Study in the Netherlands
Research universities and universities of applied sciences with many English-taught bachelor’s degrees, applications through Studielink, and early deadlines for some courses.
For students starting in 2027. Last checked October 2026.
Key facts
- Tuition
- About €9,000 to €20,000 a year for non-EU bachelor’s students
- Money for the permit
- €1,130.77 a month for students in higher education in 2026; universities usually ask you to show one year (about €13,569)
- Student visa
- Entry visa (MVV) and residence permit, €254
- Bachelor’s degree
- 3 years (research universities) or 4 years (applied sciences)
- Master’s degree
- 1 to 2 years
- Main intake
- September 2027
- Work during study
- Either up to 16 hours a week during the year or full time in June, July and August, with a work permit (TWV) that your employer applies for
- How you apply
- Studielink, then each university’s own application
- After you graduate
- Orientation year: 12 months to look for work
Each figure is explained in full further down this guide.
Intakes and deadlines for 2027
1 October 2026
Studielink opened for 2027 entry.
15 January 2027
Deadline for numerus fixus programmes (limited places).
1 May 2027
General Studielink deadline for most other programmes. Many universities set earlier dates for non-EU applicants, often 1 April or before, to leave time for the visa.
Main intake
September 2027. A few programmes start in February.
- Master’s
- Usually between January and May 2027 for non-EU applicants.
Why students choose the Netherlands
English-taught bachelor’s
Dutch universities teach many bachelor’s and master’s programmes in English.
Two kinds of university
Research universities for academic study, universities of applied sciences for practical, career-focused degrees.
A year to find work
The orientation year (zoekjaar) gives you 12 months to look for work after you graduate.
How degrees and applications work
A bachelor’s takes three years at a research university (WO) and four at a university of applied sciences (HBO). A master’s takes one or two years.
You register through Studielink, the national portal, then complete each university’s own application. Some programmes have a fixed number of places (numerus fixus) and a selection procedure with an early deadline.
Once you are admitted and have paid, the university applies for your entry visa and residence permit for you.
Entry requirements
- IGCSE and A-Level
- Research universities usually ask for three A-Levels at grades A* to C plus IGCSEs (six subjects in total). Universities of applied sciences often accept two A-Levels.
- IB Diploma
- The IB Diploma; some programmes require Maths at a set level.
- American Diploma
- Research universities usually ask for a GPA of at least 3.0 plus three or four AP exams at grade 3 or above. Universities of applied sciences often accept the diploma with a good GPA.
- English
- IELTS Academic 6.5 is common at research universities, 6.0 at many universities of applied sciences.
Tuition and living costs
- Bachelor’s tuition
- About €9,000 to €20,000 a year for non-EU students.
- Master’s tuition
- About €12,000 to €30,000 a year.
- Money for the permit
- €1,130.77 a month for students in higher education in 2026; universities usually ask you to show one year (about €13,569).
- Application fees
- Some universities charge €75 to €100 to process your application.
Entry visa (MVV) and residence permit for study
- What you need
- An admission, proof of funds and your passport. The university, as your sponsor, applies to the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) for you; you then collect the entry visa at the Netherlands Embassy.
- Fee
- €254 for the residence permit (2026), usually paid through the university.
- Work during study
- Either up to 16 hours a week during the year or full time in June, July and August, with a work permit (TWV) that your employer applies for.
- After graduation
- Orientation year (zoekjaar): a 12-month permit to look for work, available within three years of graduating.
We prepare your visa file as part of our visa service, which is separate from your free first consultation. About visa services
Applying for a master’s
Dutch master’s programmes check that your bachelor’s matches their content closely. If it does not, you may need a pre-master first.
Scholarships
Universities offer a limited number of merit scholarships for non-EU students. The Holland Scholarship, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education and universities, gives a one-off grant in the first year to some students from outside the European Economic Area.
Across all our destinations: $15M+ in scholarships secured for our students over eight years. Your counsellor tells you which awards fit your profile and when to apply.
Sources: Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), Nuffic (Study in NL), Studielink and Dutch university admissions offices, October 2026. Ranges are typical and vary by university and course.
Common questions about studying in the Netherlands
How long is a degree in the Netherlands?
How do I apply to university in the Netherlands?
How much does it cost to study in the Netherlands?
Which student visa do I need for the Netherlands?
Can I stay and work in the Netherlands after I graduate?
Talk to a counsellor
Thinking about the Netherlands? Your first consultation is free, in one of our offices or online. Bring your latest grades and we will tell you where you stand.
We reply within 24 hours.