The Netherlands is a great destination for students from all over the world, thanks to its high standard of higher education and the wide range of English-taught programs available across many subjects.
With student-friendly cities and easy access to other Schengen countries for short trips, the Netherlands can also be a practical base for exploring Europe. Eligible graduates may also be able to apply for the Dutch orientation year residence permit after completing their studies.
But where can you apply without paying a fee upfront? In most cases below, the universities do charge an application or handling fee, but they waive it for specific applicants. Here is a guide to universities in the Netherlands that may not require an application fee for some students.
Netherlands Universities With No Application Fee
Netherlands Universities With No Application Fee
1. Tilburg University
- Application Fees
- No application fee for: international students applying for bachelor’s or master’s programs
Tilburg University is a research university in the Netherlands, founded in 1927. It is located in Tilburg and is especially known for education and research in areas such as economics, business, law, social sciences, humanities, theology, and digital sciences.
The university offers a range of English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs for international students. Its application process is completed online, and Tilburg University states that the application process is free of charge.
This makes Tilburg University one of the best options in the Netherlands for international students with no application fee.
2. Breda University of Applied Sciences
- Application Fees
- No application fee for: international students applying for bachelor’s, master’s, or pre-master’s programs
Breda University of Applied Sciences, also known as BUas, is an international university of applied sciences located in Breda, the Netherlands. It offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in fields such as tourism, leisure, hospitality, games, media, logistics, built environment, data science, and artificial intelligence.
BUas has a green, compact campus in Breda and a student community of around 7,000 students. The university focuses on practical, career-oriented education and works closely with industry professionals.
For students applying to BUas, the university states that applying is free of charge. This applies to its bachelor’s, master’s, and pre-master’s application procedures.
3. HAN University of Applied Sciences
- Application Fees
- No application fee for: international students applying for HAN degree programs or courses
HAN University of Applied Sciences is a university of applied sciences with campuses in Arnhem and Nijmegen. It offers English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs for international students, with a strong focus on practice-based education.
HAN offers programs in areas such as business, engineering, life sciences, social work, communication, and automotive studies. Students can apply online through the university’s admissions process.
HAN University of Applied Sciences clearly states that it does not charge any application fee. Students only begin paying fees once the course or program starts, making HAN another strong option for international students who want to apply without paying an upfront application fee.
I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, check out the available courses in Europe and the Europe Scholarships Page.
