Can international students study in the Netherlands?

Yes. The Netherlands welcomes over 115,000 international students each year and offers more than 2,200 English-taught degree programmes — the largest number of any non-English-speaking country. Non-EEA students need a student visa (MVV) and residence permit (VVR) arranged through their Dutch university.

How much does it cost to study in the Netherlands for international students?

Non-EEA (international) students pay institutional tuition fees typically ranging from €8,000 to €20,000+ per year, depending on the university and programme. Living costs add approximately €10,000–€14,000 per year. EU/EEA students pay the statutory fee (wettelijk collegegeld), which is around €2,530 per year in 2025-2026.

What scholarships are available to study in the Netherlands?

The main scholarships for international students in the Netherlands include: the NL Scholarship (€5,000 one-time grant for non-EEA students), TU Delft Excellence Scholarship (fully funded), Leiden University Excellence Scholarship, Utrecht University Excellence Scholarship, Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship (fully funded), and the University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

Do I need IELTS to study in the Netherlands?

Most English-taught programmes at Dutch universities require IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80–90. Some universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter if your previous degree was entirely taught in English. Dutch-taught programmes require Dutch language certification (NT2).

Can international students work in the Netherlands while studying?

Yes. Non-EEA international students in the Netherlands are permitted to work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year, and full-time during official holiday periods. You do not need a separate work permit — your student residence permit covers part-time work. Your employer must apply for a work notification (TWV) on your behalf.

How do I apply for a student visa for the Netherlands?

Most non-EEA students need an MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) entry visa before travelling to the Netherlands, plus a VVR (Verblijfsvergunning Regulier) residence permit on arrival. Your Dutch university acts as your IND sponsor and handles most of the residence permit process. The MVV is applied for at the Dutch Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Processing takes approximately 4–8 weeks.

How to Study in the Netherlands as an International Student (2026 Complete Guide)

Admission Requirements for International Students in the Netherlands

Dutch universities attract applications from students worldwide, and the admission requirements are designed to be transparent. Here is what you typically need to apply for a Bachelor's or Master's programme at a Dutch university as an international student:

Bachelor's Degree Admission Requirements

🎓

Secondary School Diploma

Your national secondary education certificate equivalent to the Dutch VWO diploma (pre-university education). For most countries: A-levels (UK), Grade 12 certificate (Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana), High School Diploma + SAT (USA), HSC/SSC (Bangladesh, Pakistan), CBSE/ISC Class 12 (India), Gaokao (China).

🌍

English Language Proficiency

IELTS ≥ 6.0–6.5 overall (no band below 5.5–6.0) or TOEFL iBT ≥ 80–90. Some universities accept Cambridge C1/C2 Advanced. MOI letters accepted by some institutions if your secondary education was fully in English.

📊

Minimum Grade Average

No single national minimum, but competitive BSc programmes at research universities typically expect grades in the top 25–30% of your national system. Universities of applied sciences (hogescholen) are generally more accessible.

📝

Motivation Letter

A statement of purpose (500–1,000 words) explaining why you chose this programme and university. For the NL Scholarship, this doubles as your scholarship motivation letter (500 word max).

Master's Degree Admission Requirements

Relevant Bachelor's degree: A completed bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field. Most Dutch research universities require a minimum GPA equivalent to a Dutch "goed" (good) — roughly a B+ / 3.3 GPA or above.
English proficiency: IELTS ≥ 6.5 overall (with all bands ≥ 6.0) or TOEFL iBT ≥ 90–100 for most research university Master's programmes. Requirements are typically higher than Bachelor's level.
Motivation letter (max 500–1,000 words): Required by all institutions. For competitive programmes, this is a significant differentiator.
Two academic recommendation letters: From professors or supervisors at your previous institution. Written in English, on institutional letterhead.
CV / Resume (Europass format preferred): Listing your academic background, relevant work experience, research, publications, and skills.
Official academic transcripts: Covering all years of your bachelor's degree. Certified English translation required if originals are not in English, Dutch, German, or French.
Programme-specific extras: Some programmes require GRE/GMAT scores (primarily MBA, economics, and select STEM programmes), portfolio (arts/design), writing samples (humanities/law), or research proposals (research master's).

📋 How to apply: Studielink

Most Dutch university applications go through Studielink (studielink.nl) — the national Dutch higher education registration system. Some universities and international Master's programmes have their own portals (e.g. TU Delft's Osiris Aanmelding). Create your Studielink account, select your programme, and upload all required documents. You can apply to multiple Dutch universities simultaneously. Most Bachelor's programmes open applications in October–November with a May 1 deadline; Master's programmes vary widely by institution.

