2025 HAN Scholarship in the Netherlands

Studying abroad in the Netherlands has become one of the most attractive opportunities for international students seeking high-quality education and global exposure. Among the leading institutions, HAN University of Applied Sciences stands out for its practical, career-focused programmes and its commitment to supporting talented students from across the world. To make higher education more accessible and to reward academic excellence, HAN offers the HAN Scholarships—a set of merit-based awards designed exclusively for non-EU/EEA students. The 2025 HAN Scholarship provides not only financial assistance but also recognition of students’ hard work, leadership qualities, and potential to contribute positively to society. With tuition fees and living costs often being significant challenges for international students, this scholarship reduces the financial burden, making it easier for ambitious learners to focus on their academic and personal growth.

More importantly, the scholarship serves as a gateway to opportunities. It fosters cultural diversity on campus, supports global perspectives in education, and helps students build a solid foundation for their future careers. Whether at the bachelor’s or master’s level, recipients gain both financial support and the motivation to excel, as the scholarship encourages consistent academic performance and active engagement in community and leadership roles. In essence, the HAN Scholarship is not just about funding—it is about investing in potential. By empowering students to pursue their studies without the constant worry of expenses, HAN ensures that the brightest minds can thrive, innovate, and leave a lasting impact in their chosen fields.

Scholarship Categories and Funding Details

HAN NL Scholarship

The HAN NL Scholarship is aimed at talented international students enrolling in full-time, English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes at HAN University of Applied Sciences. It is merit-based and designed to ease the financial burden of studying abroad while rewarding academic excellence.

For Bachelor’s Students:

  • Funding Amount: €2,500 for each of the first two semesters.
  • Subsequent Support: In later years, recipients may continue to receive €2,500 annually, provided they earn at least 45 credits (ECTS) per year.
  • Total Potential Value: Up to €12,500 across the full bachelor’s programme.
  • Focus: Supports students in their first year of transition and sustains them with continued funding throughout their studies, provided performance standards are met.

For Master’s Students:

  • Funding Amount: €2,500 per semester for the first academic year.
  • Total Potential Value: €5,000 for the duration of the programme.
  • Focus: Eases tuition-related costs and helps students dedicate themselves to research and professional development during their master’s studies.

Honors Scholarship

The Honors Scholarship is reserved for high-performing students who demonstrate outstanding academic results after their initial enrollment. It is awarded by the programme’s academic board and does not require a separate application.

For Bachelor’s Students:

  • Funding Amount: €2,500 annually from the second year onwards.
  • Total Potential Value: Up to €7,500 over the course of the bachelor’s programme.
  • Criteria: Awarded to students who achieve excellent results in their first year, alongside evidence of leadership and engagement in activities outside the classroom.

For Master’s Students:

  • Funding Amount: A one-time payment of €2,500 during the second semester.
  • Total Potential Value: €2,500.
  • Criteria: Designed to reward exceptional performance during the first semester of the master’s programme.

Eligibility Criteria

The HAN Scholarships are tailored for non-EU/EEA international students with strong academic and personal potential.

Nationality

  • Non-EU/EEA Applicants Only: Open exclusively to students from countries outside the European Union and European Economic Area (except Surinamese nationals).

Academic Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Applicants: Completion of secondary education with excellent grades. Academic transcripts should reflect consistent high performance.
  • Master’s Applicants: A recognized bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record (equivalent to upper second-class honours or higher in many systems).

Programme Requirements

  • English-Taught Programmes Only: Applicants must enroll in full-time, English-taught bachelor’s or master’s programmes.
  • English Proficiency: IELTS score of at least 6.5, TOEFL iBT of 90, or equivalent Cambridge qualifications.

Prior Education

  • New Entrants to Dutch Education: Applicants must not have previously obtained a degree from a Dutch higher education institution.

Performance Condition

  • To maintain scholarship payments, bachelor’s recipients must secure at least 45 ECTS per academic year.

