The Netherland-America Foundation - Pigott Family Education Fund Study Loans

Pigott Family Education Fund study loan

You will receive a interest-free loan of up to 15,000 USD (about 11,230 EUR) grant to fund a Master’s degree or a research stay abroad. It is offered by the Netherland-America Foundation (NAF), a charitable organisation that builds bridges between the United States and the Netherlands. The loan is interest-free for 4 years after you graduate. After that, the remaining balance will accrue interest at a rate of 7% per cent per annum, and you will repay it in monthly instalments. For loans of up to 10,000 USD, you will need one guarantor (a person who agrees to take over the repayment should you be unable to do so), and for the full amount, you will need two guarantors.

This is one of four funds within the NAF Student Loan Programme. You do not choose the fund yourself. If your application is successful, the committee will allocate you to a fund based on your financial needs and suitability. The Pigott Fund is intended for NAF Fulbright scholars.

Who can apply

• Fulbright status: You are a NAF-Fulbright scholar, which means you are taking part in the joint NAF-Fulbright exchange programme.
• Nationality and destination: You are a Dutch national studying in the United States, or a US national studying in the Netherlands. The course must actually take place in that country.
• Level: You are studying for a Master’s degree, pursuing a PhD or carrying out research. Bachelor’s degree programmes, summer courses and language courses are not eligible for funding.
• Admission: You have been admitted to a recognised higher education institution in the United States or the Netherlands.
• Field of study: Any topic is fine.
• Financial need: You can prove that you need financial support.
• Credit check: If you are applying from the USA, your credit history will be checked.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted once a year between January and April in English. Late applications will not be considered. The committee will assess all applications in May and will inform you of the outcome shortly afterwards.

How realistic are your chances?

This fund is aimed at a small target group. You must already be a NAF-Fulbright scholar, hold Dutch or US citizenship, and be moving between these two countries for your postgraduate studies. If you meet these criteria and can demonstrate your financial need, your chances are good. Please note that this is a loan that you will have to repay, not a grant. You must also submit your application between January and April.