand out.
6. Institutional variations benefit savvy applicants
If you target a university that offers an enhanced version of the NL Scholarship (or stack another institutional scholarship on top), you can move from “partial support” to something approaching full funding. For example, the NL-High Potential Scholarship at Maastricht offers full tuition + monthly stipend at Master’s level. While that example is for Master’s, some institutions may offer generous Bachelor’s packages—so do your research.
7. Monthly support possibilities
Although the general NL Scholarship is a grant of €5,000, some sources suggest scholarship variations with monthly stipends and full coverage for Dutch institutions (especially for high-potential candidates). If you find an institution offering monthly support in your discipline (engineering/business), that’s a major plus.
Statement of Purpose — A Simple, Strong Structure
When crafting your motivation letter (Statement of Purpose) for the NL Scholarship, use this simple structure:
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Intro (1 paragraph): Who you are (your home country, your academic background in high school or pre-university), why engineering or business interests you.
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Why that field (1-2 paragraphs): Describe your passion for engineering/business, maybe a project you did in your country (e.g., a business you ran, a coding project, a community engineering challenge). Link it to what you hope to learn in the Netherlands.
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Why the Netherlands & this university (1 paragraph): Show how studying in the Netherlands—English-taught programme, engineering/business environment, international exposure—fits you. Mention how you will benefit and bring value.
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Why this scholarship (1 paragraph): Explain how the NL Scholarship supports you financially, why you need it (your background, limited resources, your family context) and your commitment to using the opportunity.
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Future goals (1 paragraph): Outline what you aim to do after graduation—how you intend to apply your degree in your home country or region, what impact you want to make.
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Closing (1 paragraph): Reiterate your readiness, your commitment, thank the selection committee and express enthusiasm for contributing to the university and your home community.
Tip: Keep it around 500-700 words, tailor it to the engineering/business context, mention specific interests (e.g., renewable energy engineering, international business startups). Use clear, concise language & proofread carefully.
Common Mistakes — And How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Why it happens | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Assuming the grant covers everything | Many sources claim “fully funded” erroneously | Check specific university’s version & budget gap |
| Applying too late | Deadlines often many months before intake | Mark deadlines early, set reminders |
| Weak motivation letter | Generic letters fail to stand out | Use strong personal story, link to field & region |
| Neglecting living cost planning | Grant may cover tuition but not full living cost | Budget yourself: research living costs in NL |
| Oversight of eligibility rules | Non-EEA rule, previous Netherlands study ban etc | Verify you meet all listed criteria |
| Ignoring monthly stipend detail | Not all versions include monthly support | Check university site for “monthly allowance” clause |
FAQs (Concise but Useful)
Q1. Is this scholarship truly fully funded for all students?
A: Not necessarily. The general NL Scholarship typically gives a one-time grant of ~€5,000 for the first year. It may reduce tuition costs but may not cover full tuition + living costs for all years. Always check the specific university’s version.
Q2. Which disciplines are eligible? Is Engineering & Business included?
A: Yes—Engineering and Business Bachelor’s programmes taught in English at participating Dutch institutions are eligible, provided you meet admission & scholarship criteria.
Q3. Do I need Dutch language?
A: No—most English-taught Bachelor’s programmes for non-EEA students are in English, not Dutch. But check your specific programme.
Q4. What is non-EEA and why does it matter?
A: Non-EEA refers to students who are nationals of countries outside the European Economic Area (i.e., outside EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway). The NL Scholarship is targeted at non-EEA nationals.
Q5. What is the approximate cost of living?
A: On average, students in the Netherlands may need ~€900 – €1,400 per month for accommodation, food, transport, etc. (~€10,800 – €16,800 per year).
Q6. Can the scholarship be renewed for subsequent years?
A: Usually not—the general NL Scholarship is for the first year only. If you are in a multi-year Bachelor’s, you’ll need to secure funding for years two onward or rely on institutional support. Check your university’s terms.
Real-World Example (Focus: Africa & Asia)
Let’s imagine a student from Nigeria: “Aisha”, top high school leaver with strong maths and English. She wishes to study BSc International Business in the Netherlands. She discovers the NL Scholarship for non-EEA students and focuses her preparation:
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She selects a Dutch university offering Business in English, checks it participates in the NL Scholarship.
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She ensures her high school grades are excellent, collects reference letters, writes a strong motivation letter linking her business interest to Nigeria’s entrepreneurship context.
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She applies for admission to the Bachelor’s programme, secures conditional offer.
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She submits scholarship application by December 2025.
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She receives the NL Scholarship (grant of ~€5,000) plus admission, moves to Netherlands for start September 2026.
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During her studies, though she still covers the difference between the grant and tuition + living costs, she works part-time (allowed up to 16 hrs/week for non-EU students) and uses campus facilities for support.
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After graduation, she returns to Nigeria, uses her international degree and network to launch a digital business consultancy servicing SMEs.
While the financial support wasn’t entirely full funding, the grant made the difference that she could go abroad. The key is to plan for the remaining costs and make the most of the scholarship.
Conclusion
If you are an aspiring undergraduate student from Africa or Asia looking to study Engineering or Business abroad, the Netherlands offers one of the most accessible and high-quality opportunities through the NL Scholarship. While the “fully funded” language may sometimes be slightly optimistic, the grant—and the international experience—is still transformative.
Call to Action: Begin today. Make a list of Dutch universities you could apply to, check their Bachelor’s programmes in engineering/business, mark the admission & scholarship deadlines (December 2025 to February 2026). Gather your transcripts, craft your motivation letter, and set a timeline to submit your application. Start early and be consistent.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
Now is your moment. Take that first step, aim for the NL Scholarship, and let your dream of studying abroad turn into reality.