Tuition Fees in the Netherlands for International Students (2026)

The Netherlands has a two-tier tuition system. EU/EEA students pay a statutory fee (wettelijk collegegeld) set by the government — approximately €2,530 per year in 2025-2026. Non-EEA international students pay an institutional fee set individually by each university, which is significantly higher.

University	BSc (non-EEA/yr)	MSc (non-EEA/yr)
TU Delft	€11,074	€14,000–€18,000
University of Amsterdam (UvA)	€9,800–€12,400	€12,000–€16,500
Leiden University	€11,250	€14,000–€17,000
Utrecht University	€10,500	€13,500–€16,000
Erasmus University Rotterdam	€9,500	€12,500–€18,000
University of Groningen	€9,800	€12,500–€16,000
Maastricht University	€9,400	€12,500–€17,500
Radboud University	€10,200	€13,500–€16,500
VU Amsterdam	€9,500	€12,000–€15,500
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)	€11,800	€15,000–€18,500
University of Twente	€11,000	€14,000–€17,500
Wageningen University & Research	€11,200	€14,000–€17,000
Hogescholen (avg)	€7,500–€10,500	€8,500–€12,000

*Approximate figures for 2025-2026. Always verify exact fees on the university's official website. Fees vary significantly by specific programme.

⚠️ EU/EEA tuition vs non-EEA tuition

EU and EEA citizens pay only ~€2,530/year (the statutory fee) — roughly 5–7x less than non-EEA students for the same programme. If you hold dual nationality (one EEA), your EEA passport qualifies you for the statutory fee rate, even if you primarily identify with your other nationality. This is a significant financial difference worth planning around.

Cost of Living in the Netherlands for International Students

The Netherlands is more affordable than the UK but more expensive than most of Eastern Europe or Southeast Asia. Amsterdam and Utrecht are the priciest cities; Groningen, Twente, and Maastricht are meaningfully cheaper. Budget approximately €1,000–€1,400 per month for a comfortable student life, depending on the city.

Monthly Cost Breakdown — International Student in the Netherlands

🏠 Accommodation €450–€900/mo

Depending on city, shared or private room. University-managed housing (DUWO, SSH) is cheaper but competitive. Apply immediately after admission.

🍔 Food & Groceries €200–€350/mo

Supermarkets (Albert Heijn, Lidl, Jumbo) are well-priced. Cooking at home vs eating out makes a significant difference.

🚲 Transport €80–€150/mo

The Netherlands runs on bicycles — buy one for €80–€150 secondhand (Marktplaats.nl). Public transport (OV-chipkaart) for longer routes. Many Dutch cities are fully cycleable.

💊 Health Insurance €100–€150/mo

Mandatory if you work in NL or earn local income. Specific international student health insurance from AON/AON-CNA is popular. Check with your university's international office.

📱 Phone & Internet €20–€40/mo

SIM-only plans (KPN, Vodafone, Lebara) from €10/month. Campus WiFi typically covers most study needs.

📚 Books & Supplies €50–€100/mo

Many Dutch universities use Canvas (LMS) with digital textbooks. Some programmes have significant material costs.

🎭 Leisure & Social €80–€150/mo

Museums, cinema, student clubs, travel. Student discounts (Museumkaart, OV-studentenkaart) reduce costs significantly.

💰 Total estimated monthly budget €980–€1,890

Annual estimate (10 months) €9,800–€18,900/yr

🚲 The bicycle advantage

The Netherlands is the world's most cycling-friendly country — 99% of Dutch cities have dedicated cycle paths everywhere. A secondhand bicycle (€80–€150 from Marktplaats.nl or local flea markets) eliminates most of your transport costs. It's also the fastest way to get around Dutch cities. Buy one in the first week.

Dutch Student Visa Guide — How to Get Your MVV & Residence Permit

Non-EEA students need two documents to legally study in the Netherlands: an MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) entry visa, and a VVR (Verblijfsvergunning Regulier) residence permit. The good news: your Dutch university handles most of the paperwork for you as your IND-recognised sponsor.

Receive your admission offer

Accept your admission and inform the international office that you need visa sponsorship. Your university registers with the IND (Dutch Immigration Service) as your recognised sponsor.

University submits IND application

Your university submits the residence permit application (VVR) to the IND on your behalf. You will receive a reference number to track the status.

Apply for MVV at Dutch Embassy

Once the IND approves your permit (4–8 weeks), you apply for your MVV entry visa at the Dutch Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Bring your IND approval letter, passport, acceptance letter, proof of funds, and passport photos.

Travel to the Netherlands

Enter the Netherlands on your MVV. You typically have 90 days to enter after MVV issuance.

