Study in Netherlands – Admission Requirements, Visa, Tuition Fees, Scholarships & FAQs
Netherlands
Study in Netherlands
Netherlands – Overview
The Netherlands is a sovereign state and the largest of four constituent countries that form the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Known for its low-lying topography, historic canals, and liberal social policies, it is a developed nation with a high quality of life.
Key Facts
- Capital & Government Seat: The official capital is Amsterdam, while the seat of government and the monarch's residence is The Hague.
- Population: Over 18 million people (as of 2025 estimate).
- Language: Dutch is the official language, and English is widely spoken by most of the population.
- Currency: The Euro (€, EUR).
- Geography: The name "Netherlands" means "low lands"; nearly a third of the country's total area is below sea level, protected by an extensive system of dikes, dams, and dunes. This has led to an advanced approach to water management and land reclamation (polders).
- Economy: The Netherlands has an open, advanced market economy and is a founding member of the EU and NATO. It is the world's second-largest exporter of agricultural products by value, a leader in technology and finance, and home to Europe's busiest port, Rotterdam.
Culture and Society
- Arts and Innovation: The country has a rich artistic heritage, producing world- famous painters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. It is also known for its strong cycling culture, with more bicycles than people, and iconic windmills and tulip fields.
- Progressive Values: Dutch society is widely considered tolerant and open, known for its pragmatic and consensus-driven approach to decision-making (the "poldermodel"). It was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001 and has progressive policies on euthanasia and soft drugs.
- International Role: The Hague is recognized as the "judicial capital of the world," hosting numerous international legal bodies, including the International Court of Justice.
Why Study in the Netherlands?
Studying in the Netherlands is highly attractive to international students due to its high- quality, English-taught programs, innovative teaching style, and excellent career opportunities in a multicultural environment. The country is safe, globally connected, and offers a good quality of life.
Key Reasons to Study in the Netherlands
- High-Quality Education and Global Recognition: Dutch universities are consistently ranked among the world's top institutions and are known for their academic excellence and research. Degrees from these universities are internationally recognized and valued by employers worldwide.
- Extensive English-Taught Programs: The Netherlands was the first non-English speaking country to offer a wide range of English-taught courses in higher education. Over 2,000 programs are available in English, and more than 90% of the population speaks English proficiently, making it easy to live and study without knowing Dutch immediately.
- Innovative Teaching Methods: The Dutch education system emphasizes an interactive, student-centred approach focusing on practical application, critical analysis, and problem-solving. Teaching often involves group projects and real-world case studies, preparing students for future careers.
- Multicultural Environment: The country is home to students from over 160 nationalities, offering a diverse and inclusive environment. This exposure to different cultures helps students develop global perspectives and teamwork skills that are highly valued in international workplaces.
- Career Opportunities and Post-Study Work: The Netherlands has a strong and competitive economy, home to major multinational companies like Philips, Shell, and Unilever. Graduates can apply for a one-year "orientation year" residence permit (zoekjaar) to search for a job or start a business, facilitating a smooth transition to the workforce.
- Affordable Costs and Scholarships: Compared to other popular study destinations like the US or UK, the Netherlands offers relatively affordable tuition fees and living expenses. Various scholarships and grants, such as the Holland Scholarship and Orange Tulip Scholarship, are available to help international students manage costs.
- Gateway to Europe: Its central location and excellent transport links (including a large network of dedicated bike paths) make it easy and affordable to travel across Europe by train or plane.
- High Quality of Life: The Netherlands consistently ranks among the happiest and safest countries in the world, known for its healthy work-life balance and open- minded society.
Admission Requirements to Study in the Netherlands
To study in the Netherlands, admission requirements vary by program and university, but typically involve demonstrating academic qualifications equivalent to Dutch standards, language proficiency (usually English), and providing specific application documents.
General Requirements
- Previous Education: You need diplomas and academic transcripts from your prior education (e.g., high school diploma for a Bachelor's, Bachelor's degree for a Master's). These may require official translation into English or Dutch.
- Proof of Finances: Non-EU/EEA students must prove they have sufficient funds to cover living expenses and tuition fees. This is often a bank statement or scholarship letter showing approximately €11,000 to €21,000 per year, depending on the institution and cost of living.
- Valid Passport: A copy of your valid passport is required for identification.
- Health Insurance: All students must have health insurance coverage for their stay.
- Visa/Residence Permit (for non-EU/EEA students): You will need an entry visa (MVV) and a residence permit (VVR). The host university usually applies for these on your behalf after you are admitted.
