How to Study in Amsterdam for International Students
Amsterdam, one of the beautiful cities in Netherlands, is a city that needs to be considered when planning on studying abroad. Here, you can immerse yourself in a rich local culture and learn about its history and the factors that make it unique.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Amsterdam currently has 10 universities, from which 5 universities are a part of the public sector and 5 universities are private institutions.
Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Amsterdam you should definitely check out are Amsterdam University College, KIT Institute, and United Institute (Netherlands).
Being able to study in Amsterdam as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Amsterdam, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Amsterdam
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Amsterdam, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 2,900 Euros to 15,500 Euros, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 3,600 Euros and 22,900 Euros.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Amsterdam
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Amsterdam, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| KIT Institute | 13,800 Euros - 21,700 Euros | |
| Amsterdam Tech | 2,900 Euros | 3,600 Euros |
| Amsterdam University College | 5,400 Euros - 15,500 Euros | |
| University of Amsterdam | 9,130 Euros - 13,300 Euros | 11,500 Euros - 22,900 Euros |
| Free University of Amsterdam | 4,140 Euros - 12,700 Euros | 4,920 Euros - 16,900 Euros |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Amsterdam
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| United Institute (Netherlands) | 16,100 Euros | |
| Gerrit Rietveld Academie | 6,552 Euros | 6,552 Euros |
| Amsterdam University of the Arts | 5,360 Euros - 8,726 Euros | 5,360 Euros - 9,726 Euros |
| Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences | 8,732 Euros - 9,732 Euros | 8,732 Euros |
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Amsterdam, check out the Cheap Universities in Amsterdam!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Amsterdam for International Students
Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Amsterdam, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.
Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.
In Amsterdam, English and Dutch are the languages of instruction. If you’re looking to study in any of the academic institutions here, you might need to prove language proficiency by taking standardized tests, such as TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo for English. Depending on the institution and the language of instruction for your program, you might also have to prove your language proficiency by submitting NT2-II for Dutch.
To give you an idea, here are some universities in Amsterdam and their required minimum scores for each program level.
KIT Institute
Master’s degree
- IELTS: 6
- TOEFL: 80
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
United Institute (Netherlands)
Master’s degree
- IELTS: 5
- TOEFL: 45
- Duolingo: 95
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
Amsterdam Tech
Bachelor’s degree
- IELTS: No minimum scores
- TOEFL: No minimum scores
- Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page
Master’s degree
- IELTS: No minimum scores
- TOEFL: No minimum scores
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.
Application Procedure to Study in Amsterdam
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Amsterdam have online applications available on their websites, like Amsterdam University College and KIT Institute. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam University College
KIT Institute
United Institute (Netherlands)
Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.
After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!
The admission process in Amsterdam differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.
The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Amsterdam.
The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.
4. Visa Application for International Students in Amsterdam
If you’re going to study in Amsterdam, you will need to apply for a student visa in Netherlands
In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Netherlands. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Schengen visa..
To start your student visa application in Amsterdam, you will need to present the following:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Appendix Antecedents Certificate
- Proof or temporary proof of registration as a student at a university
- University or institution must be a recognised sponsor with IND
- Full-time enrollment in an accredited program
- Proof of adequate funds to support studies and stay in Netherlands
Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Netherlands is 171 EUR.
After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:
- Locate the nearest embassy or consulate in your country.
- Gather all the required documents.
- TFill up the visa application form and pay the required fees.
- Schedule and attend the interview at the nearest Dutch embassy or consulate.
For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.
That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Amsterdam. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!