Ibrahim Gardner
The Netherlands is a popular destination for international students, with nearly 123,000 enrolled in Dutch higher education in the 2022/23 academic year. The country offers a high quality of education, a diverse range of programs in English, and a low cost of living and tuition fees compared to other countries. Dutch universities are also known for their research facilities, which rival those of the best universities in the world. Additionally, the Netherlands has a reputation for being a safe, student-friendly country, with a unique and vibrant culture. All of these factors make it an attractive option for students considering studying abroad.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students in the Netherlands in 2022/23 | 123,000 |
| Percentage of international students out of all university and vocational college students | 15% |
| Number of international students out of all students on bachelor's programmes | 43% |
| Number of international students out of all students taking courses for an HBO bachelor's degree | 25% |
| Percentage of international students in Amsterdam | 50.5% |
| Percentage of the Dutch population that speaks English | 95% |
| Tuition fees for EU residents | €1,000-€2,000 per year |
| Tuition fees for undergraduate students outside the EU | €9,000-€15,000 per year |
| Tuition fees for non-EU students according to College Essay Guy | €6,000-€15,000 per year |
| Rent cost for students in the Netherlands | €350-€800 per month |
| Food cost for students in the Netherlands | €180 per month |
| Number of students at TU Delft | 23,460 |
| Number of students at the University of Amsterdam | 32,000 |
| Number of students at the University of Groningen | 31,000 |
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What You'll Learn
The ease of studying abroad in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a great place for international students to study abroad. It is centrally located in Europe, making it a prime location for international travel. The country is also known for its environmentalism, multiculturalism, history, and culture. Amsterdam, for example, is considered one of the safest cities for students in Europe. The city is also home to world-class museums, art galleries, music, opera, and theatre.
The Dutch higher education system is quite flexible. It offers programmes for students who want to dive right into their major, as well as those who want to study multiple subjects. There are two types of universities in the Netherlands: research universities and universities of applied sciences. Research universities focus on academic education and scientific research, conferring bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Universities of applied sciences, on the other hand, focus on professional education and confer bachelor's and master's degrees.
The Netherlands is also one of the easiest places to be an English-speaking student. 95% of the population speaks English, and many programmes are taught entirely in English with no other language requirements. The country also has a centralised application system called Studielink, which makes it easy for international students to apply to universities. Additionally, tuition fees in the Netherlands are comparatively low, and there are plenty of scholarships, grants, and student loans available.
The Netherlands is also a very bike-friendly country, with most students travelling by bicycle. The country also offers plenty of travel opportunities, including famous sites such as the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, as well as the Kröller-Müller Museum and Schiermonnikoog National Park.
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The cost of studying in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a popular destination for international students, with English being widely spoken and a large share of the available Bachelors and Masters programmes being taught in English. The country has an impressive number of universities in the top 200 worldwide, and tuition fees are comparatively low. However, the cost of studying in the Netherlands can vary depending on several factors, including a student's country of origin, the university they attend, and the course they study.
For EU residents, tuition fees are usually between €1,000 and €2,000 per year, and EU citizens are also automatically eligible for a tuition fee loan from the Dutch government, known as Collegegeldkrediet. They can also pay their fees in monthly instalments. For undergraduate students from outside the EU, annual fees range from about €9,000 to €15,000 per year, and they must pay a deposit towards their tuition fees as part of their visa conditions. Non-EU students can apply for the Holland Scholarship, which offers up to €5,000 in the first year of study, as well as other scholarships.
The cost of living in the Netherlands should also be considered. Rent can range from €350 to €800 per month, depending on the type of accommodation and location. Most universities offer student accommodation, typically in the form of shared apartments or university halls. Food costs can be around €180 per month, and students should also budget for social activities, study materials, and transportation. Many students choose to travel by bicycle, as Dutch cities are bike-friendly.
To apply to most Dutch universities, students must use the centralised application system called Studielink. This process is free, but international students should contact the universities directly, as non-residents will need their identity confirmed through the Studielink system before enrolling. Dutch universities have low entry requirements compared to other countries, but the first year of undergraduate courses is considered a probation year with regular examinations.
Overall, the Netherlands offers a student-friendly environment with flexible academic options and a high quality of education. The cost of studying in the country is relatively affordable, especially for EU citizens, and there are various scholarship opportunities available for non-EU students.
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The application process for Dutch universities
The Netherlands is known for its outstanding universities, with research facilities that rival the best universities in the world. The Dutch system is flexible for students who want to dive right into their major (European-style) and also offers programs for students who want to study multiple subjects (American-style). The Netherlands is also one of the easiest places to be an English-speaking student, with 95% of the population speaking English. Many programs are taught entirely in English, with no other language requirements.
Step 1: Find the right program
Research and find an English-taught program that suits your interests and qualifications. Dutch universities offer a range of programs, including three-year liberal arts programs and four-year bachelor's programs.
Step 2: Understand the admissions calendar and deadlines
The admissions calendar in the Netherlands usually opens the first week of October for the following academic year. The deadline for submitting an application varies depending on the university, the type of program, and your citizenship status. For example, for 2025 admission, the deadline for most courses at research universities is May 1, 2025, for EU citizens, and April 1, 2025, for non-EU citizens. University Colleges typically have a January deadline and may require an in-person interview.
