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Meta title: Bachelor's in the Netherlands: Entry Routes and Costs | StudyU
Meta description: Bachelor's in the Netherlands: 3-year research or 4-year applied degrees, entry routes after school, language, BSA and full-degree tuition costs.
Last modified: 2026-09-28

# Bachelor's in the Netherlands for International Students: 3 or 4 Years, Entry Routes and the Cost of a Degree

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A Dutch bachelor's comes in two forms: a three-year academic degree at a research university (180 ECTS) and a four-year professional degree at a university of applied sciences (240 ECTS) with built-in internships. Research universities require a diploma equivalent to the Dutch pre-university VWO; universities of applied sciences accept the HAVO level. Nuffic rates Russia's school-leaving certificate as "at least HAVO" and Kazakhstan's as HAVO, which means direct entry to an applied university but usually an extra year of university or a foundation programme before a research university. For non-EU students a year costs from $10,640 (€9,360) at an applied university to $22,627 (€19,906) at TU Delft and $24,780 (€21,800) for science at UvA in 2026/27, and a full degree costs roughly $42,000–69,000 in tuition alone.

Below: how the two degrees differ, four entry routes with their time and cost, how the first year works and what the degree leads to. For a country overview see [study in the Netherlands](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-netherlands); to compare institutions, see [universities in the Netherlands](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-the-netherlands).

The Academiegebouw (1909), the main building of the University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands. Photo: Wutsje / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:20090529_Academiegebouw_Groningen_NL.jpg), [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0).

## Two bachelor's degrees compared {#section-1}

| Feature | Academic bachelor's (WO) | Professional bachelor's (HBO) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Where | 14 research universities | 36 government-funded universities of applied sciences and accredited private institutions |
| Length | Usually 3 years, 180 ECTS | 4 years, 240 ECTS; the first year is the propedeuse |
| Degree | BA, BSc, LLB | Professional degrees such as Bachelor of Engineering |
| Teaching | Lectures, seminars, research methods, bachelor's thesis | Company projects, internships, group work |
| Entry with a HAVO-level diploma | Usually needs an extra year | Often direct, based on grades and subjects |
| Non-EEA fee, 2026/27 | $15,004–24,780 (€13,200–21,800) for most programmes | $10,640–11,967 (€9,360–10,528) at Saxion and THUAS |
| Language | Most bachelor's programmes are in Dutch; English ones exist but must be sought out | Many English programmes in business, IT, engineering, tourism |
| Next step | Direct entry to a master's in the same field | Work, or a research master's often via a pre-master |

The biggest trap is assuming every Dutch bachelor's is available in English. Universities of the Netherlands states that most research-university bachelor's programmes are taught in Dutch. At TU Delft only four are fully in English: Aerospace Engineering, the English track of Computer Science and Engineering, Earth, Climate and Technology, and Nanobiology.

## Four routes from school or college {#section-2}

| Route | Time to degree | Extra cost | Best for |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1. Applied university straight after school | 4 years | None | Students who know their profession and want practice; tuition budget under $12,000 a year |
| 2. One year of university at home, then a research university | 1 + 3 years | A year of study at home | Students aiming at TU Delft, VU and other strong research universities |
| 3. Foundation year in the Netherlands, then a research university | 1 + 3 years | $21,029–21,597 (€18,500–19,000) at Twente Pathway College plus a year of living costs | Students who want early adaptation, if the target university recognises the programme |
| 4. First year at an applied university (propedeuse), then a transfer | 1 + 3 years | One year of applied-university fees | Undecided students; UvA and Groningen consider an HBO propedeuse diploma, but admission is not automatic |

### Route 1: an applied university directly

HAVO is the entry level for universities of applied sciences, so HAVO-rated certificates are usually assessed without an extra year. Each programme sets subject, grade and English requirements. StudyU has profiles of [Saxion](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-saxion-university) and [Fontys](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-fontys-university).

### Route 2: a year of university at home

Research universities compare your diploma with VWO. VU Amsterdam, for instance, requires Russian applicants to add at least one year of academic credits at a recognised university. TU Delft asks applicants from Russia, Ukraine, Japan and several other countries for at least 60 ECTS of a BSc or BEng in the same or a closely related field, with an average of 75% or higher. Choose first-year subjects that match the target programme — mathematics and physics for engineering, mathematics for economics.

### Route 3: a foundation year

A Dutch foundation year closes the academic and language gap. Twente Pathway College costs $21,597 (€19,000) for the engineering stream and $21,029 (€18,500) for business and social sciences in September 2026, leading to University of Twente bachelor's programmes. Check recognition: TU Delft does not accept Holland ISC or OnCampus Amsterdam foundation years.

### Route 4: transferring after the applied propedeuse

The first HBO year ends with a separate propedeuse diploma. UvA asks holders to check their eligibility on a dedicated page, and the University of Groningen states plainly that it does not give automatic admission: the programme looks at which first year you completed. The route suits students who want to start in the Netherlands at once and move to a research university later, but agree the transfer with the target programme before you enrol at the applied university.

