Introduction
The NL Scholarship, previously known as the Holland Scholarship, offers exceptional international students from non-EU/EEA countries a €5,000 one-time grant toward their Master’s studies at Radboud University. It’s co-funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education and provides a springboard for global learners.
About the Scholarship
Exclusively for Radboud University applicants, this partial scholarship funds one academic year and cannot be repeated. It must be used in conjunction with the Radboud Scholarship Programme (RSP). You may receive both scholarships or only the RSP but the NL Scholarship cannot stand alone.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a non-EU/non-EEA passport
- Not qualify for EU/EEA tuition
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree earned outside the Netherlands (previous Netherlands education disqualifies you, excluding external exchange programs)
- Be admitted to an English-taught Master’s starting September 1, 2025
- Apply for the Radboud Scholarship Programme
- Meet Dutch visa requirements
- Be enrolled full-time at Radboud Universiteit
Scholarship Benefits
- €5,000 award disbursed in the first academic year only
- Not a full scholarship: does not cover living expenses, housing, or related costs Radboud Universiteit
Application Process
- During your Master’s application through the OSIRIS system, indicate that you wish to apply for the NL Scholarship
- Admission to your programme and scholarship selection are separate; one does not guarantee the other. Radboud Universiteit
Key Dates and Deadlines
- Submit your initial OSIRIS application by 31 January 2025 (23:59 CEST)
- Respond promptly to any feedback, ensuring full resubmission
- Incomplete applications are automatically excluded from scholarship consideration. Radboud Universiteit
Selection Process
Focus is on:
- Academic excellence: outstanding grades, relevance of prior degree, quality of degree-awarding institution
- Ambition: strong motivation letter, relevant experiences (internship, volunteering), and academic promise. Radboud Universiteit
Your application will be evaluated by the faculty’s selection committee based on these criteria.
Tips to Increase Your Chances
- Highlight academic rigor and relevance clearly through transcripts and motivation
- Showcase leadership, extracurricular involvement, and coherence between your background and your chosen Master’s path
- Submit whatever you can early completeness matters, especially near deadlines
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
| Who qualifies? | Non-EU/EEA students admitted to a Master’s program at Radboud, without prior Dutch degrees, and also applying to the Radboud Scholarship Programme |
| How much? | €5,000, applied to the first year’s tuition |
| Is living covered? | No; it’s a partial tuition-focused scholarship |
| Can I get it alone? | No; you must also be considered for RSP |
| Deadlines? | Initial submission: Jan 31; complete application: Feb 14, 2025 |
| Evaluation criteria? | Academic excellence and personal ambition tests, prior institutions, and motivation |
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Additional Resources
- NL Scholarship (prospective students) page at RU for program details. Radboud Universiteit
- Contact Student Life and International Mobility at scholarships[at]ru.nl for specific questions. Radboud Universiteit
