Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds - Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds scholarships for Dutch students

What you get

You will receive a grant of up to 25,000 EUR to fund a degree programme or a research placement abroad after completing your studies in the Netherlands. The grant covers up to half of your total budget. It covers rent and accommodation, living costs, tuition fees and a return journey. The exact amount depends on your costs and the duration of your stay. There is no fixed funding period. A Master’s programme abroad usually lasts at least one academic year. A research placement as part of a PhD programme at a foreign institution must last for at least three consecutive months. The funding comes from the Cultuurfonds (formerly the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds), which awards around 250 such grants annually across all disciplines.

Who can apply

• Where you go: You are studying or conducting research abroad and are living in the host country during your stay.
• Your background: You are a Dutch national or have been living in the Netherlands for at least 5 years.
• Your diploma: You have completed a Bachelor’s degree at a university of applied sciences (HBO) or a Master’s degree at a research university (WO). You may also apply if you are due to complete your degree in the current academic year.
• What you can fund: A first Master’s degree if you hold an HBO Bachelor’s degree, a second Master’s degree if you are coming from a research university, or a PhD studied abroad. A first master’s degree programme following a WO bachelor’s degree is not eligible for funding, nor are MBA, MPA and similar management programmes.
• Full time and linked: Your degree programme or research is a full-time programme or full-time research project and builds directly on what you have learnt so far.
• Grades: An average of at least 8 out of 10 is recommended. If you fall just short of this mark, you can still apply. In this case, your cover letter, CV and references will play a decisive role.
• First time: You have not yet received a grant from the Cultuurfonds.
• Not funded: Conferences, work placements, exchange semesters, part-time or online degree programmes, as well as post-doctoral studies.

How to apply

You can apply online via the Fund’s application portal between 1 February and 1 April. The final deadline for applications is midnight on 1 April. An advisory board will review the complete applications, and you will receive a response by email in mid-June.

How realistic are your chances?

With around 250 scholarships per year across all academic disciplines, this is an extensive programme that attracts many applicants. The detailed criteria ensure that many applicants are automatically ruled out. If you clearly fit into one of the study pathways (for example, a Bachelor’s degree holder from a university of applied sciences (HBO) aiming for a first Master’s degree, or a graduate from a research university (WO) aiming for a second Master’s degree or a PhD) and you meet or are close to the recommended grade point average, your prospects are good. A compelling personal statement and strong references are particularly important when funding is limited.