Collect residence permit on arrival

Within 3 days of arrival, report to your university's international office. They arrange for you to collect your VVR residence permit card (usually within 2 weeks of arrival) from the IND desk.

Within 5 days of finding a permanent address, register at your local Gemeente (municipality) to receive your BSN (Citizen Service Number). You need this for your bank account, health insurance, and everything official.

MVV Exemptions — Do You Need an MVV?

Citizens of certain countries are exempt from the MVV requirement and can enter the Netherlands visa-free to collect their residence permit on arrival. MVV-exempt nationalities include Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, USA, UK (post-Brexit, UK nationals still need a residence permit for stays over 90 days but are MVV-exempt). Check the official IND website (ind.nl) for the current exemption list — it changes periodically.

Document	What it is	Who applies?
MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf)	A visa sticker in your passport allowing you to enter the Netherlands	You, at the Dutch Embassy/Consulate in your home country
VVR (Verblijfsvergunning Regulier)	Your residence permit card — allows you to legally live & study in NL	Your university submits to IND; you collect it in NL
IND Approval Letter	Confirms IND has approved your residence permit	IND sends to your university; you receive a copy
BSN (BurgerServiceNummer)	Your Dutch citizen service number — required for everything official	Municipality (Gemeente) office after you register your address

Can International Students Work in the Netherlands?

Yes — and this is one of the Netherlands' biggest advantages for international students compared to many other European countries. Non-EEA students on a Dutch student residence permit are allowed to work in the Netherlands, with the following conditions:

⏱️

16 Hours / Week

During academic year

Non-EEA students may work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year (September–June). This is a significant allowance — at Dutch minimum wage (~€14.06/hour in 2025), 16 hours/week generates approximately €900/month before tax.

☀️

Full-Time in Holidays

June, July, August

During official Dutch summer holiday periods (June, July, August), international students may work full-time without the 16-hour restriction — as long as the total work does not impact your studies.

📋

No Separate Work Permit (TWV) Needed for You

Your employer handles it

You do not apply for a work permit yourself. Your employer must apply for a TWV (Tewerkstellingsvergunning) — a work notification — from the UWV on your behalf. This is the employer's responsibility, not yours.

💶

Dutch Minimum Wage

~€14.06/hour (2025)

The Netherlands enforces a robust minimum wage — €14.06 gross/hour for students aged 21+ in 2025. Many student jobs in hospitality, retail, and campus work pay this or above. Income tax applies from the first euro, but the annual exemption threshold means most part-time student income is taxed lightly.

Where Do International Students Work in the Netherlands?

University campus jobs: Student assistant (student-assistent) roles in faculties, libraries, IT support, student services. Often advertised on the university's career portal.
Hospitality: Cafés, restaurants, and bars — especially in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and other major cities. English is widely spoken; Dutch fluency is not required for many roles.
Retail: Supermarkets (Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl), clothing stores, and shopping centres. Many hire international students and offer flexible scheduling around classes.
Freelance / Online: Permitted if properly registered as a ZZP (self-employed) with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK). Freelance income counts toward the 16-hour equivalent limit.
Internships (stage): Formal internships that are a mandatory part of your curriculum are not counted toward the 16-hour work limit and do not require a TWV.

Top Dutch Universities for International Students

The Netherlands has 14 research universities (universiteiten) and over 35 universities of applied sciences (hogescholen). Here are the top Dutch universities by international reputation and their strengths for international students:

University	City	Known For	QS World
Utrecht University	Utrecht	Broad research · Life sciences · Social sciences · #1 in NL	~200
University of Amsterdam (UvA)	Amsterdam	Social sciences · Economics · Humanities · Media	~58
Leiden University	Leiden	Law · Governance · Humanities · Sciences · Founded 1575	~176
TU Delft	Delft	Engineering · Architecture · Aerospace · Civil · Top 3 in Europe	~184
Erasmus University Rotterdam	Rotterdam	Economics · Business · Law · Medicine	~253
University of Groningen	Groningen	Broad · STEM · Law · Theology · Pharmacy	~186
Wageningen University	Wageningen	Agriculture · Food science · Environmental · #1 globally in field	~147
VU Amsterdam	Amsterdam	Sciences · Business · Theology · Humanities	~647
Radboud University	Nijmegen	Medical sciences · Behavioural science · Law	~301
Maastricht University	Maastricht	Problem-based learning · Law · Health sciences · Business	~326
TU Eindhoven (TU/e)	Eindhoven	Industrial design · Electrical engineering · Data science	~269
University of Twente	Enschede	Technical + social science · Engineering · Business IT	~394
Tilburg University	Tilburg	Law · Economics · Business · Social sciences	~501

*QS World University Rankings 2025. Rankings are approximate and change annually.

