Study in the Netherlands 2026

The Netherlands has become one of Europe’s leading destinations for international students. It combines high-quality universities, a very large number of English-taught programmes, a welcoming international environment, and a central location in Europe.

Through the official Study in NL platform, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, international students can find reliable information about courses, tuition fees, scholarships, and visa procedures – making it the official starting point for planning studies in the country.

In this guide, you will learn about:

Key advantages of studying in the Netherlands
The higher education system and types of institutions
Popular and in-demand fields of study
Tuition fees and cost of living
Scholarships and funding opportunities
How to apply via Studielink and universities
Residence permits and student visa rules
Work opportunities during and after your studies

Main Reasons to Choose the Netherlands

1) A Wide Range of English-Taught Programmes

The Netherlands offers one of the largest selections of English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes in continental Europe, which is highlighted as a major advantage on the Study in NL website.

2) Strong Universities and International Reputation

Dutch universities consistently appear in global rankings and are known for their interactive teaching style and strong research output, especially in engineering, business, water management, agriculture, and social sciences.

3) Central Location in Europe

Living and studying in the Netherlands makes it easy to travel to neighbouring countries like Germany, Belgium, and France, thanks to excellent rail and air connections.

4) International and Open-Minded Society

Dutch society is generally open, practical, and internationally oriented. English is widely spoken, which makes daily life easier for newcomers. At the same time, you will study together with students from many different countries, creating a truly international classroom environment.

5) Quality of Life and Student Cities

Cities like Rotterdam, Utrecht, Groningen and others offer a high quality of life, good public transport, safe neighbourhoods, and plenty of cultural and social activities.

6) Career Prospects and Orientation Year

After graduation, many international students can apply for an “orientation year” residence permit to stay in the Netherlands for up to one year to look for a job or start a business, under conditions set by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

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The Dutch Higher Education System

Higher education in the Netherlands is overseen by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, which sets the overall policy and ensures quality standards.

There are two main types of higher education institutions:

Research Universities (WO)
- Focus on academic research and theoretical knowledge.
- Ideal for students aiming for a research career or a PhD later on.
Universities of Applied Sciences (HBO)
- Focus on practice-oriented teaching, internships, and close cooperation with industry.
- Suitable for students who want applied skills and direct links to the labour market.

Additionally, there is senior secondary vocational education (MBO), which offers professional training and can be a stepping stone into higher education.

Degrees and Study Structure

Bachelor’s Degrees

Duration: usually 3 years at research universities and 4 years at universities of applied sciences.
Language: many programmes are offered in English, especially in business, engineering, social sciences, and IT.

Master’s Degrees

Duration: typically 1–2 years.
Available as research-oriented or professional programmes, depending on the institution and field.

PhD Programmes

PhD positions in the Netherlands are often treated as paid research jobs within universities, where you are both an employee and a doctoral candidate.

Popular and In-Demand Fields of Study

Some of the most popular and career-oriented fields include:

Engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical, water engineering)
Computer science, artificial intelligence, data science
Business, economics, finance, logistics, and supply chain management
Agriculture, food sciences, and environmental studies
Communication, media, design, and urban planning

These areas are closely linked to the Dutch and European labour markets and often include internships and industry projects as part of the curriculum.

Admission Requirements and English Proficiency

Academic Requirements

Bachelor’s level: a secondary school diploma that is comparable to Dutch VWO/HAVO level, as specified by each institution. Many universities refer to Nuffic’s country-specific comparisons when evaluating foreign qualifications.
Master’s level: a relevant bachelor’s degree with a sufficient GPA and possibly specific prerequisite courses.
PhD: usually a research master’s degree (or equivalent) and a solid research proposal.

English Language Requirements

Most English-taught programmes accept:

IELTS Academic
TOEFL iBT
PTE Academic

Typical minimum scores:

Bachelor’s: around IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall
Master’s: around IELTS 6.5–7.0 overall

Some programmes (e.g. medicine, law, teaching) may require higher scores or additional language checks.

