The Netherlands is a popular destination for international students, both for what the country stands for and the holistic education it offers. This small country in Western Europe borders Belgium and Germany, and its location has helped make it a highly open, trade-oriented economy. The country is an advanced economy, one of NATO’s founding members, and one of the six countries that founded the European Communities, the predecessor of today’s European Union. It is also the world’s second-largest exporter of agricultural products after the United States. With strong public services, a high level of safety, and a high quality of life, the Netherlands offers a welcoming environment for students, although living costs can be significant in major cities. The 2026 World Happiness Report ranks the country among the top 10 happiest countries worldwide. There are many nightlife spots to unwind, cheese to indulge in, and canals and windmills to get lost in.
This level of investment is evident in education as well. Dutch higher education is known for interactive, student-centered learning, teamwork, and practical experience through internships, laboratories, and problem-solving activities. Find out which Dutch city fits you best:
Top Cities to Study in the Netherlands for International Students
1. Amsterdam
As the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam tops the list for higher education. While the city is a major center for finance and banking in the Netherlands, its crowning glory is its culture. Known for its scenic canals, rich history, and iconic cultural scene, Amsterdam is full of well-preserved architecture, museums, and lively neighborhoods. Students can spend their weekends cycling through the city, visiting flea markets and street art spots, enjoying the city’s cafe scene, and ending the day at concerts or cultural events.
The city’s relaxed vibe also shapes the personality of its people. Amsterdam is known for its tolerance, hospitality, and progressive mindset. It has a long LGBTQI+ history and remains one of Europe’s most prominent LGBTQI+ capitals, making it a welcoming destination for many students. Check out top university options in Amsterdam such as the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
2. Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and is home to the largest port in Europe. Rooted in its identity near the water, the city grew from a small fishing village into a major port city. As a hub for maritime trade and logistics, Rotterdam makes for a lively city center. The city has also made deliberate strides in transforming its landscape into a center for modern architecture, making it a great destination for art and design students.
Make the most out of Rotterdam through its top destinations: enjoy a panoramic view from the Euromast, visit Diergaarde Blijdorp, or explore shopping districts such as Lijnbaan, Coolsingel, and Alexandrium. You can also get your culture fix with a variety of museums and theaters, or catch special events such as Summer Carnival or the Rotterdam Marathon if you are there at the right time. There is surely something for everyone in this city, including institutions such as Erasmus University Rotterdam and Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences.
3. Maastricht
Maastricht is the capital of Limburg province, located in the southern part of the Netherlands near both Belgium and Germany. One of the city’s defining features is the Meuse River, which runs through the city and provides a balance between natural and man-made beauty. Maastricht is an excellent city to study in the Netherlands. This compact city may seem quiet at first, but do not let this fool you. The city has layers of history, from St. John’s Church to the underground caves of Sint Pietersberg.
The best time to visit Maastricht is during its major events, such as the yearly carnival, The European Fine Art Fair, and the Maastricht Christmas market. Students can also enjoy life in one of the most international university cities in the Netherlands through top institutions such as Maastricht University and Zuyd University of Applied Sciences.
4. Utrecht
Utrecht is the fourth-largest city in the Netherlands and among the best places to study in the country. While other cities are known as political or economic centers, Utrecht is famous for its long religious and cultural history. Today, the Netherlands enjoys freedom of religion, but evidence of the country’s Catholic past remains in the city’s many well-preserved religious buildings. One fine example is the Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands and a symbol of Utrecht, featuring spectacular views of the city.
Students can get lost in Utrecht’s canals and historic landscapes while enjoying meaningful immersion in Dutch life. Utrecht has a rich cultural scene, from theaters and music concerts to festivals and museums. Some of its higher education institutions are Utrecht University and HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht.
5. Leiden
A proud university city since the 1500s, Leiden is a city built for the modern international student in the Netherlands. True to its motto “City of Discoveries,” the city makes education and science a key priority, with its landscape closely connected to major educational institutions. This has resulted in a steady international student presence that fuels the city’s lively energy.
However, Leiden keeps the charm of a smaller city through its rich and well-preserved historical sites. Its extensive network of canals and bridges is one of its defining features, along with landmarks such as the Gothic churches Hooglandse Kerk and Pieterskerk, and the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands, the Hortus botanicus Leiden. Discover Leiden for yourself through the city’s top institutions: Leiden University and Webster Leiden Campus.
Despite being a non-Anglophone country, the Netherlands ranks first in the 2025 EF English Proficiency Index, which can help ease the adjustment for many international students. The interactive Dutch teaching style also encourages students to speak up and take part in discussions, inside and outside the classroom. These cities have strong university communities and research ecosystems, making them attractive places to study and live.
We hope this article on the best cities to study in the Netherlands was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Study in the Netherlands and Available Programs for International Students pages for informative articles on studying in Europe.
