Study in the Netherlands offers international students access to world-class education at affordable costs. With over 2,100 English-taught programs, the country welcomes students without making IELTS mandatory, as many universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter instead. The tuition fees at public universities start from €6,000 per year, while living costs range between €800 and €1,100 per month. To secure admission, students generally need a minimum of 50–60% academic score (12 years for bachelor’s, 16 for master’s).
For a student visa, applicants must provide proof of funds between €11,000 and €13,000 from the last 3–6 months, alongside admission and accommodation documents. With a visa success rate of 96%, the Netherlands ensures both affordability and excellent post-study opportunities.
Quick Facts About Studying in the Netherlands
This table highlights essential insights into studying in the Netherlands, covering academics, costs, opportunities, and visa details for international students.
| Language of Instruction | English / Dutch |
| Region | Europe |
| Top Public Universities | University of Amsterdam
Delft University of Technology Leiden University Utrecht University Wageningen University Eindhoven University of Technology |
| Duration of Courses | Bachelor’s: 3 years
Master’s: 1–2 years Doctoral: 3–5 years |
| Application Fee | €50–€100 per university |
| Minimum Education Required | Bachelor’s: 12 years
Master’s: 16 years Doctoral: 18 years |
| Is IELTS Required? | Not mandatory (MOI accepted by many universities) |
| Available Scholarships | Merit-based, Need-based, Government-funded |
| CGPA Requirement | 2.5+ (varies by program) |
| Part-time Work Hours | Up to 16–20 hours/week during term; full-time during holidays |
| Average Monthly Expenses | €800–€1,100 |
| Total Annual Expenses | €12,000–€15,000 (including tuition for public universities) |
| Admission Processing Time | 4–8 weeks |
| Visa Processing Time | 2–4 weeks |
| Visa Success Rate | 96% |
Top Dutch Universities in the Netherlands
This table showcases leading institutions and their tuition fees, highlighting diverse study fields. It features top universities in the Netherlands, offering affordable, high-quality education and globally recognized degrees for international students across business, engineering, medicine, and sciences.
| University | Popular Programs | Tuition (€/year) |
| University of Amsterdam | Law, Social Sciences, Business | €6,000 – €15,000 |
| Delft University of Technology | Engineering, Architecture, Computer Science | €8,000 – €20,000 |
| Leiden University | Arts, Law, International Studies | €7,000 – €15,000 |
| Utrecht University | Medicine, Life Sciences, Education | €6,500 – €15,000 |
| Wageningen University | Agriculture, Environmental Science | €6,000 – €14,000 |
| Eindhoven University of Technology | Technology, Engineering, AI | €8,000 – €18,000 |
| Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam | Business, Economics, Sciences | €6,000 – €15,000 |
Scholarships in the Netherlands for International Students
This table outlines key scholarships in the Netherlands, detailing providers, benefits, and eligibility, helping international students access financial support for tuition, living expenses, and academic opportunities.
| Scholarship Name | Provider | Benefits | Eligibility |
| Holland Scholarship | Dutch Ministry of Education | €5,000 for first-year costs | Non-EU/EEA students, merit-based |
| Erasmus+ Program | European Union | Fully funded semester/year in Europe | Enrolled in participating institutions |
| Orange Tulip Scholarship | Nuffic (Dutch organization) | Partial or full tuition coverage | High-achieving students from partner countries |
| University Excellence Awards | Individual universities | €2,000–€10,000 tuition reduction | Exceptional academic performance |
| Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship | Maastricht University | Full tuition + €12,350 living allowance | Non-EU students with strong academics |
Tuition Fees and Living Costs in the Netherlands
Studying in the Netherlands is relatively affordable compared to other Western nations, especially given the high global rankings of its universities. This table highlights tuition fees and living costs in the Netherlands, giving students a clear overview of annual expenses for studying, accommodation, and daily living essentials.
| Expense | Annual Cost (€) |
| Bachelor’s Tuition (Public) | €6,000 – €10,000 |
| Master’s Tuition (Public) | €8,000 – €15,000 |
| Private Universities | €12,000 – €20,000 |
| Accommodation | €4,000 – €7,200 |
| Food & Utilities | €3,000 – €4,500 |
| Health Insurance | €500 – €1,000 |
| Total Annual Budget | €12,000 – €15,000 |
Tip: Cities such as Groningen, Enschede, and Eindhoven generally have lower living costs compared to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or The Hague.
Step-by-Step Admission Process for Studying in the Netherlands
The application process for studying in the Netherlands is straightforward, especially with the assistance of experienced educational consultants who can help streamline the process by guiding you in selecting universities, preparing documents, submitting applications on time, and tracking visa approvals. Below is a step-by-step guide outlining your journey to studying in the Netherlands.
Select a Program & University
Our free education counseling service will assist you in choosing the right university and program based on your academic background, budget, and career aspirations. With access to over 2,100 English-taught programs, we ensure you apply to institutions that align with your profile, preferences, and scholarship eligibility.
Verify Entry Requirements
Your academic documents will be evaluated to confirm that you meet the minimum entry criteria. Most programs require:
- High school completion (for Bachelor’s) or a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s)
- Minimum 50–60% academic score
- IELTS 6.0 or MOI (Medium of Instruction) accepted by many universities
- Valid passport (with at least 1-year validity)
Prepare Required Documents
Once the requirements are confirmed, students will begin preparing and formatting all necessary documents, including:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Passport copy
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- IELTS/MOI proof
- Recommendation letters (if required)
- University application form
- Our study abroad consultants will complete and submit your university application on your behalf.
Receive Offer Letter
After the university reviews your application, you will receive either a conditional or unconditional offer letter. Our consultants will guide you through fulfilling any additional requirements mentioned in the offer (if applicable).
Pay Initial Tuition Deposit
After accepting the offer, your consultant will assist you in paying the first-year tuition fee to confirm your admission and secure your place.
Netherlands Student Visa Requirements
To apply for a Dutch student visa, also known as the MVV (Provisional Residence Permit), students must meet the following requirements:
- Valid passport
- University Admission Letter
- Proof of tuition payment
- Proof of accommodation in the Netherlands
- Proof of funds: €11,000–€13,000 (bank statement for the last 3–6 months)
- Health insurance coverage
- Completed visa application form + photos
- Visa processing time: 2–4 weeks
FAQs
Is IELTS mandatory to study in the Netherlands?
No, IELTS is not mandatory. Many universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter instead.
What is the average tuition fee in the Netherlands for international students?
Public universities charge between €6,000 and €15,000 per year, depending on the program.
How much does it cost to live in the Netherlands as a student?
Living expenses range from €800 to €1,100 per month, covering accommodation, food, and utilities.
What are the minimum academic requirements for admission?
Generally, 12 years of education for bachelor’s, 16 for master’s, and 18 for doctoral programs.
How much bank statement is required for a Netherlands student visa?
Students must show proof of funds between €11,000 and €13,000 from the last 3–6 months.
What is the visa success rate for international students in the Netherlands?
The student visa success rate is approximately 96%, making it one of the highest in Europe.
Can I work part-time while studying in the Netherlands?
Yes, international students can work 16–20 hours per week during semesters and full-time in holidays.
Are scholarships available for international students in the Netherlands?
Yes, several scholarships such as Holland Scholarship, Erasmus+, and Orange Tulip are available.
How long does it take to process admission in Dutch universities?
Admission processing usually takes 4–8 weeks, depending on the university and program.
Which are the top universities in the Netherlands for international students?
Top universities in Netherlands for international students include:
- University of Amsterdam
- Delft University of Technology
- Leiden University
- Utrecht University.
