🌍 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. Degree recognition depends on the destination and intended use, 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.
• Recognition depends on the destination country, qualification and intended use; professional licensing may require a separate process.
• High quality of life and safety.
• A central location in Europe.

Netherlands: compare degree level and your fee category

For non-EU/EEA students, start with the programme’s fee rather than assuming a price from its applied or research classification. Housing availability affects the decision before relocation.

The living guide is about $1,150–$1,730 per month. Room costs are already part of it; add only items not covered by your chosen arrangement.

Combining the two guides gives about $24,200–$43,900 for a bachelor’s year and $27,600–$55,400 for a master’s year. Specific programmes, rents and mandatory payments can fall outside these bands.

Cost preparation and pre-master courses separately. A national guide does not replace programme fees at Fontys, Saxion or Nyenrode.

If your budget is limited

Compare the same subject across cities and the full degree duration. A shorter master’s can reduce living expenses but does not guarantee a lower total.

What to prepare next

Prepare your qualification, nationality, subject and possible cities. Include both an annual budget and a budget for the full degree in the initial enquiry.

Rounded amounts are shown in US dollars for comparison, using ECB reference rates from 2026. The programme and its provider’s terms determine the final fee. Count housing and other categories once. Check what the university calculation includes; add only missing expenses and StudyU fees separately. A deposit can require funds before studies start. Do not add proof of funds again to expenses those same funds cover.

Study in NL: tuition · Study in NL: living costs

Steps to enrolment

The university assesses the qualification, relevant subjects and language evidence against the selected programme’s requirements. Check accepted tests, minimum scores, exemptions and any additional selection. A school diploma and an English certificate alone do not establish admission.

StudyU helps compare universities, check scholarship requirements, and prepare application and visa documents; the university and consular authority make the decisions.

Step by step:

1. Passport check. Check the current visa and residence-permit route for your nationality and country of residence with the host institution and Dutch authorities. Do not assume either a passport-wide refusal or guaranteed approval.
2. Pick a program. Europe's largest pool of English-taught programs; research universities are more selective, universities of applied sciences more practical.
3. Check the application route. Many programmes use Studielink, but follow the institution’s own instructions and any additional application steps. Numerus-fixus programmes have an earlier deadline; verify the exact date for your programme and applicant category.
4. Housing. The scarcest resource - start hunting the moment you get the offer, not the visa.

Applying after 11th grade: qualification checks

Check your qualification and immigration route: the university decides whether your exact school diploma, subjects, grades and language evidence meet the programme requirements. An 11-year certificate does not establish admission by itself. Check the visa and residence-permit process with the host institution and Dutch authorities. Compare options in our study-abroad guide.

Master's degrees in the Netherlands

For a master’s application, the university assesses the prior degree, academic fit and language requirements. Check admission and any pre-master requirement for the selected programme. After graduation, check the separate conditions for the Dutch orientation-year residence permit.

What studying in the Netherlands costs

FAQ