How to Study in Utrecht for International Students

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Utrecht, 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, Utrecht currently has 5 universities, from which 2 universities are a part of the public sector and 3 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 Utrecht you should definitely check out are Utrecht University, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, and HKU University of the Arts Utrecht.

Being able to study in Utrecht 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 Utrecht, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!

1. Cost of Studying in Utrecht

When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Utrecht, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 8,812 Euros to 14,000 Euros, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 8,812 Euros and 20,800 Euros.

Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Utrecht

To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Utrecht, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:

Institution Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee Master’s International Tuition Fee
HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht 8,812 Euros 8,812 Euros
Utrecht University 11,000 Euros - 14,000 Euros 17,500 Euros - 20,800 Euros

Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Utrecht

Institution Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee Master’s International Tuition Fee
HKU University of the Arts Utrecht 10,600 Euros 10,600 Euros

If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Utrecht, check out the Cheap Universities in Utrecht!

Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.

2. Requirements to Study in Utrecht for International Students

Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Utrecht, 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 Utrecht, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Utrecht may require non-native English speakers to prove language proficiency by taking standardized English tests, such as the International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS, and the Test Of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. You can also check out if your target university is accepting a Duolingo English Test score because some universities in Utrecht are accepting Duolingo scores. When you take any of these tests, note that you’ll need to get at least the required minimum score to qualify for your preferred university.

To give you an idea, here are some universities in Utrecht and their required minimum scores for each program level.

HKU University of the Arts Utrecht

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Utrecht University

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

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 Utrecht

The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Utrecht have online applications available on their websites, like Utrecht University and HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Utrecht.

Utrecht University

HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht

HKU University of the Arts Utrecht

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 Utrecht 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 Utrecht.

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 Utrecht

If you’re going to study in Utrecht, 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 Utrecht, you will need to present the following:

  1. Valid passport or travel document
  2. Appendix Antecedents Certificate
  3. Proof or temporary proof of registration as a student at a university
  4. University or institution must be a recognised sponsor with IND
  5. Full-time enrollment in an accredited program
  6. 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:

  1. Locate the nearest embassy or consulate in your country.
  2. Gather all the required documents.
  3. TFill up the visa application form and pay the required fees.
  4. 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 Utrecht. 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!