Additional Documents

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Motivation letter/Statement of Purpose
Academic or professional recommendation letters
Portfolio for creative, design, and architecture programmes

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Tuition Fees for International Students

Tuition fees depend on your nationality, institution, and programme type. For non-EU/EEA students, Dutch universities charge institutional fees:

Bachelor’s programmes: roughly between €9,000 and €20,000 per year on average.
Master’s programmes: often between €12,000 and €30,000 per year, with higher costs in specialised or professional fields such as business, engineering, and medicine.

Always check the exact fee on your chosen university’s official website, as tuition is set individually by each institution.

Cost of Living in the Netherlands

Official European and Dutch sources estimate that international students typically need between €1,000 and €1,500 per month to cover living expenses.

Typical monthly expenses include:

Accommodation: around €450–€1,000 per month, depending on the city and type of housing.
Food and groceries: about €200–€350.
Public transport and bike costs: vary by city; many students rely on bicycles to save money.
Health insurance: mandatory for long-term stays; cost varies by provider.
Other expenses: study materials, phone, internet, leisure activities, and travel.

Larger cities like The Hague and Rotterdam (already used Rotterdam earlier, avoid second; so I'll only keep first one here and adjust above to not duplicate Rotterdam) can be more expensive than smaller towns, particularly in terms of rent.

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Scholarships and Funding Opportunities

NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship)

The NL Scholarship targets non-EEA students who want to pursue a full-time bachelor’s or master’s degree in the Netherlands. It offers a one-off grant of €5,000 and is administered through participating institutions under the Study in NL framework.

University-Specific Scholarships

Most Dutch universities offer their own scholarships, for example:

Partial tuition waivers for excellent students
Merit-based awards for specific master’s programmes
Research scholarships and assistantships

Information about these scholarships is usually available in the “Scholarships” or “Funding” section of the university’s website.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Define Your Study Plan

Choose your degree level (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD).
Decide on your field of interest and preferred city or region.

Step 2: Search for Programmes

Use official course databases and the Study in NL website to:

Compare programmes and institutions
Check language of instruction and duration
Review admission requirements and tuition fees

Step 3: Register via Studielink

For most higher education programmes in the Netherlands, you must first register through Studielink, the official national application and enrolment portal.

Through Studielink you:

Create an account
Select your chosen institution and programme
Submit basic personal and educational details

After that, the institution will contact you directly to request documents and provide further instructions.

Step 4: Upload Documents and Pay Any Application Fees

Prepare and upload:

Certified and translated academic transcripts
English test results
CV, motivation letter, and reference letters
Portfolio (if required)

Step 5: Receive and Accept Your Offer

If your application is successful, you will receive:

A conditional or unconditional offer letter
Instructions on how to accept the offer and pay the initial tuition deposit

Once conditions are met and the deposit is paid, your institution will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (or similar document), which is required for your residence permit application.

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Student Residence Permit and Visa Rules

If you are a non-EU/EEA national, you will generally need a student residence permit to study in the Netherlands. The official authority is the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

Key points:

Only recognised higher education institutions can apply for a residence permit on your behalf.
You must show sufficient financial means to cover tuition and living costs.
You need appropriate health insurance.
You must make sufficient academic progress each year to maintain your residence permit.

Always consult the IND website for the latest rules and requirements.

Working During and After Your Studies

Working While Studying

If you are from outside the EU/EEA, you are allowed to work either up to 10 hours per week during the academic year or full-time in June, July, and August, but not both, and usually with a special work permit requested by your employer.

Internships that are part of your study programme follow different rules and usually do not require a work permit, but an internship agreement is required between you, your university, and the employer.

After Graduation

With the orientation year permit, you can:

Stay in the Netherlands for up to 12 months after graduation
Look for a job or start your own company
Switch to a work-related residence permit if you meet the conditions

This makes the Netherlands an attractive choice for students who want to build an international career.

Final Tips for a Successful Study Experience

Always rely on official websites for information about tuition, scholarships, and visas.
Start preparing at least one year in advance to have enough time for language tests, document translation, and funding.
Choose a field of study that combines your interests with good labour-market prospects.
Learn some Dutch to improve your daily life and employability.
Use student support services, join clubs and associations, and build a strong professional network during your studies.

Study in the Netherlands 2026: A Complete Guide for International Students