Study in Netherlands
Around 2,100 English-taught programmes, 98–99% visa acceptance, and 12 universities in the THE top 350. The Orientation Year permit gives you a full year to find work.
Top universities
| University | QS 2026 | Tuition / year |
|---|---|---|
| TU Delft | 48 | €16,000–€20,000 |
| University of Amsterdam | 60 | €12,000–€25,000 |
| Utrecht | 113 | €12,000–€22,000 |
| Leiden | 119 | €12,000–€20,000 |
| Erasmus Rotterdam | 148 | €11,000–€22,000 |
| TU Eindhoven | 152 | €16,000 |
| Wageningen | 154 | €18,000 |
| Groningen | 157 | €11,000–€20,000 |
Programmes and what they cost
Non-EU rates. Public and private institutions are priced very differently — check which one you are looking at.
| Route | Tuition | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Masters (MS)Around 2,100 English-taught programmes nationally. | €12,000–€30,000/yr | 1–2 years |
| BachelorsResearch universities (WO) are theoretical; universities of applied sciences (HBO) build in placements. | €6,000–€20,000/yr | 3 years WO · 4 years HBO |
Costs, visa and rules
Visa and permits
After you arriveCollect the residence permit and register with your municipality.
How to apply, step by step
- 1Pick your track first
WO research universities run 3-year theoretical bachelors; HBO universities of applied sciences run 4-year practical ones. The choice shapes everything downstream.
- 2Watch two deadlines
Most programmes close 1 May. Numerus fixus programmes — the capped ones — close 15 January.
- 3Meet the English bar
IELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL iBT 90–100.
- 4Pay the first year in full
Tuition is usually settled as one lump sum before the visa is filed.
- 5Let the university sponsor you
It files the MVV directly, so you rarely deal with the IND yourself. Acceptance runs 98–99%.
- 6Take out Dutch health insurance
Around €125 a month, and compulsory once you start working.
Working and staying on
Orientation Year residence permit — 12 months, €210, claimable within 3 years of graduating
After 5 years.
What to know before you apply
Your university acts as visa sponsor and files the MVV on your behalf — you rarely deal with the IND directly.
First-year tuition is usually paid as one lump sum before the visa is filed.
Research universities (WO) are theoretical with 3-year bachelors; universities of applied sciences (HBO) are practical with 4-year bachelors.
Health insurance costs around €125 a month and is compulsory once you start working.
Scholarships
Intakes
September is the main intake; most deadlines fall on 1 May, numerus fixus programmes on 15 January.
Check my eligibilityOther destinations
Applying for the next intake?
Deadlines close months before term starts. Get your timeline mapped this week.