After vocational college. Nuffic compares Russia's second-level secondary vocational diploma with HAVO for its general-education part, so the same logic applies.

## How the degree works {#section-3}

- Interactive teaching. Study in NL describes Dutch teaching as interactive and team-based: you are expected to form and voice your own opinion and question lecturers. Contributions to group work often count towards your grade.
- Grading. Grades run from 1 to 10 with 6 as a pass. Most grades fall between 6 and 8, and an 8 is already very good.
- Binding study advice (BSA). Many programmes decide at the end of year one whether you may continue. The programme sets the threshold — 45 of 60 ECTS at Utrecht University's humanities faculty, where a negative BSA bars re-enrolment for four years.
- Progress and your permit. A student residence permit requires at least 50% of the credits in each academic year; if progress is insufficient without good reason, the institution reports it to the IND.
- Internships. Built into applied bachelor's; an internship that is part of the curriculum needs no TWV work permit.
- Associate degree. Some applied universities offer a two-year Associate degree (120 ECTS) that can be continued into a bachelor's.

## What a full bachelor's costs {#section-4}

| Programme | Length | Tuition for the whole degree, known fees |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Saxion | 4 years | $42,558 (€37,440) |
| THUAS | 4 years | $47,869 (€42,112) |
| Erasmus University, most schools | 3 years | $46,036 (€40,500) |
| University of Groningen, most faculties | 3 years | $47,741 (€42,000) |
| TU Delft | 3 years | $69,375 (€61,032), including 2027/28 fees |

This is tuition only. The IND requires proof of at least $1,285 (€1,130.77) a month for living costs, so a fourth year at an applied university adds about $15,000. Add a foundation year and its living costs if you need one. Full budgets are in our [cost of studying in the Netherlands](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-the-netherlands) guide.

The NL Scholarship helps: $5,684 (€5,000) once, in the first year, for non-EEA students without a Dutch degree at participating institutions. In 2026/27 these included Saxion, Fontys, THUAS, Hanze, HAN and other applied universities, as well as Groningen, Maastricht, Radboud, Twente, Utrecht, VU, Wageningen and TU/e. The list changes every year.

## Applying in brief {#section-5}

1. Shortlist four to six programmes of varying difficulty, at least one without a fixed quota.
2. Submit Studielink requests from 1 October; by 15 January for numerus fixus programmes and by 1 May for others — but by 1 April if you need a visa.
3. Upload documents to the university portal: diploma with sworn translation and apostille, a language test (typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT, which uses a new 1–6 scale from 21 January 2026), and a motivation letter if requested.
4. Complete the study-choice check (studiekeuzecheck or the university's own version).
5. After admission, the university applies for your MVV and residence permit; you arrange funds, insurance and housing.

The full procedure, dates and numerus fixus rules are in [applying to Dutch universities](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-dutch-universities); the permit in [the Dutch student residence permit](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-dutch-student-residence-permit). Russian citizens collect the MVV only at the Dutch embassy in Moscow. There is no general ban on Russian students; possible sanctions-related limits in technical programmes are covered in [universities in the Netherlands](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-the-netherlands).

## Housing: sort it out before the visa {#section-6}

Study in NL warns of a severe student housing shortage and advises finding a room before arrival; an average room costs about $625 (€550) a month. Universities do not guarantee housing: UvA has no campus housing and UvA Housing cannot place everyone. Factor the city into your choice, start searching as soon as you apply and never pay for a room you have not seen at least by video.

## Where the degree leads {#section-7}

- Master's. WO graduates enter a master's in their field directly; HBO graduates often via a pre-master. See [master's in the Netherlands](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-the-netherlands).
- Orientation year. Within three years of an accredited Dutch bachelor's you can apply for a 12-month orientation year permit and work without a TWV; the fee is $289 (€254).
- Work while studying. Employment requires a TWV arranged by the employer: up to 16 hours a week or full-time in June, July and August. Self-employment is allowed without a TWV, with Chamber of Commerce (KvK) registration, tax and possibly Dutch health insurance.

## When a Dutch bachelor's is not the right fit {#section-8}

- Your annual budget for tuition and living is below about $25,000 without a scholarship.
- You need an English-taught bachelor's in a technical field that your target university only offers in Dutch.
- You need a research university straight after school and your diploma is rated HAVO-level.
- You plan to fund living costs entirely through part-time work.

## Common mistakes {#section-9}

- Choosing by ranking without checking whether the university accepts your diploma.
- Paying for a foundation year the target university does not recognise.
- Taking an unrelated first year at home when TU Delft requires the same or a closely related field.
- Ignoring the BSA and the 50% credit rule for the permit.
- Budgeting per year instead of per degree.

## FAQ {#faq}

### Can I start a Dutch bachelor's straight after secondary school?

Yes, especially at a university of applied sciences. If Nuffic rates your diploma at VWO level, research universities are also open; if it is rated HAVO-level, most research universities ask for an extra year of university or a recognised foundation year.

