Overview
The Netherlands combines a strong tradition of higher education with a practical, student-centred approach to learning. Its culture places a strong emphasis on independence, openness and direct communication, shaping both the classroom experience and everyday life for students.
Why Students Choose the Netherlands
A Convenient Base in Europe
The Netherlands' location makes it easy to explore neighbouring countries and other European cities. The country has a dense public transport network, with frequent train connections between major cities.
Globally Recognised Education
Dutch higher education is internationally recognized, with universities represented in major global rankings.
An International, English-Speaking Environment
The Netherlands offers about 2,000 programs taught entirely in English, giving international students a wide range of study options. With about 95% of the Dutch population speaking English, everyday communication is also easier for international students.
The Changing International Student Landscape — Based on 2025/26 Data
The Netherlands continues to attract a large international student population, with 129,764 international students enrolled across universities and universities of applied sciences (HBO) in 2025/26. However, this marked a slight shift from previous years, with the overall international student population declining by 0.1%.
The decline was more noticeable among new undergraduate students, with new international undergraduate enrolments falling by 3.8%. In contrast, new master's enrolments increased by 2.9% at research universities and 8.4% at universities of applied sciences.
This information is subject to change.
Universities & Academic Structure
- Students in the Netherlands can choose between Research Universities, Universities of Applied Sciences and University Colleges, each with its own academic structure and approach to teaching. Across institutions, students are expected to participate actively in their education through discussions, workshops, presentations and research, rather than simply listening to lectures.
- Dutch higher education is based on the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). 60 ECTS credits represent one year of full-time study, with one ECTS credit corresponding to approximately 28 hours of study.
Research Universities
Overview
Research universities offer academically oriented programs with a strong emphasis on research and scientific skills. The universities vary in size, with enrolments ranging from 6,000 to 30,000 students. Some research universities also have a University College, offering a smaller-scale, more personalised Liberal Arts and Sciences program within the same institution.
Academic Structure
- Bachelor's programs generally take 3 years and comprise 180 ECTS
- Focus primarily on theoretical knowledge and academic research
- Typical structure: a first-year phase, followed by further specialisation, and often a short thesis in the third year
University Colleges
Overview
For students interested in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dutch research universities offer University Colleges: small-scale honours programs that provide an interdisciplinary education across Arts, Humanities, Sciences and Social Sciences. Taught in English, these programs emphasise small, interactive classes and a strong sense of student community.
University Colleges are part of larger research universities but offer a more personalised learning environment, drawing inspiration from Liberal Arts and Sciences programs in the United States and the collegiate model of universities such as Oxford.
Academic Structure
- Part of the research university (WO) system; generally 3-year bachelor's programs worth 180 ECTS
- The way these 180 ECTS are structured varies between University Colleges. At Amsterdam University College, most courses are worth 6 ECTS, with the academic year divided into six semesters and each semester split into two teaching blocks. At University College Utrecht, students normally complete 30 ECTS per semester, with most standard courses worth 7.5 ECTS
Universities of Applied Sciences
Overview
University of Applied Sciences offer professionally oriented programs that prepare students for a particular profession. Getting practical work experience through internships is an important part of the professional study programs offered at these institutions. The largest universities of applied sciences enrol 20,000 to 40,000 students.
Academic Structure
- Bachelor's programs generally take 4 years and comprise 240 ECTS
- Begins with a first-year propaedeutic phase, followed by a main phase focused on specialisation
- A work placement of around nine months is generally included in the third year, followed by a thesis or final project in the fourth year
Examples Include
- Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
- Avans University of Applied Sciences
- Breda University of Applied Sciences
- Fontys University of Applied Sciences
- HAN University of Applied Sciences
- Hanze University of Applied Sciences
- The Hague University of Applied Sciences
- NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
This information is subject to change.
Admissions & Requirements
There is no single set of admission requirements for all Dutch universities. Requirements are determined by the institution and can vary by program.
Academic Qualifications & Requirements
General Requirements
Students must meet the minimum academic qualification required by their chosen program. Admission requirements are set by each institution and can vary by program, including academic qualifications, academic records and grades. International qualifications can be compared with Dutch education levels through the Nuffic diploma comparison system.
For students graduating from the Indian High School system:
The previous blanket guideline of 70–75% overall should not be used as a general Netherlands-wide requirement.
English-Language Requirements
Students applying to an English-taught program need to demonstrate English proficiency. Commonly accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English, Pearson, LanguageCert and TOEIC. The required score is program-specific, so students should check the exact requirement of their chosen institution.
