Study in the Netherlands
Degrees at research universities and universities of applied sciences
The Netherlands has two kinds of higher education institution, and they are legally different: research universities and universities of applied sciences (hogescholen).
Overview
Why study in Netherlands?
The Netherlands has two kinds of higher education institution, and they are legally different: research universities and universities of applied sciences (hogescholen). Degrees follow the Bologna three-cycle structure of bachelor, master and doctorate. Study is measured in ECTS credits, where 60 ECTS is one full academic year, and qualifications are placed on the Dutch national framework (NLQF), which is referenced to the European framework (EQF). The Netherlands is part of the European Higher Education Area, the EU and the Schengen area, and uses the euro (EUR).
Dutch is the official language, and English-taught programmes are widely available; each programme sets its own English requirement. The main intake is in September, and some institutions also have a smaller February intake.
The weather is similar across the country and often wet. In Amsterdam, January temperatures typically range from 2.4 to 7.0 °C and July from 13.9 to 21.2 °C, with 973 mm of rainfall a year. Across Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven and Groningen, 32–36% of days are dry.
Computer Science10 programmes
Medicine and Health9 programmes
Biosciences6 programmes
Social Sciences6 programmes
Humanities3 programmes
Dutch is the official language, and English-taught programmes are widely available; each programme sets its own English requirement. The main intake is in September, and some institutions also have a smaller February intake.
The weather is similar across the country and often wet. In Amsterdam, January temperatures typically range from 2.4 to 7.0 °C and July from 13.9 to 21.2 °C, with 973 mm of rainfall a year. Across Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven and Groningen, 32–36% of days are dry.
Quick facts
Everything you need to know at a glance.
- Language of instruction
- Dutch (official); many degree programmes are taught in English
- Tuition fees
- EUR 4,000 – 26,950 / year
- Avg monthly cost
- $1,300 / month (approx.)
- English test
- IELTS 5.0–7.0 overall, depending on programme
- Top student cities
- Amsterdam, Delft, Eindhoven, Rotterdam
- Currency
- EUR
Before you travel
Student visa
Get your student visa with a simple and transparent process.
For Indian applicants, the route is a residence permit for study, with an entry visa (MVV) where required. The application is made by the education institution, as a recognised sponsor, not by the student.
Read the full guidance
This means you cannot apply for the permit yourself, and an institution that is not a recognised sponsor cannot apply for you. Check that your chosen institution is a recognised sponsor before you apply.
- 1Apply to a universitySecure your admission offer
- 2Prepare your documentsWe check every page with you
- 3Submit the applicationLodged with the consulate or online
- 4Receive your permitTravel with your study permit in hand
Documents we prepare with you
- Valid passport
- Admission letter
- Proof of funds
- Academic certificates
- Passport photos
While you study
Work while studying
Earn, gain experience and build your future.
- During your studies you may work up to 16 hours a week during the academic year, or full time in June, July and August.
- It is one or the other, not both.
More on working here
- Before you can be hired, your employer must hold a work permit (TWV) for you.
- After graduating, you can apply for the Orientation year for highly educated persons (zoekjaar), which lasts 12 months.
Work today, build tomorrow
Our counsellors explain the hours, permits and paperwork before you land.
Funding
Scholarships and funding
Programmes in Netherlands that list a scholarship on our catalogue.
- Tio Business SchoolTio Super Talent Scholarship - 50% reduction on one year's tuition (approx. 80%+ academic results, GPA 3.5+, IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 95). Tio Talent Scholarship - 25% reduction on one year's tuition (approx. 70%+ results, GPA 3.0+, IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79). Open to EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students; not to Dutch passport holders.MBA Commercial Management
Programmes
Top programmes in Netherlands
Popular programs from our catalogue — Empire Overseas Education verified ones carry a verified badge
HumanitiesVerified
Culture & ArtsVerified
Media & FilmVerified
BA International Business Communication
Radboud University
- Bachelor
- 3 years
- EUR 13,812/year
- IELTS 6.0
Institutions
Top universities in Netherlands
Institutions we can apply to on your behalf.
NetherlandsRadboud University
Nijmegen, Netherlands
82 programmes
- Netherlands
University of Twente
Drienerlolaan , Enschede, NL Campus, Netherlands
55 programmes
- WNetherlands
Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences
Amsterdam, Apeldoorn, Netherlands
54 programmes
NetherlandsTio Business School
Utrecht, Netherlands
35 programmes
NetherlandsThe Hague University of Applied Sciences
The Hague, Netherlands
30 programmes
Compare Netherlands with other countries
Tuition, living costs and work rights, side by side.
Compare nowGood to know
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common questions about studying in Netherlands.