Frequently Asked Questions — Studying in the Netherlands as an International Student

Is the Netherlands a good country to study in as an international student?

Absolutely. The Netherlands consistently ranks among the top destinations for international students globally. Key advantages: 2,200+ English-taught programmes (the most of any non-English-speaking country), highly research-intensive universities in the global top 200, a vibrant international student community, strong post-study career prospects (the Netherlands has the highest graduate employment rate in the EU), and a relatively welcoming immigration policy that allows part-time work during studies.

Do I need to learn Dutch to study in the Netherlands?

For English-taught programmes: no. The Netherlands has more English-taught degree programmes than any other non-English-speaking country, and English is very widely spoken in Dutch cities — you can live your entire student life in English. For Dutch-taught programmes (mostly at hogescholen), you will need Dutch language certification. Learning basic Dutch is always appreciated and opens more social and job opportunities.

How do I find student accommodation in the Netherlands?

Start as early as possible — housing in Dutch university cities (especially Amsterdam, Leiden, Utrecht, and Delft) is extremely competitive. Apply for university-managed student housing (DUWO, SSH, XIOR) immediately after receiving your admission offer. Private alternatives include Kamernet, HousingAnywhere, and Facebook housing groups for your specific city. Budget €450–€700/month for a student room; Amsterdam and Utrecht are pricier.

Can I stay in the Netherlands after graduating?

Yes — the Netherlands offers an Orientation Year permit (Zoekjaar) specifically for graduates from Dutch universities. After completing a degree, you can apply for a 1-year job search permit, which allows you to work and look for employment. If you find a qualifying job, you can transition to a regular work residence permit. The Netherlands is also one of the easiest EU countries to build a path to permanent residency from student status.

What is the healthcare system like for international students in the Netherlands?

The Dutch healthcare system (Zorgverzekering) is high quality and internationally renowned. If you are employed in the Netherlands (including part-time student jobs), you are legally required to take out Dutch health insurance (zorgverzekering) within 4 months of starting work. Many universities offer group insurance plans through AON-CNA Student Insurance. The government provides a healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) to lower-income residents — worth €100–€150/month — which students with jobs may qualify for.

Is English widely spoken in the Netherlands?

Yes — the Netherlands consistently ranks in the top 3 countries globally for English proficiency as a second language (EF English Proficiency Index). In major university cities, you will have no difficulty living, studying, and working entirely in English. Public signs, menus, and most services in cities are bilingual or English-friendly.

What are the post-study work options in the Netherlands?

After graduating, you can apply for the Zoekjaar (Orientation Year) permit — a 1-year residence permit allowing you to look for work in the Netherlands. You are allowed to work full-time during this year. The permit is renewable only once. If you find employment with a recognised sponsor company or apply for the highly-skilled migrant permit (kennismigrant), you can transition to long-term residence. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you may apply for permanent residency.

Ready to Apply for a Netherlands Scholarship?

Start with the NL Scholarship — the most accessible Dutch award open to all non-EEA nationalities — then layer on a university excellence grant for maximum funding.

NL Scholarship Guide → Official Study in NL ↗

How to Study in the Netherlands
as an International Student

Netherlands Scholarships for International Students 2026

Admission Requirements for International Students in the Netherlands

Bachelor's Degree Admission Requirements

Master's Degree Admission Requirements

Tuition Fees in the Netherlands for International Students (2026)

Cost of Living in the Netherlands for International Students

Dutch Student Visa Guide — How to Get Your MVV & Residence Permit

MVV Exemptions — Do You Need an MVV?

Can International Students Work in the Netherlands?

Where Do International Students Work in the Netherlands?

Top Dutch Universities for International Students

Frequently Asked Questions — Studying in the Netherlands as an International Student

Ready to Apply for a Netherlands Scholarship?

Istiak Bin Razzak Abid

All Netherlands Scholarship Guides

How to Study in the Netherlands as an International Student

Netherlands Scholarships for International Students 2026

Admission Requirements for International Students in the Netherlands

Bachelor's Degree Admission Requirements

Master's Degree Admission Requirements

Tuition Fees in the Netherlands for International Students (2026)

Cost of Living in the Netherlands for International Students

Dutch Student Visa Guide — How to Get Your MVV & Residence Permit

MVV Exemptions — Do You Need an MVV?

Can International Students Work in the Netherlands?

Where Do International Students Work in the Netherlands?

Top Dutch Universities for International Students

Frequently Asked Questions — Studying in the Netherlands as an International Student

Ready to Apply for a Netherlands Scholarship?

Istiak Bin Razzak Abid

All Netherlands Scholarship Guides

Never Miss a Scholarship Deadline.

How to Study in the Netherlands
as an International Student