The aim of the Holland Scholarship programme is to raise the profile of Dutch higher education and to encourage student mobility both into and out of the Netherlands.

The Holland Scholarship programme is the Netherlands' national scholarship programme for both international and Dutch students. The programme has been made possible by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the VSNU (the Association of Universities in the Netherlands), the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences and EP-Nuffic.

The drivers for the programme were the Joint International Vision document (drawn up by VSNU and the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences) and the Internationalisation Vision Memorandum of the minister of education (June 2014). Forty-eight Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences are taking part in the programme. They will also cover half of the costs involved.

Minister Jet Bussemaker: “An international experience adds a great deal of value for students. Leaving the comfort of your familiar surroundings behind for a while to study or do a work placement in a different culture and in a different environment is truly an enriching experience.” Importance of internationalisation

The Holland Scholarship programme enhances the quality of university education through the international classroom. At the same time, the programme helps to ensure that the Netherlands remains a great place to study.

The Holland Scholarship makes it easier for Dutch students to take up an internship or pursue part of their studies abroad. An international experience helps students develop international skills, which will give them greater opportunities on the job market when they graduate. And the students themselves often regard a period of time abroad as a life-changing experience. The Holland Scholarship

In total, 1,536 scholarships are available every year. Students who live in the Netherlands can find out more at www.wilweg.nl/hollandscholarship and through their own institution.

International students will be informed about the programme through www.studyinholland.nl/hollandscholarship, the Study in Holland campaign and the Netherlands Education Support Offices (Nesos), which promote and support the Dutch higher education system in 10 countries.

Dutch students will receive a scholarship of € 1,250 to study, take up an internship or carry out research in a country outside the EEA. For international students from outside the EEA, there are scholarships of € 5,000 for a full bachelor's or master's degree. The first Holland Scholarship students will be welcomed and sent on their way at the start of the next academic year.