Leadership and Engagement

  • Applicants with proven leadership roles, community service, or extracurricular achievements are considered strong candidates.

Application Process

Applying for the 2025 HAN Scholarship involves several stages, each requiring careful preparation.

1. Apply for Admission

  • Choose a Programme: Apply for your preferred bachelor’s or master’s programme at HAN University of Applied Sciences.
  • Gain Admission: You must hold an official admission offer before applying for the scholarship. Deadlines are 1 April 2025 (September intake) and 1 October 2025 (February intake).

2. Scholarship Invitation

  • After admission, eligible students will receive an invitation email to apply for the scholarship.
  • Not all applicants will be automatically considered; you must follow the instructions in the invitation.

3. Prepare Supporting Documents

Ensure you prepare the following documents before the application deadline:

  • Motivation Letter: A clear statement (500–1,000 words) highlighting your academic ambitions, leadership experiences, and reasons for choosing HAN.
  • Short Video (max 3 minutes): Introduce yourself, explain your strengths, describe your teamwork style, and outline your 10-year career vision.
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing your education, achievements, extracurriculars, and leadership roles.
  • Academic Transcript: The most recent record of grades.
  • Proof of English Proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL/CAE or equivalent certificate.

4. Submit the Application

  • Online Portal: Upload your documents via HAN’s official scholarship application system before 1 May 2025 (September intake) or 19 October 2025 (February intake).
  • Double-Check: Ensure all documents meet the format and length requirements.

5. Await Results

  • Review Process: Applications are evaluated on academic excellence, motivation, leadership, and overall potential.
  • Notification: Results will be communicated by 1 June 2025 (for September intake) or 3 November 2025 (for February intake).
  • Acceptance: If successful, confirm acceptance of the scholarship by the deadline provided in your award letter.

Important Deadlines for 2025

To be considered for the HAN Scholarship, students must first secure admission and then apply for the scholarship within the official timelines. Missing a deadline means automatic disqualification, so early preparation is crucial.

For September 2025 Intake:

  • Admission Deadline: 1 April 2025
  • Scholarship Application Deadline: 1 May 2025 (12:00 CEST)
  • Scholarship Results Announced: By 1 June 2025

For February 2026 Intake:

  • Admission Deadline: 1 October 2025
  • Scholarship Application Deadline: 19 October 2025 (12:00 CEST)
  • Scholarship Results Announced: By 3 November 2025

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Apply Early: Admission processes can take time, especially when verifying international documents. Submit your application months ahead of the deadline.

2. Craft a Strong Motivation Letter: Be clear, concise, and genuine. Highlight your academic strengths, leadership experiences, and future goals. Show how studying at HAN aligns with your career ambitions.

3. Make Your Video Stand Out: The video is your chance to show personality. Speak confidently, stay within 3 minutes, and answer all required prompts directly. Authenticity and enthusiasm matter.

4. Highlight Leadership & Community Work: Beyond academics, emphasize volunteer work, group projects, or leadership roles that prove your initiative and ability to contribute to campus life.

5. Meet the English Requirement: Don’t leave language testing to the last minute. Ensure your IELTS/TOEFL/CAE scores meet HAN’s minimum requirement (IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 90).

6. Maintain Strong Grades: Remember that continued funding depends on earning at least 45 ECTS each academic year (for bachelor’s). Plan your study schedule carefully.

7. Stay Organized: Keep all supporting documents (transcripts, CV, test scores, references) ready in advance and properly labeled before uploading them.

Conclusion

The 2025 HAN Scholarship is more than just a financial award—it is a recognition of talent, ambition, and determination. By providing support to international students who show academic excellence and leadership potential, HAN University of Applied Sciences ensures that motivated learners can pursue their education in the Netherlands with greater ease and confidence.

For many students, the scholarship acts as a stepping stone towards a brighter future, reducing financial challenges while opening doors to world-class education, career development, and international networks. It encourages students not only to achieve academically but also to engage actively in their communities, build leadership skills, and prepare for global careers.