Netherlands · Various Dutch universities
Holland Scholarship
IELTS Requirement & Application Guide
- IELTS
- 6
- Components
- L 5.5 / R 5.5 / W 5.5 / S 5.5
- Level
- UG, PG
- Deadline
- November–May
Last verified: 2026-03
About Holland Scholarship
The Holland Scholarship is a one-time grant of 5,000 euros for non-EEA international students studying at participating Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. It is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education and the participating institutions. The scholarship is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
IELTS Required
| Overall | L | R | W | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
Accepts: Academic ✓ / General ✗
Also accepted: TOEFL iBT 80
Tips for Meeting the Requirement
- 1The Holland Scholarship requires IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band. This is relatively accessible, but individual Dutch universities may set higher requirements for specific programmes.
- 2Since the Holland Scholarship is a one-time payment, consider combining it with other university-specific scholarships. Apply early, as the scholarship is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis at many institutions.
- 3Dutch universities are increasingly competitive for international students. An IELTS score above the minimum (6.5+) strengthens both your scholarship and admission application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What IELTS score is required for the Holland Scholarship?
The Holland Scholarship requires IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component. However, individual universities and programmes may require higher scores for admission, so check your specific programme's requirements.
Does the Holland Scholarship cover full tuition?
No, the Holland Scholarship provides a one-time grant of €5,000 toward your first year of study. It does not cover full tuition. You should explore additional funding from your chosen university's own scholarship programmes.
Can I apply for the Holland Scholarship as a current student?
No, the Holland Scholarship is only available to new international students who have not previously studied in the Netherlands. You must apply before starting your programme at a participating Dutch institution.
Need Band 6? Find out where you stand.
Submit one essay. See your band score on all 4 criteria in 60 seconds. Know exactly what to fix before you apply.
Check my score — free→No credit card needed. Results in 60 seconds.
Connect with scholarship winners
Our community includes students who successfully secured IELTS-requiring scholarships. Get real advice on applications and preparation.
Join the CommunityFree forever