Step 3: Prepare your documents
You will need to provide official transcripts and certificates, and possibly translations if they are not in Dutch, English, German, or French. A digital copy of your passport or ID is also required. If applying for a selective program, you may need to provide additional documents, such as letters of recommendation or a personal statement.
Step 4: Create an account on Studielink
Studielink is the centralized application system used by most Dutch universities. You will need to create an account, enter your personal details, and submit your applications through this platform. Non-Dutch residents can use Studielink without a DigiD (digital identification).
Step 5: Submit your application(s)
You can submit your applications to your chosen universities through Studielink. Some institutions may have additional steps or require you to apply directly through their website. It is important to carefully review the application requirements and deadlines for each university and program.
Step 6: Wait for a response
The time it takes to receive a response can vary. If you are applying to a course without Numerus Fixus (a fixed number of students), you may receive an offer within four weeks. If your course is subject to Numerus Fixus, the selection procedure will start after the application deadline, and you will receive a ranking number on April 15.
Step 7: Accept your offer and apply for a visa
Once you receive an acceptance letter, the university will guide you through the visa application process. You will need to apply for an entry visa (MVV) and then convert it to a residence permit (VVR) or Dutch Study Visa once you arrive in the Netherlands.
Step 8: Prepare for your arrival
Consider the cost of living in the Netherlands and create a budget. Research accommodation options, as most Dutch universities offer student housing. Many students get around by bicycle, so you may want to factor this into your budget. Familiarize yourself with Dutch student culture and get ready for your new adventure!
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The student experience in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a popular choice for students from around the world, with its outstanding universities, flexible courses, and low tuition fees. The country's laid-back vibe and central location in Western Europe make it an attractive option for those seeking a unique student experience.
Education System
The Dutch education system offers a mix of public and private universities, with a strong focus on academic education and scientific research. Research universities, known as "universiteit," confer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Universities of Applied Sciences, or "hogeschool," focus on professional education and offer bachelor's and master's degrees. The country also has semi-public and private universities, with the former combining public and private characteristics.
Courses
Dutch universities offer a range of courses, with many taught entirely in English. This makes it an ideal destination for English-speaking students, who can benefit from the high-quality education without the language barrier. The liberal arts colleges, for example, allow students to explore a range of subjects before specialising.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition fees in the Netherlands are relatively low compared to other countries, such as the US and UK. For EU residents, fees range from €1,000 to €2,000 per year, and they are eligible for a tuition fee loan. Non-EU students can expect to pay higher fees, ranging from €9,000 to €15,000 per year. However, there are various scholarships available, such as the Holland Scholarship, which offers up to €5,000 in the first year.
Student Life
Dutch student culture is vibrant and diverse. Big student cities like Amsterdam, Groningen, Utrecht, Rotterdam, and Leiden buzz with activities and events throughout the week. Students can join various clubs and organisations, making friends and contributing to society. The country's flat landscape and bike-friendly infrastructure make cycling a popular mode of transportation and a great way to stay active.
Accommodation
Student accommodation in the Netherlands varies, with options including shared apartments, university college halls, and private studios. Rent can range from €350 to €800 per month, depending on location and amenities. Students over 23 can apply for a housing allowance to help with the cost of living.
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The quality of Dutch universities
The Netherlands is a popular study destination for international students, with its outstanding universities, low tuition fees, high quality of life, diverse culture, and student-friendly cities.
Dutch universities are known for their high quality, with research facilities that rival those of the best universities in the world. In the Times Higher Education world rankings, all Dutch research universities ranked between 62nd and 250th globally. The QS World University Rankings 2019 placed Delft University of Technology, the country's oldest and largest public technical university, as the highest-ranked Dutch university at 52nd in the world. The University of Amsterdam, the country's largest higher education institution, was also among the top Dutch universities.
Dutch universities offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with courses taught in English or Dutch. The country's universities are largely state-funded and are split into two categories: research universities and universities of applied sciences. Research universities focus on academic education and scientific research, conferring bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Universities of applied sciences, on the other hand, focus on professional education and offer bachelor's and master's degrees.
Tuition fees in the Netherlands are relatively low compared to other countries, especially for EU residents, who pay between €1,000 and €2,000 per year. EU citizens are also eligible for a tuition fee loan and can pay their fees in monthly instalments. Non-EU students typically pay higher fees, ranging from €9,000 to €15,000 per year, and may apply for scholarships such as the Holland Scholarship.
The application process for Dutch universities is centralised through Studielink, and entry requirements are considered comparatively low. Dutch universities also offer flexible programs that cater to students who want to specialise in a major early or explore multiple subjects.
Overall, Dutch universities offer a high-quality education with a range of programs, low tuition fees, and a welcoming environment for international students.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2015, Dutch students studied in 86 countries outside of the Netherlands. The number of Dutch students studying abroad is roughly a fifth to a quarter of the number of international students studying in the Netherlands.
There are many reasons why international students choose to study in the Netherlands. The country has a reputation for outstanding universities, with world-leading research facilities. Many programs are taught in English, and tuition fees are comparatively low, especially for EU residents. Dutch cities are also very welcoming to international students, with English-speaking populations and student-friendly amenities.
Amsterdam University College, University College Utrecht, and Webster University Leiden are some of the universities in the Netherlands that attract international students. The cities of Amsterdam, Maastricht, Rotterdam, and Groningen also draw in a lot of foreign students.
