The HAN NL Scholarship is one of the most accessible European funding opportunities for ambitious Nigerians who want practical, career-focused education. Offered by HAN University of Applied Sciences, this scholarship opens doors to globally relevant degrees in engineering, IT, business, and health.
Why does this matter for Nigerians? Because Dutch universities are aligned with industries, Nigeria urgently needs, e.g., technology, engineering, energy transition, logistics, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. A Dutch degree doesn’t just look good on paper; it builds real-world skills you can use back home or anywhere in the world.
In this guide, we break down what the HAN Scholarship is, who can apply, what it covers, how Nigerians can apply successfully, and why it’s worth serious consideration.
HAN offers many English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degrees, especially attractive to Nigerian students, including:
- Automotive Engineering
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- International Business
- Finance & Control
- Nursing and Life Sciences
- Sustainable Energy Systems
- IT and Embedded Systems
These programs align closely with Nigeria’s growing demand for tech talent, engineers, healthcare professionals, and globally trained business leaders.
Studying in the Netherlands as a Nigerian has become an increasingly popular alternative to the traditional “Big Three” (UK, US, and Canada). As of 2026, the Netherlands offers a unique blend of high-ranking education, a more manageable cost of living, and a direct bridge to a strong European career.
Why Study in the Netherlands as a Nigerian?
Here is why the Netherlands is a strategic choice for Nigerian students;
1. World-Class Education in English
While the official language is Dutch, the Netherlands has the highest English proficiency in the world for a non-native country.
English-Taught Programs: There are over 2,100 programs taught entirely in English, so you won’t face a language barrier in your studies.
Top Rankings: Almost all 13 Dutch research universities are ranked in the Global Top 200. For example, Wageningen University is world-renowned for Agriculture, while TU Delft is a powerhouse for Engineering.
2. Strong Career & Economic Ties
The Netherlands and Nigeria have a deep-seated economic relationship, which creates a natural “bridge” for Nigerian graduates.
The “Zoekjaar” (Orientation Year): After graduation, you can apply for a one-year residence permit to find a job or start a business. Unlike some other countries, this visa is relatively straightforward to get.
Key Industries: If you study Agribusiness, Tech, Water Management, or Renewable Energy, you are in high demand. The Nigeria-Netherlands Business Hub and companies like Heineken, Philips, and Shell actively seek talent familiar with both markets.
Multinational Hub: Many global companies have their European headquarters in the Netherlands (like Booking.com and Tesla), providing a massive job pool for international graduates.
3. Community and Social Life
You won’t be alone. There is a thriving African and Nigerian community in major cities like The Hague, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam.
Student Associations: Organizations like ASAT (African Student Association Tilburg) and ACMUS (Maastricht) provide a soft landing, helping you find Nigerian food (yes, you can find Egusi and Jollof ingredients in Afro-shops) and social networks.
Alumni Networks: The Netherlands Institutions Alumni Association Nigeria (NIAAN) is very active, helping graduates reintegrate or find jobs back home if they choose.
What Exactly Is the HAN Scholarship?
The HAN NL Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship supported by HAN University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Education. It is specifically for non-EU/EEA students, which includes Nigerians.
Scholarship Amounts
There are two main categories:
Bachelor’s students: €12,500 total
Master’s students: €5,000 total
There’s also an Honours Scholarship for exceptional performers:
€7,500 (bachelor’s)
€2,500 (master’s)
On average, an international student in the Netherlands needs about €25,000 per year for tuition and living expenses. That’s roughly ₦40–45 million per year, depending on exchange rates.
The HAN Scholarship significantly reduces tuition costs (usually around €9,000–€10,000 annually), but you must show proof of funds for the remaining expenses.
Requirements for the HAN Scholarship
- You must have either an IELTS score of at least 6.5, TOEFL iBT of at least 90 or a cambridge certificate of (CAE or CPE).
- You must have been admitted into an English-taught full-time programme at HAN
- Be a Nigerian citizen (non-EU/EEA; Suriname excluded)
- Pay the institutional tuition fee
How to Apply for HAN University Scholarship
After meeting the requirements for this scholarship, apply for a degree programme at HAN University of Applied Sciences. If you get admitted, you will receive an email to apply for the scholarship. This email is expected to come either on or before April 1 or October 1.
Then, prepare the necessary items to submit for the scholarship. HAN University will request for the following;
- Your CV
- Most recent transcript (secondary school transcript for undergraduate programmes and University transcript for postgraduate programmes)
- Your motivation letter (explain why you will be a successful student at HAN University). Do not use AI to write your motivation letter.
- A 3-minute video of yourself talking about;
- You and the things you are good at.
- What your former teachers or friends tell HAN University about you.
- Tell HAN about your chosen course and why you decided to study the course.
- Imagine you’re working in a team. Based on your personality and/or experience, what role would you have and why?
- What are your career ambitions? What and where do you think you’ll be 10 years from now (professionally speaking)?
Click the link in the email sent to you. Complete the scholarship application form and upload all the items above.
If you are accepted for the scholarship, you will receive an email notification. This email is expected to come in by either June 1 for programmes resuming by September or November 3 for programmes resuming in February.
To confirm that you have accepted the scholarship, send an email on or before the date stated in the award email.
