The Netherland-America Foundation - NAF Study Loan Program

NAF Study Loan Program

You are taking out an interest-free loan of up to 8,000 USD (about 7,480 EUR) to fund a Master’s degree or a research project abroad. As this is a loan and not a grant, you will need to repay it. No interest is charged for the first 4 years after you complete your studies. Thereafter, annual interest of 7% is charged on the outstanding balance. Repayment is made in monthly instalments from the date you graduate. The Netherland-America Foundation manages several loan pools with different maximum limits, but you do not select one yourself. If you are accepted, the Foundation will assign you to a pool based on your financial needs, your academic achievements and the funds available.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a citizen of the Netherlands or the United States.
• Where you go: Dutch students study in the United States; American students study in the Netherlands. They must study within their respective countries, not at a branch campus in another location.
• Level: You are undertaking a Master’s degree or carrying out a research project. Bachelor’s degree programmes, language courses and summer research programmes are not eligible for funding.
• University: You have been admitted to a recognised higher education institution. The degree programme is irrelevant.
• Guarantor: For smaller loans, you must name one person to act as a guarantor; for the largest loans, two guarantors are required. A guarantor is someone who agrees to take responsibility for repaying the loan if you are unable to do so.
• Credit check: If you are an applicant from the USA, the Foundation will carry out a credit check.

How to apply

Applications are accepted online once a year between January and April. The deadline for applications is 1 April; late applications will not be considered. All documents must be submitted in English. The Foundation will review the applications in May and notify you of the result shortly afterwards.

How realistic are your chances?

As this is a loan that must be repaid, rather than money given free of charge, the pool of applicants is already limited to those who genuinely need the funding and can provide a guarantor. The eligibility criteria are strict: only Dutch nationals going to the US, or US nationals going to the Netherlands, and exclusively at Master’s level. If you fit this profile, can provide confirmation of admission and demonstrate a strong academic record, your chances are good, as the pool of suitable applicants is small.