🌍 Studying in the Netherlands for international applicants
Higher education in the Netherlands at a glance
The Netherlands is one of the most English-friendly education markets in continental Europe: there's a huge choice of English-taught programs even at the bachelor's level. Degrees are recognized across the EU, and the teaching approach is practical and project-oriented.
Institutions are split into research universities and universities of applied sciences (hogeschool), which provide practical skills and internships.
Advantages of studying in the Netherlands
- A huge choice of English-taught programs.
- Universities of applied sciences with internships.
- Degrees are recognized across the EU.
- High quality of life and safety.
- A central location in Europe.
What studying costs
Costs for non-EU students are higher than for Europeans but remain reasonable by Western standards; scholarships are available. Universities of applied sciences are often cheaper than research universities.
In a consultation we'll share current amounts and scholarships.
Steps to enrolment
Admission is based on your school diploma and an IELTS/TOEFL certificate. Some programs value relevant subjects and a motivation letter.
We'll help you choose a university, prepare documents and arrange a visa.
Step by step:
- Passport check. Student visa issuance to Russian citizens is suspended - the route currently works for Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and other passports.
- Pick a program. Europe's largest pool of English-taught programs; research universities are more selective, universities of applied sciences more practical.
- Apply via Studielink. One national portal; popular numerus-fixus programs close in January, others in spring.
- Housing. The scarcest resource - start hunting the moment you get the offer, not the visa.
After 11th grade: direct entry
Passports first: the Dutch route is paused for Russian citizens - visas are not being issued. For Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan everything runs normally: 11-year certificates are accepted directly by universities of applied sciences (research universities may ask for a year of university at home), English - IELTS 6.0-6.5. Comparisons - in our study-abroad guide.
Master's degrees in the Netherlands
Bachelor diplomas are accepted directly; the English-taught master's selection is among Europe's widest. After graduation the orientation year gives 12 months to find a job in the country.
What studying in the Netherlands costs
| Expense | Budget for |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's (non-EU) | €6,000-15,000 / year |
| Master's (non-EU) | €10,000-20,000 / year |
| Living | €900-1,300 / month |
| Housing | the main bottleneck - search from the offer date |
FAQ
Yes, the Netherlands is a leader in continental Europe for English-taught programs, including at the bachelor's level.
Universities of applied sciences (hogeschool) provide practical skills and internships; research universities provide academic training.
For English-taught programs, no - IELTS/TOEFL is enough.
Yes, across the EU (the Bologna system).
Currently no - issuance is suspended. The route works for Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and other CIS passports.
Yes - universities of applied sciences accept it directly; research universities may ask for a year of university at home. IELTS 6.0-6.5.
Non-EU: bachelor €6,000-15,000, master €10,000-20,000 a year. Living €900-1,300 a month.
A post-graduation year to legally look for work in the Netherlands - one of the EU's friendliest schemes.
Thinking about studying in the Netherlands?
We'll tell you about the options, universities and costs - free, no obligation.
Universities in the Netherlands we help you get into
Each comes with a full guide - faculties, prices and requirements. The list will keep growing.
Get a free consultation
Talk to a real consultant - we'll explain admission in the Netherlands and match a program to you.
- Program selection and admission preparation
- Help with scholarships and university discounts
- Documents, translations and student visa
- A personal consultant from the first message to enrollment
Write to us
Leave a request - and we'll get in touch.
