With many internationally recognized universities, a vibrant culture, and distinctive scenery, the Netherlands is an appealing place to pursue higher education. Between Amsterdam’s canals, seasonal tulip displays, and the country’s cycling culture, international students can enjoy an experience unlike many others.
In this comprehensive guide to studying in the Netherlands, you’ll find tips for choosing and applying to Dutch universities, navigating the student immigration process, budgeting for tuition and living expenses, and making the most of student life in this compact but captivating country.
Let’s explore what you need to know about studying in the Netherlands.
How to Plan for Your Studies in the Netherlands
Before you travel to pursue your studies in the Netherlands, you should understand the factors that may affect your education and stay, including tuition costs, immigration requirements, housing, and employment opportunities. We explain these factors in detail below.
Education System in the Netherlands
The Dutch higher education system is known for its practical and research-oriented pathways and strong international focus. Degrees from recognized Dutch institutions are widely accepted internationally. The Netherlands uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), under which 60 ECTS credits normally represent a full academic year of study.
There are generally two main types of higher education institutions in the Netherlands:
- Research universities, or wetenschappelijk onderwijs (WO), focus primarily on academic theory and scientific research. They offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees and are authorized to award PhDs. Examples include Leiden University and Utrecht University.
- Universities of applied sciences, or hoger beroepsonderwijs (HBO), provide professionally oriented education with a greater emphasis on practical training and workplace applications. They offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Examples include The Hague University of Applied Sciences and Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences.
According to the Dutch government, the publicly funded higher education sector includes 13 research universities and 43 universities of applied sciences. In the 2024–2025 academic year, 131,004 international degree students were enrolled at publicly funded Dutch higher education institutions.
- Total number of international degree students in publicly funded higher education in 2024–2025: 131,004
- Total number of publicly funded research universities and universities of applied sciences: 56
Choosing University in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has many respected higher education institutions. The most suitable university for you will depend on your subject, preferred learning style, budget, and career plans. Here are some tips for choosing a Dutch institution:
- Research the institutions that offer your preferred program. Compare the curriculum, teaching approach, accreditation, available facilities, and graduate outcomes rather than relying on an institution’s overall reputation alone.
- Compare tuition fees, scholarships, housing options, location, student support, faculty expertise, and campus life.
- Decide whether a research university or university of applied sciences better suits your goals. Research universities emphasize academic theory and research, while universities of applied sciences emphasize professional preparation and practical training.
The Netherlands has several institutions listed in major international rankings. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, Delft University of Technology ranks 48th globally, making it the highest-ranked Dutch institution in that edition. The University of Amsterdam ranks 60th, Utrecht University is tied for 113th, and Leiden University is tied for 119th. Because rankings use different methodologies and change annually, they should be considered alongside program-specific factors. You can also explore this overview of the best institutions of higher education in the Netherlands.
Choosing a Study Program in the Netherlands
Dutch universities offer programs in fields such as business and economics, social sciences, health sciences, arts and humanities, and engineering. You can review additional popular subjects to study in the Netherlands when comparing your options.
Before choosing a program, consider your interests, career goals, workload, duration, language of instruction, internship opportunities, and the facilities and resources available to support your studies. Check the program’s official admissions page to determine whether you need to demonstrate proficiency in English, Dutch, or another language.
If you have access to an academic adviser, discuss your options and identify the program that best aligns with your interests and goals.
Academic qualifications in the Netherlands include bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees:
- Bachelor’s degree: A bachelor’s degree at a research university normally takes three years and comprises 180 ECTS credits. A bachelor’s degree at a university of applied sciences normally takes four years and comprises 240 ECTS credits.
- Master’s degree: The duration and credit load vary by institution and field. Research-university master’s programs generally take one to three years and comprise 60 to 180 ECTS credits. Master’s programs at universities of applied sciences may range from one to four years and comprise 60 to 240 ECTS credits.
- PhD degree: A Dutch PhD normally involves at least four years of original research and the completion and defense of a dissertation. PhD candidates are often employed and paid by their university rather than enrolled as conventional tuition-paying students, although other funding arrangements also exist.
How to Finance Your Education in the Netherlands
Tuition fees and living expenses are important considerations when studying in the Netherlands. As an international student, you should calculate your expected costs and research funding options before accepting an offer. Below, we examine likely study and living expenses and ways to finance undergraduate and graduate education in the Netherlands.
Tuition fees in the Netherlands
Tuition fees depend on your nationality, residence status, previous qualifications, institution, and program. The full-time statutory tuition fee is €2,694 for students who meet the applicable eligibility conditions. These commonly include eligible students from the EU or EEA, Switzerland, and Suriname, although additional rules apply.
