VSB Scholarships
Financial support for Dutch MBO, HBO, and WO students pursuing studies, internships, language courses, or other experiences abroad. Rewards motivated and socially engaged students who bring knowledge and experience back to the Netherlands.
About the VSB Scholarships
The VSBfonds Beurs consists of two separate programs under one name, offering funding for MBO students and HBO or university students. It is designed for students who want to go abroad for a study program, internship, language course, or another international experience.
The program supports socially engaged students who want to develop further and gain international experience. Students bring this knowledge and experience back to the Netherlands, enriching both themselves and Dutch society.
There is one application round per year. The application period starts every autumn for students planning to go abroad after July 1 of the following year. The final deadline to submit applications is March 1.
VSBfonds works in close cooperation with 59 Dutch educational institutions. Students must study at one of these affiliated institutions to be eligible to apply for the scholarship through the designated institutional contact person.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
High success rates relative to many other funds, with historical selection chances around 68 percent for MBO and 35 percent for HBO or WO students.
Flexible funding covering short courses, language lessons, volunteer work, internships, and full degree studies.
Direct institutional support through dedicated contact persons at 59 Dutch schools.
Contributes to personal development, intercultural awareness, and social mobility.
What the Scholarship Covers
Studying in Netherlands
The scholarship is open to students enrolled at participating Dutch educational institutions who plan to travel abroad and return to contribute to Dutch society.
Eligibility Requirements
4 requirements
Documents Checklist
2 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Check if your Dutch educational institution is one of the 59 partnered institutions.
Complete the quickscan tool on the official website to check basic eligibility.
Contact the designated institutional contact person at your school for guidance and specific internal guidelines.
Prepare your study or project plan for your time abroad.
Submit your complete application by the March 1 deadline for plans starting after July 1.
Application Timeline
Autumn
Application Opening
New application round opens every autumn
March 1
Application Deadline
Strict deadline for all submissions
After July 1
Program Start Date
Scholarship is awarded for plans starting after this date
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Start by taking the online quickscan on the VSBfonds website to test your eligibility.
Attend one of the three informal online information sessions organized by VSBfonds throughout the year.
Reach out early to the designated contact person at your specific Dutch educational institution.
Clearly highlight your social engagement and motivation in your application plan, as the fund specifically rewards this trait.
Ensure your planned start date abroad is after July 1.
Important Links & Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions - click any to expand
The application deadline is March 1 every year for plans starting after July 1.
MBO students can receive up to 4,000 EUR. HBO or WO students can receive up to 10,000 EUR for two-year programs or up to 7,000 EUR for shorter study plans.
Students enrolled at or recent graduates from one of the 59 Dutch educational institutions partnered with VSBfonds who plan to go abroad for study, internship, or other experiences.
Based on recent years, the selection chance is about 68 percent for MBO students and 35 percent for HBO or university students.
Check the Official Website
This scholarship typically opens around Autumn. Confirm the current cycle and deadline on the official portal.
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