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Meta title: Studying in the Netherlands for international applicants | StudyU
Meta description: Higher education in Netherlands for international students: 3 universities, tuition, requirements and deadlines. University selection and admission help.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-04
# π Studying in the Netherlands for international applicants
- [Free consultation](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)
Contents
Apply with StudyU
During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step. A personal strategy, requirement checks, selection of agreed options, document preparation, applications, and support are provided under an agreement with StudyU.
- [Apply now](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)
## 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.
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. 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) | β¬6,000-15,000 / year |
| Master's (non-EU) | β¬10,000-20,000 / year |
| Living | β¬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 β¬6,000-15,000, master β¬10,000-20,000 a year. Living β¬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?
During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.
- [Consultation](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)
## Universities in the Netherlands
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
During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step. A personal strategy, requirement checks, selection of agreed options, document preparation, applications, and support are provided under an agreement with StudyU.
- Clarification of your goal, profile, timing, and budget
- 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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