Students who do not qualify for the statutory fee generally pay an institutional tuition fee set by the university. These fees vary considerably by program. At Utrecht University, for example, the full-time statutory fee is €2,694, while non-EU/EEA institutional fees must be checked for the specific bachelor’s or master’s program.
At Delft University of Technology, the institutional tuition fee is approximately €19,906 for a bachelor’s program and €25,633 for a master’s program. Students should confirm their personal fee category on the university’s official tuition and finance page before applying.
PhD funding operates differently from bachelor’s and master’s tuition. Many Dutch PhD candidates hold paid employment contracts, while others are supported by a fellowship, grant, or employer. Some universities charge externally funded or self-funded candidates for supervision, enrollment, or facilities, so prospective PhD candidates should check the conditions attached to the specific position.
Cost of Living in the Netherlands
The cost of living in the Netherlands varies by city and lifestyle. Study in NL estimates that students spend an average of €1,000 to €1,500 per month. This amount may include accommodation, food, transportation, study materials, insurance, and personal expenses.
You can explore this list of the best cities for international students when comparing locations. Amsterdam is generally more expensive than smaller Dutch cities. The University of Amsterdam estimates monthly living expenses of approximately €975 to €1,500, excluding tuition.
Accommodation
Accommodation usually accounts for a large share of a student’s budget. An average student room costs approximately €450 to €1,000 per month, depending on the city, type of accommodation, and whether utilities are included. The Netherlands has a serious housing shortage, so students should secure legitimate accommodation before traveling and verify the landlord and contract before transferring money.
Food
Study in NL’s indicative student budget places average grocery spending at approximately €244 per month. Actual costs will depend on dietary needs, shopping habits, and how often you eat at restaurants.
Transport
Transportation options include bicycles, trains, buses, trams, ferries, and metro services. The Dutch student travel product provides free or discounted public transportation, but it is part of the national student-finance system and is available only to students who meet the relevant eligibility conditions. Other students must pay regular fares or purchase commercial subscriptions. Used-bicycle prices vary, and students should also budget for a strong lock, lights, maintenance, and repairs.
Books and Miscellaneous Expenses
Study materials vary by subject, but official indicative figures place average spending at approximately €41 per month. You should also budget for a phone plan, internet, clothing, recreation, and other personal costs.
International students must have appropriate health insurance, but the required type depends on their circumstances. Students who are in the Netherlands solely to study generally use insurance from their home country, an EHIC where applicable, or private international coverage. Students who begin paid work may become legally required to take out Dutch basic health insurance. Check the rules for your individual situation rather than relying on a single estimated monthly premium.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Scholarships, grants, loans, and other funding opportunities are available, but eligibility depends on nationality, residence status, institution, program, and academic record. Some EU/EEA, Swiss, and other eligible students may qualify for Dutch student finance or a tuition-fee loan under conditions set by DUO. Students should use DUO’s official eligibility guidance rather than assume that all international students qualify.
The Netherlands Fellowship Programmes and Orange Knowledge Programme are no longer open scholarship options. The Orange Knowledge Programme ended in 2024, and there are no new application rounds. Applicants should instead search current opportunities through Study in NL and their chosen university.
One current national opportunity is the NL Scholarship, formerly called the Holland Scholarship. It is intended for eligible students from outside the European Economic Area who are applying for a participating bachelor’s or master’s program. The award is €5,000 during the first year and is not a full-tuition scholarship.
Universities also offer their own competitive awards. For example, the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship can cover tuition and specified living and related expenses for selected eligible non-EU/EEA master’s applicants. Its eligibility requirements, coverage, and deadlines should be checked for the relevant admissions cycle.
The Utrecht Excellence Scholarship will not be offered to new students entering programs in the 2026–2027 academic year. Students considering Utrecht University should consult its current scholarship database for alternatives. You can also review these scholarships in the Netherlands for international students, but always confirm availability on the scholarship provider’s official website before applying.
How to Apply to the Netherlands Universities
Choosing to pursue your studies abroad is a major decision. To make the process more manageable, understand the admissions procedure, entry requirements, required documents, fees, and deadlines before you begin your application.
Admission Requirements
Before applying to a Dutch institution, confirm that you meet the requirements for your chosen program. Admission to a bachelor’s program at a research university generally requires a qualification comparable to the Dutch VWO diploma. Admission to a bachelor’s program at a university of applied sciences generally requires a qualification comparable to at least the Dutch HAVO diploma. The institution makes the final decision on the recognition of a foreign qualification, often with advice from Nuffic.
