Start your application today and take the first step toward your international career.

Applications are accepted through Submittable, where you will be asked to provide basic personal information and supporting materials related to your internship and academic background. All submitted information is treated as confidential, used solely for the purpose of evaluating your application, and handled in accordance with applicable privacy regulations.

The application process takes approximately 15–30 minutes to complete. You can save your application at any time and continue later.

Before you begin, please carefully review the eligibility criteria below to ensure you meet the requirements.  If you qualify, go for it and apply! Once we have confirmed that you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be invited for an interview as part of the grant review process. You are welcome to apply before securing an internship, although having one in place can help move the process forward more efficiently.*

A limited number of grants are available each month, so we encourage eligible students to apply immediately.

Apply Here
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*Your internship must comply with U.S. government requirements for a J-1 visa; internships under the ESTA are not permitted. the NAF can provide J-1 visas to students who want to intern in the US.

Eligibility Criteria

  • You must be 20 years or older when starting your internship

  • You are studying at, or a recent graduate of, a Dutch college or university (HBO or WO); if a recent graduate, your internship start date must be no more than 1 year after your graduation date due to visa guidelines

  • When the following applies to you: You hold Dutch citizenship or you legally reside in the Netherlands with a valid Dutch residence permit, and have attended at least 2 years of high school in the Netherlands (MAVO, HAVO, VWO, or gymnasium).

  • You can provide proof in your application that you currently receive, or have previously received, a supplementary grant (DUO).

  • Your grade average is at least 7.0/10.0

  • Your knowledge of English is sufficient

  • "This internship challenged me to demonstrate leadership in research and adapt to new environments. Immersing myself in a different country and culture, which was an invaluable learning experience."   

    — Okan Ghedri

  • "The international experience I gained during this program is something I really value. Working in a different country and adapting to a new environment has taught me a lot, and I believe this will definitely help me stand out when applying for jobs after my studies.” —Laura Ernest

    —Laura Ernest

  • "One of the biggest outcomes of this internship is that I have become more confident in my ability to travel and live in new places. Through this experience, I proved to myself that I can handle the challenges that come with being abroad, from language barriers to cultural differences."  

    —Pim Voogt

  • "This program has been very valuable for both my personal growth and my career plans. It really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I feel more independent, confident and capable of working / living in different settings and complex international environments." 

    —Sibel Gokbekir

Your Questions, Answered

  • You are welcome to apply for the Dutch2USA grant while still exploring internship opportunities. We strongly encourage students to begin their internship search as early as possible and to carefully consider which type of internship best fits their personal ambitions and long-term career plans. Finding your own internship is an important part of the journey and helps you develop valuable professional skills.

  • Internships can take place in a wide range of fields, including business, technology, arts, public affairs, science, and education. The internship must provide meaningful professional experience and meet the requirements of the J-1 visa program.

  • The grant provides financial support to help cover part of the costs associated with completing an internship in the United States. The exact amount varies, depending on the length of internship and financial need of the applicant. See Grant Benefits section on the Program page.

  • Yes. Internships must comply with the requirements of the U.S. J-1 visa program. Interning under ESTA is not permitted. We can support you in securing your visa.

  • The Dutch2USA Internship Program differs from the Fulbright Program in several ways. Dutch2USA provides funding for internships in the United States, whereas Fulbright primarily supports degree programs, research, or academic exchanges. Research internships may also be supported through Dutch2USA, provided they meet the program requirements.

    Applications for the Dutch2USA Internship Program are reviewed by the Netherlands-America Foundation, while Fulbright applications are evaluated by the Fulbright Commission. Although both programs aim to strengthen transatlantic exchange and provide valuable international experience, they are separate initiatives run by different organizations.