The Netherlands is a popular destination for international students because it offers a wide range of English-taught programs, good value for money, and a large international student community. International students study many disciplines in the country, including IT, engineering, medicine, and social sciences.
A wide range of programs offered by universities in the Netherlands are taught in English. Students may also study in Dutch if they meet the language requirements, and many institutions offer Dutch language courses for international students.
This guide is for international students who wish to apply for a master’s degree in the Netherlands. You will find the key information you need to know about applying for a master’s degree in the Netherlands here.
Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
Studying for a master’s program in the Netherlands is popular among international students, and admission requirements can be competitive. Requirements vary by institution and program, so you should always check the official page for the master’s program you want to apply to.
There are two main types of higher education institutions that offer master’s degree programs in the Netherlands: research universities, which focus on academic education and scientific research, and universities of applied sciences, which focus on professional education and applied research.
In general, applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification to apply for a master’s degree. GPA requirements are not the same for every university, country, or program, and some programs may require a research-oriented academic background or a pre-master’s program.
You usually need to submit documents such as your bachelor’s degree certificate or diploma, official transcripts, a copy of your ID or passport, a CV, a motivation letter, and proof of language proficiency. Some universities may also require certified references or recommendation letters, a portfolio, or samples of your academic writing.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Master’s Studies
You can take master’s programs in the Netherlands in English or Dutch. If you apply for an English-taught program, you must show that you can speak, read, and write English well. If you apply for a Dutch-taught program, you must meet the Dutch language requirements set by the institution, which may include the NT2 state exam or an institution-specific test.
For English-taught programs, institutions commonly accept tests such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English, LanguageCert, Pearson PTE, and TOEIC. Required scores vary by university and program, so you should check the official requirements for your chosen program.
The University of Twente requires master’s applicants to submit an accepted English language certificate if they are not exempt. Accepted options include IELTS Academic with an overall score of at least 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.0 in each section; TOEFL iBT with the score required for the relevant intake; Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with an overall score of at least 176 and minimum section scores of 169; and other accepted tests such as PTE Academic from the September 2026 intake onward.
Similarly, Delft University of Technology generally requires strong English proficiency for MSc-level study, such as IELTS Academic with an overall band score of at least 7.0 and minimum section scores of 6.5, or TOEFL iBT with an overall score of at least 100. Applicants should check the official TU Delft page for the exact requirement for their chosen program.
Master’s Degree Application Process
While different universities have different application procedures, the following steps are the most common for applying to a master’s program in the Netherlands. Always follow the instructions on the official university website for your chosen program.
Step 1. Choose Your Desired Master’s Program
The first step is choosing the university and master’s program most suited to your preferences and area of study. You can use official university websites and Study in NL’s study program search tool for this purpose. University of Amsterdam, Leiden University, and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam are universities that you may want to consider.
Step 2. Check the Admission Requirements for the Program
The next step is to identify the admission requirements for each program. Make sure that you meet these requirements before you apply. You should also check the application deadline for each program because deadlines can vary by institution, program, and applicant category.
Step 3. Prepare the Relevant Documents
Then, prepare documents such as your bachelor’s degree certificate or diploma, academic transcripts, language test certificates, CV, motivation letter, and other required documents before applying. The specific documents required may differ by university and program.
Step 4. Apply Using Studielink
Studielink is the official registration and application portal for most programs at Dutch higher education institutions. However, some institutions use a different process for students applying from abroad, so you should first check the instructions from the institution of your choice.
If you are an international student applying for the first time, you usually need to create a Studielink account first. After you create and log in to your Studielink account, you can enter your personal details and previous education information and submit an enrollment request for your chosen program.
After you submit your Studielink request, the university will usually send you instructions for completing the rest of the application in its own online application system. Studielink FAQs can help you with creating a Studielink account and using the system.
Step 5. Upload the Documents and Pay the Application Fee
Once you have access to the university’s online application system, you will be asked to upload the required documents for the program. Some universities also require an application fee, especially for students applying with an international diploma.
The steps for applying to a master’s program in the Netherlands are generally straightforward, but the exact process differs by institution and program. During your application process, make sure to follow the official university instructions and note all deadlines so you can start your master’s program in your planned year.
We hope that this article on how to study for a master’s in the Netherlands was helpful! Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe and Study in the Netherlands sections!