Applicants to the many English-taught universities and programs in the Netherlands may need to demonstrate English proficiency. The accepted tests and minimum scores vary by institution and program.
Some programs have additional requirements, such as prerequisite subjects, an entrance or selection procedure, a portfolio, an essay, an interview, or relevant professional experience.
Required Documents
The documents required to apply to a university in the Netherlands vary by institution and program. Common requirements include:
- A secondary school diploma and academic transcripts for a bachelor’s application, or previous degree certificates and transcripts for a graduate application. Certified translations may be required when the originals are not in an accepted language.
- Proof of proficiency in the program’s language of instruction, where required. Commonly accepted English tests may include IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge English, but applicants must check the tests and scores accepted by their specific program.
- A copy of a valid passport or national identity document.
- Program-specific documents, which may include a résumé or CV, motivation letter, references, portfolio, writing sample, or research proposal.
- After admission, non-EU/EEA students may need to provide immigration documents, proof of sufficient funds, and other materials requested by the university for the residence-permit procedure.
Health insurance and a Dutch residence permit are generally arrangements for your stay rather than universal documents required with the initial university application. Follow the instructions supplied by your institution.
Application Deadlines
Application deadlines vary by institution, program, nationality, and intake. The general Studielink deadline is January 15 for numerus fixus programs and May 1 for many other programs beginning in September. However, universities may impose earlier deadlines, particularly for non-EU/EEA applicants, selective programs, scholarships, or university housing.
Because admission decisions, immigration procedures, scholarship applications, and housing searches can take considerable time, begin researching approximately 6 to 12 months before your intended enrollment date. Always follow the exact deadline shown on the official program page.
General Admission Steps
The application process varies, but the following steps are common:
- Choose an institution and degree program that align with your academic interests, preferred learning style, budget, and career goals.
- Check the academic, language, selection, and document requirements on the program’s official page.
- Confirm the applicable tuition category, application deadline, and whether the institution charges an application or handling fee.
- For most programs, register through the Studielink system. Some institutions or programs use a different procedure, so follow the university’s instructions.
- Complete any additional application in the university’s own portal and upload the required supporting documents.
- Pay an application or handling fee only if your institution requires one. Such fees are not universal, and the payment platform differs by institution.
- Submit the completed application and monitor your email and application portal for requests, decisions, and enrollment instructions.
How to Obtain a Student Visa in the Netherlands
The immigration process depends on your nationality and the length of your studies. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not require a Dutch student residence permit. For most students from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland who will study for more than 90 days, the recognized Dutch educational institution applies to the Immigration and Naturalization Service for the required student residence permit. Where an entry visa is required, the institution normally applies for the MVV and residence permit together.
The precise document list is supplied by the university. Common immigration documents and conditions may include:
- Proof of admission or provisional enrollment in an accredited full-time program
- A valid passport and passport photograph
- Proof of sufficient funds for living expenses and, where applicable, tuition
- Completed declarations and forms supplied by the institution
- Legalized and translated foreign documents where required
- Biometric information
- A tuberculosis test or declaration when applicable
The 2026 study norm for university and higher professional education students is €1,130.77 per month, excluding tuition. This amount is reviewed periodically, so applicants should confirm the current figure on the IND website.
The university submits the application for the Netherlands student visa and residence permit. The student does not normally submit the higher-education residence-permit application independently through Studielink. The IND’s legal decision period is up to 60 days, although recognized sponsors may receive decisions sooner when an application is complete.
The current application fee for a student residence permit is €254 and is generally paid through the educational institution. After a positive decision, a student who requires an MVV follows the university’s and Dutch embassy or consulate’s instructions for obtaining the MVV sticker. The MVV is generally valid for 90 days. After arrival, the student collects the residence-permit card from the designated IND location; a separate residence-permit application is not normally required.
- Gain admission or provisional admission to an accredited full-time program at an institution recognized as a sponsor by the IND.
- Submit the immigration documents and proof of funds requested by the university.
- The university applies to the IND for the residence permit and, where required, the MVV.
- Pay the applicable immigration fee through the university according to its instructions.
- After approval, complete the embassy or consulate appointment if an MVV is required, travel within the MVV’s validity period, and collect the residence-permit card after arrival.
How to Prepare for Your Arrival in the Netherlands
Before arriving in the Netherlands, prepare for practical and cultural differences to make your transition smoother. Communication styles, cycling customs, weather, food, and everyday routines may differ from those in your home country.
