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Meta title: Studying in the Netherlands for international applicants | StudyU
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Last reviewed: 2026-07-04

# 🌍 Studying in the Netherlands for international applicants

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Contents

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## Higher education in the Netherlands at a glance {#c1}

Fontys University of Applied Sciences - Eindhoven

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 {#c2}

- 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 {#c3}

Saxion University of Applied Sciences - Enschede / Deventer

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 {#c4}

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:

1. Passport check. Student visa issuance to Russian citizens is suspended - the route currently works for Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and other passports.
2. Pick a program. Europe's largest pool of English-taught programs; research universities are more selective, universities of applied sciences more practical.
3. Apply via Studielink. One national portal; popular numerus-fixus programs close in January, others in spring.
4. 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](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-where-is-it-easiest-to-study-abroad).

## 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 {#c-faq}

### Are there many programs in English?

Yes, the Netherlands is a leader in continental Europe for English-taught programs, including at the bachelor's level.

### How is a university of applied sciences different?

Universities of applied sciences (hogeschool) provide practical skills and internships; research universities provide academic training.

### Is Dutch required?

For English-taught programs, no - IELTS/TOEFL is enough.

### Is the degree recognized?

Yes, across the EU (the Bologna system).

### Does the Netherlands issue visas to Russian students?

Currently no - issuance is suspended. The route works for Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and other CIS passports.

### Can I apply with an 11-year certificate?

Yes - universities of applied sciences accept it directly; research universities may ask for a year of university at home. IELTS 6.0-6.5.

### How much does studying in the Netherlands cost?

Non-EU: bachelor €6,000-15,000, master €10,000-20,000 a year. Living €900-1,300 a month.

### What is the orientation year?

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.

- [Consultation](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)

## Universities in the Netherlands we help you get into

Each comes with a full guide - faculties, prices and requirements. The list will keep growing.

### Fontys University of Applied Sciences

### Saxion University of Applied Sciences

### Nyenrode Business University

## 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.

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