The Netherlands has research universities and universities of applied sciences, with many English-taught programs available to international students. If you’re hoping to attend an institution such as the University of Amsterdam, Erasmus University Rotterdam, or Leiden University, you may be wondering how the application process works. This guide explains the main steps for applying to universities in the Netherlands.
Application Process in Dutch Universities
Let’s look at the main steps you may need to follow.
Step 1. Do Your Research
When researching universities in the Netherlands, first confirm that an institution offers the program and specialization you want. Review the curriculum, degree structure, teaching method, location, tuition fees, career outcomes, and whether the program aligns with your academic background and career goals.
You may also consult university rankings as one part of your research, but check the ranking provider, methodology, subject category, and publication year. Research faculty expertise and determine whether the program offers relevant research opportunities, internships, exchange programs, or collaborative projects.
Step 2. Check Requirements
After completing your research, review the official admission requirements for your chosen program. Applicants to English-taught programs may need to demonstrate English proficiency, but the accepted qualifications, exemptions, and minimum scores vary by institution and program. Check the university’s current requirements for tests such as language proficiency tests, IELTS, or TOEFL.
Depending on your previous education and chosen program, the university may request additional examinations or supporting evidence. For example, SAT or ACT results may be relevant when assessing certain secondary-school qualifications, while some graduate business, economics, or data programs require a GRE or GMAT score. Always follow the requirements on the official program page.
Finally, determine whether you need an entry visa or residence permit. Not every international student requires a student visa. The requirements depend on your nationality and the length of your stay. For higher education students who require a Dutch student residence permit, the recognized educational institution normally submits the application to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service on the student’s behalf.
Step 3. Apply Online
For most programs, you must first register through Studielink, the official Dutch registration and application portal for higher education. However, some institutions or international programs use a different application method, so check the university’s instructions before registering. After submitting your enrollment request through Studielink, you may also need to complete a separate application in the institution’s own admissions portal and upload the required documents. Monitor both systems and your email for status updates and additional requests.
Step 4. Pay Application Fee
Application fees vary by institution and applicant category. Utrecht University currently charges a nonrefundable €100 application fee for applicants who are subject to the fee. Payment is integrated into the OSIRIS Online Application system, and Utrecht accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express credit cards.
At the University of Amsterdam, applicants to a bachelor’s program with an international diploma generally pay a nonrefundable €100 application fee. The same amount generally applies to applicants to a master’s program with an international bachelor’s diploma. The available payment methods include Mastercard, Visa, Bancontact, PayPal, and iDEAL.
Fee exemptions are institution-specific. At Utrecht University, bachelor’s application-fee exemptions include students registered as refugees in the Netherlands, exchange students currently registered at Utrecht University, and applicants seeking admission based on certain VWO diplomas from Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten, or Suriname. The University of Amsterdam has different exemptions, including a limited exemption for eligible EEA applicants participating in its International Baccalaureate Admissions procedure. Holding an International Baccalaureate or European Baccalaureate diploma does not create a general exemption at every Dutch university. If you qualify, follow the instructions in the relevant application portal to request the exemption.
Step 5. Confirm Acceptance
Your admission letter may state that your offer is conditional or unconditional. An unconditional offer generally means that you have met the admission requirements, although you may still need to complete administrative enrollment steps. A conditional offer means that one or more requirements remain outstanding. Read the letter carefully, note every deadline, and accept the offer through the method specified by the university.
When you accept a conditional offer, review each condition carefully. Conditions may include submitting a certified diploma or transcript, providing proof of English proficiency, completing a course, passing a test, or satisfying another program-specific requirement. Acceptance of a conditional offer does not remove these conditions; you must fulfill them by the stated deadline before your enrollment can be finalized.
General Admission Documents
The exact documents required depend on the university, degree level, program, and applicant’s previous education. The documents below are commonly requested, but you should use the official program checklist as the final authority.
GENERAL
DOCUMENTS | DOCUMENT DETAILS |
|---|
| Academic Transcripts | Universities commonly request an official transcript or grade list showing the courses, grades, credits, and qualifications you have completed. If you are still studying, you may be allowed to submit your most recent transcript and provide the final version later. Documents that are not in a language accepted by the institution may need an official or certified translation. |
| Diploma or Degree Certificate | Bachelor’s applicants normally submit a secondary-school diploma or evidence that they are completing an equivalent qualification. Applicants to master’s programs in the Netherlands normally submit a bachelor’s diploma or proof that they will complete the degree before enrollment. Eligibility is based on the level, content, and relevance of the previous qualification rather than one universal ECTS rule for every program. |
| Language Proficiency Test Scores | Applicants to English-taught programs may need to submit an accepted English-language qualification, such as IELTS or TOEFL. Some applicants qualify for an exemption based on their previous education or diploma. Required scores vary significantly by university and program, so do not rely on a single national minimum. |
| CV/Resume | A CV or resume may be required, particularly for master’s, professional, or selective programs. It should accurately summarize your education, relevant employment, internships, research, projects, skills, and extracurricular activities. Follow any page limit or format specified by the program. |
| Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement | Some programs require a motivation letter, personal statement, or Statement of Purpose. Use it to explain your academic interests, relevant experience, reasons for choosing the program, and future goals. Address the questions and word limit provided by the university rather than submitting a generic statement. |
| Letters of Recommendation | Letters of Recommendation are required by some, but not all, Dutch programs. When references are requested, choose academic or professional referees who can discuss your qualifications and suitability for the program. Follow the university’s instructions concerning the number of letters, eligible referees, and electronic submission process. |
| Proof of Financial Means | Students who require a Dutch student residence permit must meet the IND’s financial requirements. The educational institution will provide instructions about the required amount, acceptable evidence, payment method, and deadline as part of the immigration process. This is separate from the academic admission assessment. |
Optional Materials / Documents to Consider
Only submit supplementary materials when the program requests them or clearly permits additional uploads. Unrequested documents may not be reviewed and can make an application harder to assess. Possible supplementary materials include:
OPTIONAL
DOCUMENTS | DOCUMENT DETAILS |
|---|
| Additional Academic Certificates or Diplomas | If the application portal permits supplementary documents, you may include relevant certificates or qualifications that support your preparation for the program. Include only documents that add material information and follow any file, translation, or certification requirements. |
| Research Papers or Projects | Research samples may be useful for research-oriented programs when the admissions instructions request or permit them. Select work that is relevant to the proposed field and comply with any page limit, abstract requirement, or writing-sample instructions. |
| Portfolio | Applicants to art, design, architecture, media, and other creative programs may be required to submit a portfolio. Portfolio content, format, file size, and assessment criteria differ by program, so follow the official instructions exactly rather than using a general academic portfolio. |
The Netherlands offers a broad selection of academic and professionally oriented programs. Many international students pursue higher education in the Netherlands, but start dates, deadlines, entry requirements, and application procedures vary by institution and program. Review the official program page carefully, prepare the required documents, and begin the application and immigration procedures early.
We hope this guide on how to apply to universities in the Netherlands was helpful and informative. If you are interested, check our Study in Netherlands and Available Programs for International Students!