Other essential preparations include the following:
Packing essentials
Gather the documents, medication, clothing, electronics, and personal items you will need. Keep prescription medication in its original packaging and check whether any documentation is required to bring it into the Netherlands. Pack suitable clothing for rain, wind, and changing seasonal temperatures.
Secure Accommodation
Arrange accommodation before traveling. The Netherlands has a serious shortage of student housing, and universities generally cannot guarantee a room for every international student. Begin with your university’s housing office and the guidance provided by Study in NL. Verify the address, landlord, contract, registration conditions, and payment instructions before transferring money.
Search for scholarships
Studying abroad can be expensive. Research scholarships while preparing your university application because many awards have early deadlines and must be requested before or at the same time as admission. Check every scholarship’s official eligibility requirements, coverage, and deadline.
Tips on how to adjust to life in the Netherlands
Explore your city and the Dutch culture
Whether you are studying in Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, or another city, take time to learn how local transportation, supermarkets, health services, and municipal registration work. Explore Dutch history, food, festivals, museums, and local customs while remaining open to the diversity of people and experiences within the country.
Get a bike
Cycling is a common means of transportation in the Netherlands. Before purchasing a bicycle, learn the local traffic rules and check that it has working brakes, lights, and a bell. Use a strong lock and purchase only from a legitimate seller.
Get a local phone number
A Dutch phone number can make it easier to communicate with your university, landlord, health providers, and local services. Compare prepaid, subscription, SIM, and eSIM plans from established providers and check the contract conditions before signing up.
Keep in touch with your family
Homesickness is common when living in another country. Stay in regular contact with family and friends while also building a local support network and participating in university activities.
Make friends with the locals
Connecting with Dutch and international students can help you adjust to your new environment. Consider joining a student association, sports club, volunteer group, language exchange, or university buddy program.
How to Study and Live in the Netherlands
Studying abroad can be exciting, but it also presents practical and emotional challenges. Below are several issues international students may encounter in the Netherlands and ways to manage them.
Challenge 1: Language Barrier
Dutch is the main language used in everyday life in the Netherlands. Although many people speak English and many university programs are taught in English, learning basic Dutch can make daily tasks easier and help you engage more fully with the local community.
You can take an introductory Dutch course before or after arriving. Universities, municipalities, student organizations, and language-exchange groups may offer opportunities to practice.
Challenge 2: Financial Challenges
Tuition, accommodation, food, insurance, transportation, and other living costs can place considerable pressure on an international student’s budget. Housing costs may be especially high in cities with limited availability.
Create a realistic budget, research legitimate scholarships and student-finance options, use student discounts where available, and monitor recurring expenses. International students considering paid work should first check the immigration, work-permit, tax, and health-insurance rules that apply to them.
Challenge 3: Cultural Differences
Culture shock is a normal part of moving to another country. Communication styles, food, social customs, religion, politics, and classroom expectations may differ from those in your home country. The Netherlands is culturally and religiously diverse, so avoid assuming that one set of customs or beliefs represents everyone.
Remain open-minded while maintaining your own values. Ask respectful questions when you do not understand a custom, and contact your university’s international office, student counselor, or wellbeing service if you need support.
Tips on how to adjust to life in the Netherlands
- Explore your city and learn about Dutch culture
- Keep in touch with family and friends
- Learn the cycling and traffic rules
- Obtain a suitable local phone plan
- Connect with Dutch and international students
Can You Work in the Netherlands After Graduation
Yes. International graduates may be able to work after graduation, but the applicable requirements depend on their nationality and residence status.
Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland can work in the Netherlands without a Dutch work permit. Eligible graduates from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland may apply for an orientation-year residence permit to look for work or start a business.
The orientation-year permit is valid for one year, and holders may work freely without a separate work permit. The application fee is currently €254. The permit cannot simply be extended for additional job-search time. A person may qualify for another orientation year only after completing a different eligible degree, doctoral program, or research project that meets the IND’s conditions.
Applications should be made through the official IND orientation-year procedure. Eligibility generally depends on having completed qualifying study, doctoral research, or another approved activity within the preceding three years.
Employment prospects vary by field, experience, professional licensing requirements, Dutch-language ability, and labor-market conditions. Research the Dutch job market prospects vary by field, experience, professional licensing, attend career fairs and networking events, and use your university’s career-support services.
For students planning to study in the Netherlands, this guide provides a starting point for preparing for university. From understanding the education system and application process to arranging immigration permission, housing, funding, and post-graduation plans, careful preparation can make the transition more manageable. Requirements, fees, scholarship offerings, and immigration rules can change, so always confirm important details with the relevant university, scholarship provider, DUO, or the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service before making financial or travel commitments.
If you are interested, check out the available courses for international students!
