Study in Netherlands
study in
Netherlands
Study in Netherlands: Top Universities, Courses, Scholarships & Visa
Overview
Do you want to study in the Netherlands? The Netherlands is one of the top study destinations in Europe for international students, with a visa acceptance rate of around 95–98%. This means if you meet all entry and financial requirements and submit proper documentation, your Netherlands student visa will most likely be approved.
Applying to study in the Netherlands may seem challenging because it involves several steps — such as selecting a university, submitting your application, receiving a conditional or unconditional offer, paying the tuition deposit, and applying for the Dutch student visa (MVV/VVR). Therefore, it’s always better to get professional guidance when applying to study in the Netherlands.
Let’s explore the universities, courses, scholarships, and entry requirements for higher education in the Netherlands.
Why Study in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands has become one of the most popular choices for international students in Europe. Known for its innovative education system, English-taught programs, and multicultural environment, the Netherlands offers students a unique academic and cultural experience. Here are some of the top reasons to study in the Netherlands.
- World-Class Education: Dutch universities are globally recognized for their academic excellence and research-driven programs. The Netherlands is home to some of the best universities in Europe, offering a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
- Global Recognition and Accreditation: A degree from a Dutch university is internationally respected and valued by employers and academic institutions worldwide.
- Multicultural Environment: Over 100,000 international students study in the Netherlands each year. You’ll find students from all over the world, creating a welcoming and diverse atmosphere.
- English-Taught Programs: The Netherlands offers one of the largest selections of English-taught courses in Europe, making it easier for international students to study without learning Dutch beforehand.
- Work Opportunities: International students can work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays. After graduation, students can apply for the Orientation Year (zoekjaar) visa, which allows them to stay in the Netherlands for one year to find a job.
Most Common Intakes in UK
There are mainly two major intakes for international students in the Netherlands, with some universities offering additional start dates.
September Intake (Fall):
The primary intake for most universities. Almost all courses — including business, engineering, IT, and management — are available during this intake.
February Intake (Spring):
The secondary intake, offering a limited number of programs, mostly in business, management, and IT-related fields.
Best Universities in the Netherlands
Looking for top universities in the Netherlands? The country is home to several prestigious and career-focused universities that provide affordable and high-quality education. Below are some of the most popular universities for international students:
- University of Applied Sciences Europe (Amsterdam Campus)
- SRH Netherlands (Haarlem Campus)
- Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences (Amsterdam Campus)
- Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences (Apeldoorn Campus)
These universities are well-known for offering practice-oriented programs, international learning environments, and strong industry connections, especially in fields like business, IT, management, and design.
Cost to Study in the Netherlands
The overall cost of studying in the Netherlands depends on your tuition fees and living expenses.
Tuition Fees:
Bachelor’s programs: €8,000 – €12,000 per year
Master’s programs: €10,000 – €18,000 per year
Specialized programs like MBA or Engineering may cost more depending on the university and course.
Living Expenses:
The average living cost in the Netherlands is around €900–€1,300 per month, depending on the city. Amsterdam and Haarlem are slightly more expensive compared to smaller cities like Apeldoorn.
**All tuition fees, charges, and associated costs are subject to change without prior notice and may vary in accordance with individual university policies and applicable government regulations.**
Affordable Courses in the Netherlands
- International Business
- Creative Media and Design
- Information Technology
- Data Analytics
- Cyber Security
- Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Finance and Accounting
- Project Management
- MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- Big Data & Artificial Intelligence
- Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- International Management
- Digital Marketing
- Renewable Energy Management
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Requirements to Study in the Netherlands
Requirements to study in the Netherlands for international students can be classified into three categories. Such as Admission requirements, Financial requirements, and Netherlands student visa requirements.
Admission Requirements
To apply for a Bachelor’s program, you must complete 12 years of schooling or equivalent.
For a Master’s program, a recognized bachelor’s degree (preferably four years) is required. Some programs may require professional experience, particularly MBAs.
English Language Requirements
Since most programs are taught in English, you must prove your English proficiency. The minimum requirements are:
- IELTS: Overall 6.0 (Bachelor’s) / 6.5 (Master’s)
- TOEFL iBT: 80–90
Some universities may waive this requirement if your previous education was in English.
Document Requirements
Here are the mandatory documents needed for a Dutch university application:
- Valid passport
- Updated CV
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- English language certificate (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Motivation Letter (SOP)
- Recommendation letters
- Experience letter (if applicable)
All documents must be in English or officially translated.
Financial Requirements
To apply for a student visa (MVV), you must prove you have sufficient funds to cover living expenses and tuition fees.
You’ll need to show approximately €14,641 per year (as of 2025) for living costs. This amount must be in your bank account or your sponsor’s account for at least 3 consecutive months before applying.
**All tuition fees, charges, and associated costs are subject to change without prior notice and may vary in accordance with individual university policies and applicable government regulations.**
Netherlands Student Visa Requirements (MVV/VVR)
The Dutch student visa process includes two steps:
- MVV (Provisional Residence Permit) – to enter the Netherlands.
- VVR (Residence Permit) – to stay for the duration of your studies.
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- University acceptance letter
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Health insurance valid in the Netherlands
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of English proficiency
- Tuberculosis test (if applicable)
- Payment receipt of tuition fee
The visa fee is around €210, and universities often help you with the visa process.
**All tuition fees, charges, and associated costs are subject to change without prior notice and may vary in accordance with individual university policies and applicable government regulations.**
Accommodation Support
Most universities in the Netherlands offer housing support to international students. Options include on-campus student housing or private accommodations.
The average rent in the Netherlands is:
- €400–€700 per month in smaller cities (e.g., Apeldoorn)
- €700–€1,200 per month in larger cities (e.g., Amsterdam, Haarlem)
It’s recommended to arrange accommodation early since student housing is in high demand.
**All accommodation costs are subject to change depending on the city, property type, and market conditions.**
Scholarships in the Netherlands
Many Dutch universities and the government offer scholarships for international students. Some of the popular ones include:
- Holland Scholarship (for non-EU students, worth €5,000)
- Orange Tulip Scholarship
- Erasmus+ Programme
- Wittenborg University Scholarships
- SRH Haarlem Merit Scholarships
Most universities automatically consider you for scholarships during admission, based on your academic performance.
**All scholarship amounts and eligibility criteria are subject to change as per university and government updates.**
Post-Study Work Opportunities
After graduation, international students can apply for the Orientation Year (zoekjaar) visa. This allows you to stay in the Netherlands for 12 months after completing your degree to look for work or start your own business.
During this time, you can work for any employer without a work permit. Once you find a suitable job, you can switch to a Highly Skilled Migrant Visa or other residence permits.
**All visa fees and work regulations are subject to change in accordance with Dutch immigration policies.**