How to Study in Netherlands for International Students
The Netherlands is home to world-class universities that offer a wide range of English-taught programs. This is enough reason why you should consider this country as your place of study, but a few other things make it such a great option, including the low cost of living and affordable tuition fees. It is also home to scenic canals, tulip fields, and windmills where you can spend your study breaks.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Netherlands currently has 54 universities, from which 31 universities are a part of the public sector and 23 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 Netherlands you should definitely check out are University of Amsterdam, Utrecht University, and Delft University of Technology.
Being able to study in Netherlands 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 Netherlands, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Netherlands
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Netherlands, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 4,140 Euros to 20,500 Euros, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 4,025 Euros and 38,500 Euros.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Netherlands
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Netherlands, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| HZ University of Applied Sciences | 8,100 Euros | |
| Hotelschool The Hague | 14,200 Euros | 12,500 Euros - 19,500 Euros |
| Aeres University of Applied Sciences | 7,676 Euros | 7,676 Euros |
| HAS University of Applied Sciences | 8,800 Euros | |
| Royal Academy of Art, The Hague | 8,000 Euros | 8,000 Euros |
| The Hague University of Applied Sciences | 8,634 Euros | 19,700 Euros - 22,000 Euros |
| NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences | 8,495 Euros | 11,800 Euros - 12,000 Euros |
| Inholland University of Applied Sciences | 8,495 Euros | |
| Avans University of Applied Sciences | 8,452 Euros | 8,452 Euros |
| Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences | 8,760 Euros - 9,800 Euros | 11,100 Euros - 12,200 Euros |
| IHE Delft Institute for Water Education | 19,800 Euros | |
| Wageningen University and Research | 15,700 Euros | 18,700 Euros |
| Breda University of Applied Sciences | 10,400 Euros | 10,400 Euros - 12,300 Euros |
| Windesheim University of Applied Sciences | 6,930 Euros | |
| HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht | 8,812 Euros | 8,812 Euros |
| HAN University of Applied Sciences | 7,650 Euros - 8,965 Euros | 8,965 Euros |
| Fontys University of Applied Sciences | 8,330 Euros - 10,700 Euros | 7,330 Euros - 10,700 Euros |
| Eindhoven University of Technology | 11,600 Euros | 16,700 Euros |
| Erasmus University Rotterdam | 7,000 Euros - 13,500 Euros | 4,300 Euros - 19,600 Euros |
| Tilburg University | 9,000 Euros | 14,900 Euros |
| Radboud University | 11,500 Euros - 15,000 Euros | 16,000 Euros - 17,000 Euros |
| Delft University of Technology | 15,200 Euros | 19,600 Euros |
| Leiden University | 12,100 Euros - 16,200 Euros | 19,300 Euros - 28,000 Euros |
| University of Twente | 9,375 Euros - 13,100 Euros | 7,438 Euros - 16,500 Euros |
| University of Amsterdam | 9,130 Euros - 13,300 Euros | 11,500 Euros - 22,900 Euros |
| Saxion University of Applied Sciences | 7,800 Euros | 8,900 Euros - 12,900 Euros |
| Driestar Christian University | 6,540 Euros | |
| Maastricht University | 9,200 Euros - 12,800 Euros | 15,800 Euros - 18,200 Euros |
| University of Groningen | 10,200 Euros - 15,100 Euros | 14,600 Euros - 18,900 Euros |
| Utrecht University | 11,000 Euros - 14,000 Euros | 17,500 Euros - 20,800 Euros |
| Free University of Amsterdam | 4,140 Euros - 12,700 Euros | 4,920 Euros - 16,900 Euros |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Netherlands
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| ArtEZ University of the Arts | 9,700 Euros | 10,700 Euros |
| Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences | 9,270 Euros | 11,000 Euros - 13,800 Euros |
| TIAS School for Business and Society | 24,500 Euros - 38,500 Euros | |
| Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences | 9,800 Euros | 9,150 Euros |
| Gerrit Rietveld Academie | 6,552 Euros | 6,552 Euros |
| Zuyd University of Applied Sciences | 8,350 Euros - 11,500 Euros | 10,100 Euros - 11,500 Euros |
| Amsterdam University of the Arts | 5,360 Euros - 8,726 Euros | 5,360 Euros - 9,726 Euros |
| Design Academy Eindhoven | 10,300 Euros | 16,300 Euros |
| HKU University of the Arts Utrecht | 10,600 Euros | 10,600 Euros |
| Nyenrode Business University | 20,500 Euros | 19,500 Euros |
| Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences | 8,732 Euros - 9,732 Euros | 8,732 Euros |
| Codarts University for the Arts | 8,915 Euros | 4,025 Euros - 8,915 Euros |
| Hanze University of Applied Sciences | 7,900 Euros | 7,900 Euros - 9,750 Euros |
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Netherlands, check out the Cheap Universities in Netherlands!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Netherlands for International Students
Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Netherlands, 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 Netherlands, 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 Netherlands and their required minimum scores for each program level.
ArtEZ University of the Arts
Bachelor’s degree
- IELTS: 5.5
- TOEFL: 70
- NT2-II: Pass
- Bachelor's Dutch Language Requirements Page
- Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page
Master’s degree
- IELTS: 5.5
- TOEFL: 70
- NT2-II: Pass
- Master's Dutch Language Requirements Page
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences
Bachelor’s degree
- IELTS: 6
- TOEFL: 80
- NT2-II: Pass
- Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page
- Bachelor's Dutch Language Requirements Page
Master’s degree
- IELTS: 6
- TOEFL: 80
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
TIAS School for Business and Society
Master’s degree
- TOEFL: 90
- IELTS: 6.5
- 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 Netherlands
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Netherlands have online applications available on their websites, like University of Amsterdam and Utrecht University. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Netherlands.
University of Amsterdam
Utrecht University
Delft University of Technology
- Official Website
- Domestic Bachelor's Admissions Page
- International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic Master's Admissions Page
- International Master's Admissions Page
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 Netherlands 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 Netherlands.
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 Netherlands
Now that you’re accepted into your chosen institution, it’s time to apply for a student visa in Netherlands. A student visa is an essential document for studying abroad. It’s an important government document that you need to present before going to Netherlands as an international student.
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 Netherlands, 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 Netherlands. 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!