Study in the Netherlands

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Key facts

  • Currency
    Euro €
  • Student population
    714,500
  • Language
    Dutch
  • Universities
    62

Why study in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is famous for its multiculturalism, laid back attitude and excellent universities. It’s a liberal, progressive, and inventive nation that passes on all these ideals into its higher education system.

With one of the cheapest rates of tuition fees in Europe, it’s no surprise that more than 45,000 international students choose to study in the Netherlands each year.

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Illustration of famous landmarks and cultural items from the Netherlands, interconnected on a map-like layout with trees and clouds.

Where can you study in the Netherlands

The Netherlands boasts many great student cities, from the nightlife and culture of Amsterdam to the more rural delights of Utrecht and Leiden.

Programs are generally taught in English and students are encouraged to be a part of society and become involved in groups and organizations. The Netherlands is an extremely tolerant and multicultural country, which is used to welcoming international students from around the world, making it a great place to study.

What is the cost of study in the Netherlands?

Tuition fees in the Netherlands are considered relatively affordable, especially when compared to the UK and US. Students coming from another EU country can expect to pay less than those coming from outside the EU, with fees starting at around $2,500 per year for a bachelor’s degree.

For non-EU students you can expect to pay between $7,000 and $15,000 per year for a bachelor’s program and slightly more for a master’s.

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What are the requirements to study in the Netherlands?

Qualifications

Each university sets the minimum qualification requirement for admission onto your chosen program. It’s likely that you’ll need to have at least completed secondary education to a satisfactory level in your home country.

Entry to graduate programs in the Netherlands differs slightly from other countries, with a ten point grading system used to decide on who can join which course. You should contact your chosen university to find out whether your country's qualifications match the Dutch grading system.

English language tests

To study as an international student in the Netherlands, you’ll need to be able to speak, read and write English to a standard set by each institution. Therefore you’ll need to have passed an English language test - TOEFL or IELTS are accepted by most universities.

Netherlands student visa

European Union students are able to study in the Netherlands providing they are studying at an approved institution for more than three months and have sufficient income to support themselves.

Non-EU students will need to apply for a visa dependent on their nationality. Depending on their nationality, students may also need to apply for a provisional residence permit called an MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf).

Netherlands student visa requirements
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How to study in the Netherlands?

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Student reviews for the Netherlands

Francisco Sobrino Torres
mx flag
Studied Entrepreneurship at Unknown University of Applied Sciences
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    3
  • University facilities
    4
What's it like to study in the Netherlands

I’ve always felt a very warm and welcoming atmosphere in the Netherlands. The people smile and seem to have joy in life. It is quite utópic compared to Mexico, because it is sustainable and innovative.

Gabriel Beeguer
uy flag
Studied Entrepreneurship at Unknown University of Applied Sciences
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    4
  • University facilities
    5
What's it like to study in the Netherlands

Locals are super friendly and always willing to help! It�s also a great city for air travelling connections.

Julianna Thordardottir
no flag
Studied Entrepreneurship at Unknown University of Applied Sciences
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    2
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    4
What's it like to study in the Netherlands

The people here are very friendly and outgoing, which is unexpected when coming from Norway. The narrow streets and canals are very charming.

Francisco Sobrino Torres
mx flag
Studied Entrepreneurship at Unknown University of Applied Sciences
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    3
  • University facilities
    4
What's it like to study in the Netherlands

I’ve always felt a very warm and welcoming atmosphere in the Netherlands. The people smile and seem to have joy in life. It is quite utópic compared to Mexico, because it is sustainable and innovative.

Judrick Gario
aw flag
Studied Entrepreneurship at Unknown University of Applied Sciences
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    4
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    3
  • University facilities
    4
What's it like to study in the Netherlands

Aruba, locals are friendly and outgoing. Here I go hiking often and to the beach.