Fulbright Commission the Netherlands - Fulbright Foreign Student Program

What the Fulbright grant gives you

You get funding to study for a Master's degree or do research at a US university for one academic year, roughly 12 months. For Master's students the grant runs up to 35,000 USD (about 32,000 EUR). For doctoral researchers and scholars the amount is worked out case by case. The award also covers your J-1 student visa sponsorship, a health insurance plan, your international return flight, and a programme of Fulbright events during your stay. The Fulbright Commission the Netherlands runs the programme. It is paid for by the US Department of State and the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a Dutch citizen living in the Netherlands when you apply. If you also hold US citizenship, you cannot apply.
• Degree: By the time the programme starts you hold at least a Bachelor's degree (or the equivalent) with good grades.
• Level: You are starting a Master's degree, or you are a doctoral researcher or scholar. Full PhD programmes at US universities are not funded.
• English: You have a TOEFL score of at least 550 (paper) or 79-80 (internet-based), or an IELTS score of at least 6.5.
• Recent time abroad: You have not lived in the USA in the year before the grant starts. Short holidays or summer programmes do not count.

How to apply

You submit your application to the Fulbright Commission the Netherlands. For the 2026-2027 year the deadline for Master's students is 22 January 2026, and 1 December 2025 for doctoral researchers and scholars. The deadline generally falls in December or January each year. The Commission pre-selects candidates before forwarding applications for placement at a US university.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a well-known worldwide programme, so it draws strong applicants. But the Dutch route is limited to Dutch residents and needs solid grades plus a clear English test score. If you meet those conditions and present a convincing study or research plan, your prospects are realistic. A sharp, well-argued proposal matters more than a long CV.