### How long is a bachelor's in the Netherlands?

Usually 3 years (180 ECTS) at a research university and 4 years (240 ECTS) at a university of applied sciences. With an extra preparatory year, both paths take four years.

### How much does a Dutch bachelor's cost for non-EU students?

In 2026/27, from $10,640 (€9,360) a year at Saxion to $22,627 (€19,906) at TU Delft and $24,780 (€21,800) for science at UvA; roughly $42,000–69,000 in tuition for the whole degree, plus at least $15,424 a year in living costs under the IND norm.

### Are there English-taught bachelor's programmes?

Yes, especially at universities of applied sciences and university colleges. Most research-university bachelor's are in Dutch, so check the language of the specific programme and track.

### Foundation year or first year of university at home?

A first year at home is cheaper and accepted by many research universities if the field is related. A Dutch foundation year costs about $21,000 plus living costs but offers language and academic adaptation — provided your target university recognises it.

### Can I stay and work after graduating?

After a Dutch bachelor's you can obtain the orientation year permit and work without a TWV. Staying longer requires switching to a work-based permit, which depends on an employer and the IND.

## Sources {#section-11}

- [UvA: applying with an HBO propedeuse diploma](https://www.uva.nl/en/education/admissions/bachelors/dutch-taught-programmes/prior-education-non-dutch/prior-education-non-dutch.html), [Groningen: HBO propedeuse](https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/prospective-student?tcid=verint_3_7394_10545) — checked 28 Sep 2026
- [Nuffic: Russia](https://www.nuffic.nl/en/education-systems/russia), [Kazakhstan](https://www.nuffic.nl/en/education-systems/kazakhstan) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [TU Delft: bachelor's admission requirements](https://www.tudelft.nl/en/education/admission-and-application/bsc-international-diploma/admission-requirements), [fees](https://www.tudelft.nl/en/education/study-programme-orientation/practical-matters/tuition-fee-finances) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [VU Amsterdam: diplomas per country](https://vu.nl/en/education/more-about/list-of-diplomas-per-country), [UvA: applying for a bachelor's](https://www.uva.nl/en/education/admissions/bachelors/applying-for-a-degree-programme.html) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [Twente Pathway College: fees](https://www.twentepathway.nl/admissions/fees/) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [Universities of the Netherlands: language of instruction](https://www.universiteitenvannederland.nl/en/language-of-instruction-universities) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [Study in NL: bachelor's](https://www.studyinnl.org/dutch-education/bachelors), [Associate degree](https://www.studyinnl.org/dutch-education/associate), [teaching style](https://www.studyinnl.org/dutch-education/dutch-way-of-teaching), [grading](https://www.studyinnl.org/dutch-education/dutch-grading-system), [NL Scholarship](https://www.studyinnl.org/finances/nl-scholarship), [housing](https://www.studyinnl.org/life-in-nl/finding-a-place-to-live) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- Fees: [Erasmus](https://www.eur.nl/en/education/practical-matters/registration/tuition-fee/tuition-fee-2026-2027), [Groningen](https://www.rug.nl/education/application-enrolment-tuition-fees/tuition-fee/bachelor?lang=en), [Maastricht](https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/new-calculation-institutional-tuition-fees-and-transitional-arrangement), [UvA](https://www.uva.nl/en/education/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees/tuition-fees.html), [THUAS](https://www.thuas.com/study-choice/applications-finances-and-moving-here/tuition-fees), [Saxion](https://www.saxion.edu/studying-in-the-netherlands/finance-your-studies/total-costs) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [IND: student residence permit](https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/study/student-residence-permit-for-university-or-higher-professional-education), [orientation year](https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/work/residence-permit-for-orientation-year), [required amounts 2026](https://ind.nl/en/required-amounts-income-requirements) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [Utrecht University: BSA](https://students.uu.nl/en/hum/my-studies/policies-and-procedures/binding-study-advice-bsa), [Studielink: 2027/28 deadlines](https://info.studielink.nl/en/news/submit-enrolment-application-for-2027-2028) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- Exchange rate: ECB, 24 Sep 2026, €1 = $1.1367

[During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)

## Next steps

- [Universities in the Netherlands for International Students: Types, the 14 Research Universities and Real Entry Routes](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-the-netherlands)
- [Cost of Studying in the Netherlands in 2026/27: Tuition, Living Costs, Permit Funds and the Full-Degree Budget](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-the-netherlands)
- [Applying to Dutch Universities for 2027/28: Deadlines, Studielink, Documents and the Residence Permit](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-dutch-universities)
- [Dutch Student Residence Permit: MVV Entry Visa and Study Permit Explained](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-dutch-student-residence-permit)
- [Studying in the Netherlands for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-netherlands)
- [Saxion University of Applied Sciences](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-saxion-university)

Updated: September 2026