THE HAGUE – Starting this September, students from both the Caribbean and European parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands can apply for the Koninkrijksbeurs (Kingdom Scholarship). The program offers opportunities for study or internship exchanges within the six islands of the Kingdom or in the Netherlands, for periods ranging from 21 days to six months.

Applications are open until October 14, 2025, and the program is available to full-time students enrolled in accredited programs at MBO level 3/4, HBO, or university level.

Financial Support

The scholarship covers travel, housing, and living expenses. Caribbean students can receive up to €5,900, an amount comparable to the Erasmus+ grant.

“The scholarship gives students the chance to look beyond the borders of their own island, gain experience in a different context, and develop both academically and personally,” the press release stated. The first group of students benefited from the program last year.

Limited Slots and Lottery System

The number of scholarships is limited and varies per island. Selection will be conducted through a lottery system. Interested students can request more information via koninkrijksbeurs@rijksdienstcn.com or visit the official webpage: www.rijksdienstcn.com/onderwijs-cultuur-wetenschap/koninkrijksbeurs.

The Kingdom Scholarship is one of several initiatives aimed at improving academic success and equal opportunities for Caribbean students. It allows them to first experience studying or interning in another part of the Kingdom before committing to a full degree program abroad.

Improving student success remains a top priority for the education ministers of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the Netherlands. At their request, the Strategic Education Alliance (SEA) program team has been tasked with a three-year mandate to structurally strengthen study outcomes for Caribbean students.