Academic Requirements by Study Level
Dutch universities often have specific entry requirements depending on the program:
- Bachelor's Programs: A secondary school diploma (high school) equivalent to the Dutch VWO (pre-university education) is typically required. Some programs may require specific subject knowledge (e.g., advanced mathematics for engineering).
- Master's Programs: You generally need a relevant Bachelor's degree from a recognized institution. A minimum GPA (often 7.0/10 on the Dutch scale or equivalent) may be required. Research master's and MBA programs might also require GMAT/GRE scores or professional work experience.
Language Proficiency
Most international programs in the Netherlands are taught in English. You will likely need to provide an English proficiency test score, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English certificate.
Typical minimum scores:
- IELTS Academic: 6.0–7.0 overall, with minimum scores in each component.
- TOEFL iBT: 80–100 overall, with minimum scores in each component.
You may be exempt from the English test if you are a native speaker or completed your previous education entirely in an English-speaking country.
Application Documents
- Completed application form
- Academic transcripts and diplomas
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs) (more common for graduate programs)
- Portfolio (for art/design programs)
- Proof of English/Dutch proficiency
- Proof of financial means
It is critical to check the specific requirements and deadlines on the website of your chosen university, as they can vary significantly between institutions and programs.
Tuition Fee and Scholarships in the Netherlands
Tuition fees in the Netherlands vary significantly based on your nationality (EU/EEA vs. non- EU/EEA) and study program, while numerous government and university- specific scholarships are available to help cover costs.
Tuition Fees (per year)
International students from non-EU/EEA countries typically pay higher institutional fees, whereas EU/EEA students benefit from government-subsidized statutory fees.
| Student Origin | Bachelor's Programs | Master's Programs |
|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA, | Approximately €2,530 | Approximately €2,530 |
| Non-EU/EEA | €6,000 to €15,000+ | €8,000 to €20,000+ |
Note that specialized programs like medicine or MBAs can have significantly higher fees.
Available Scholarships
Scholarships are a great way to finance your studies and are offered by the Dutch government, various universities, and private organizations.
Government & General Scholarships
- NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship): A one-time grant of €5,000 towards the first year of study for non-EEA students enrolled in a full-time Bachelor's or Master's program at participating institutions.
- Erasmus+ Programmes: EU-funded scholarships offering full coverage of tuition, travel, and living expenses for specific joint Master's degree programs delivered by a consortium of universities.
- Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS): Managed by Nuffic, this program offers scholarships to students from Neso countries (e.g., India, China, Indonesia) and varies by institution, potentially covering partial or full tuition fees.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about studying in the Netherlands, including programs, costs, visas, and post-study options.
Yes, the Netherlands offers over 2,100 English-taught programs at both bachelor's and master's levels. This makes it a popular destination for international students with no language barrier in daily life as well.
No, Dutch is not a requirement for enrolment in English-taught programs. However, learning some Dutch is recommended for better social integration and improved job/internship opportunities.
Most universities require proof of English proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Some institutions may waive this requirement if you have completed your previous education in English.
The main intake is in September (Fall semester), with applications often opening the previous September or October. The deadline for most programs is around May 1st. For programs with limited capacity (numerus fixus), the deadline is usually earlier, around January 15th. A secondary intake is available in February (Spring semester) at some institutions.
Tuition fees vary by university and program. For non-EU/EEA students, expect to pay approximately €6,000 to €22,000 per year for a Bachelor's and €8,000 to €30,000 per year for a Master's degree.
The monthly cost of living is approximately €800-€1,200, depending on the city and lifestyle. Amsterdam is generally the most expensive city.
No, higher education is not free in the Netherlands for international students. However, many scholarships and grants are available to help cover costs.
Yes, numerous scholarships exist, such as the Holland Scholarship, Erasmus Mundus, and various university-specific scholarships.
Non-EU/EEA students require an entry visa (MVV) and a residence permit (VVR) for stays longer than 90 days. Your host university usually handles the application process on your behalf after you are accepted.
You must prove sufficient financial means to cover tuition and living expenses, which is a minimum of approximately €957.87 per month (amount subject to annual revision).
Yes, non-EU/EEA students can work a maximum of 16 hours per week during the academic year and full-time in June, July, and August. An employer needs to apply for a work permit (TWV) for you.
Yes, graduates can apply for a one-year "Orientation Year" (zoekjaar) residence permit to search for a job. If you find employment that meets the highly skilled migrant criteria, you can then transition to a long-term work visa.
