Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland - Koninkrijksbeurs (Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland)

Koninkrijksbeurs (Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland)

You get a monthly allowance of 650 EUR. This rises to 850 EUR if you study in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom and go to the European Netherlands. You also get a one-off travel grant: 800 EUR between the Caribbean and the European Netherlands, or 300 EUR for an exchange within the Caribbean (500 EUR if there is no direct flight). The money covers an internship or study exchange of 21 days to 6 months in another part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, the Netherlands or Sint Maarten). It is a grant from the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), run by the Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are enrolled full time at a recognised, participating school in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, the Netherlands or Sint Maarten. Part-time students cannot apply.
• Level: You are on an mbo/sbo level 3 or 4, hbo or university programme (bachelor, master or associate degree).
• Purpose of the stay: Your internship or exchange is a required or optional part of your programme, and it takes you to a different part of the Kingdom.
• Progress: You have passed all your first-year courses before you apply. This does not apply if you are a master's student.
• Nationality: You have Dutch nationality, an equivalent residence status, or the same student-finance status as Dutch nationals.
• One-time only: You can get this grant once. You cannot combine it with an NL Scholarship or KoninkrijksBPV.

How to apply

You apply by email to the Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland. You send an ID copy, a signed application form, proof of enrolment and a declaration filled in by your school. For stays starting between 15 January 2027 and 31 July 2027, the application window opens on 1 September 2026. Places are then assigned by an independent lottery, drawn by a notary between 15 and 31 October 2026, and you hear back within about 6 weeks.

How realistic are your chances?

Places are decided by lottery, not by grades or a selection panel. Meeting the requirements gets you into the draw rather than guaranteeing an award. There are 50 to 60 grants each semester, split by home island and study level, so your odds depend on how many others in your category apply. The draw runs in rounds. If you are open to an exchange within the Caribbean, your name gets a second chance at the remaining budget.