Dutch Research Council (NWO)

NWO Open Competition

Curiosity-driven research funding across all disciplines, typically €300K, €800K for Dutch research teams.

Programme guide in progress

We are still researching the full guide for NWO Open Competition. In the meantime, you will find the live open calls, eligibility basics and related programmes below.

Next deadline

31 July 2026 (46 days away)

Open Competition Domain Science – M 2025/2026 (ENW-M-1)

View full call details →

Key facts

Type: Project grant, not career grant
Domains: ENW, ZonMw, SSH
Duration: 3-5 years
Collaboration: Single or multi-PI within NL
Success rate: ~15-20% typical

Who is eligible?

•Affiliation with a Dutch knowledge institution (main applicant)
•Any career stage
•Can be single-PI or multi-institution collaboration within the Netherlands
•Project must fit within the relevant domain (ENW, ZonMw, SSH)

Open calls right now

Curious who tends to win this grant?

See past NWO Open Competition awardees →

Looking for proposal-writing advice?

Read the Dutch Research Council (NWO) writing guide →

Share ✉ Email X LinkedIn WhatsApp

Related programmes

Dutch Research Council (NWO)

NWO Veni

Up to €320,000 over 3 years for researchers in the Netherlands within 3 years of PhD completion.

Dutch Research Council (NWO)

NWO Vidi

Up to €850,000 over 5 years for mid-career researchers in the Netherlands establishing an independent group.

Dutch Research Council (NWO)

NWO XS

€50,000 for exploratory proof-of-concept research at Dutch knowledge institutions. Pilot studies and early-stage ideas.

Want NWO Open Competition deadlines in your inbox?

Free personalised digest with grants matched to your research profile.

Find my next grant →