Application Documents
Depending on the program, students may need:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Motivation letter
- English-language test results
- CV
- Recommendation letters
- Portfolio
- Subject-specific or entrance tests
Numerus Fixus programs
Some programs have a limited number of places and therefore use a selection procedure. These are known as Numerus Fixus programs. The process generally works as follows:
- Application: Apply through the institution’s required process, via Studielink or the institution’s own system.
- Maximum of two applications: Generally, up to two Numerus Fixus programs per academic year. Medicine, Dentistry, Dental Hygiene and Physiotherapy allow only one application per program.
- Selection: Each institution sets its own selection criteria and process.
- Ranking number: Applicants receive a ranking number through Studielink based on the outcome of the institution's selection process.
- Offer & acceptance: Places are offered based on ranking and availability. Students must accept an offer through Studielink within two weeks, or it is offered to another applicant.
Application Deadlines
| Deadline | Applies To |
|---|---|
| 15 January | Numerus Fixus programs |
| 1 May | Other programs |
These are the general deadlines listed by Study in NL. Deadlines can vary by institution and program, so students should always check the exact deadline.
Application Process
Use the Study in NL Studyfinder to explore English-taught programs and compare institutions
Review the program-specific admission requirements, documents, selection process and deadline
Register through Studielink
Complete additional university-specific application requirements
This information is subject to change.
Financials
Tuition Fees (as of August 2026)
For students from outside the EU/EEA, average tuition fees are:
Bachelor's: €9,000 – €20,000 per year
Master's: €12,000 – €30,000 per year
Accommodation
Accommodation is one of the largest expenses for students. As per the Study in NL portal, the average room costs approximately €450–€1,000 per month, depending on the city and rental arrangement.
Scholarships
Many universities offer scholarships to international students. These may be university-wide or program-specific. Students should check their chosen program and contact the institution directly about available funding.
NL Scholarship
The NL Scholarship is available to eligible students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) applying to participating bachelor's and master's programs. The application for the academic year 2026–2027 opened on 1 November 2025. Please check the website of the institution you want to apply to for the specific deadline(s).
- €5,000
- Awarded in the first year
- Not a full-tuition scholarship
- Available only at participating institutions
- Requirements and deadlines vary by institution
Erasmus+
The Erasmus+ program provides funding opportunities for students participating in study exchanges and traineeships in Europe. The amount and eligibility depend on the specific mobility program and the student's institution.
There is no central Erasmus+ application deadline for students. Application deadlines are set by the student's home university, so applicants should check with their university's international or Erasmus+ office.
This information is subject to change.
Visa and Residence
Visa requirements depend on the student's nationality, length and purpose of stay.
For stays longer than 90 days, non-EU/EEA students may need an MVV (entry visa) as well as a VVR (residence permit), depending on their nationality. The educational institution generally starts the residence-permit application process on the student's behalf after admission. Students should begin preparing the required documents early.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Application | The educational institution submits the student residence-permit application to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) on the student's behalf. Students provide the required information and documents to their institution. (Study in NL) |
| MVV, if required | If an MVV is required, the institution generally applies for the MVV and residence permit together. Once the application is approved, the student can apply for the MVV at the relevant Dutch embassy or consulate. (Study in NL) |
| After arrival | Students collect their residence permit after arriving in the Netherlands. |
| Student Residence Permit | Valid for the duration of the study program plus 3 months, with a maximum validity of 5 years, provided the student continues to meet the requirements. |
This information is subject to change.
Student Life & Careers
Student Life
Student life in the Netherlands extends beyond the classroom. Alongside campus life, universities and cities have a wide range of student associations, including internationally oriented organisations such as AIESEC and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN).
Getting Around
While the Netherlands has an extensive public transport network, the Dutch way to get around is often to hop on a cycle and explore the city on two wheels. Cycling is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to travel within cities.
Learning Dutch
English is widely spoken in the Netherlands, but learning Dutch can help students integrate into local life and expand their employment opportunities. Dutch proficiency may be required for certain internships, part-time jobs and roles involving interaction with Dutch-speaking colleagues or customers.
Housing
Students usually live in accommodation across the city rather than on campus. Because of the severe housing shortage, finding a room can be difficult. Students should begin searching as soon as possible and remain alert to rental scams.
After Graduation
The Orientation Year residence permit allows eligible non-EEA graduates to stay in the Netherlands for one year to look for employment or start a business. Graduates can apply within three years of completing their studies.
Graduate Retention — Study in NL Data
International graduates increasingly choose to remain in the Netherlands after completing their studies. Of those who graduated in 2023, 57% were still living in the country one year later. Five years after graduation, 25.3% remained, and 80% of those who stayed were in paid employment.
Graduates in Education and Engineering have among the highest stay rates, while students who complete both their bachelor's and master's in the Netherlands are also more likely to remain.
This information is subject to change.