The cost of studying in the Netherlands is more affordable than many other English-speaking countries, like the US and the UK.
5 Dutch universities feature in the Times Higher Education top 100 (2025), and 2 in the QS World top 100.
There are numerous part-time jobs available for students while studying and they help them cover their living costs in the country.
Students have many scholarships to choose from to cover their living costs in the country.
The Netherlands is home to several internationally acclaimed businesses, including Heineken, KLM, Shell, ING, Philips, and Unilever.
The Netherlands is the “Gateway to Europe” so you have excellent opportunities to travel through Europe!
More than 90% of Dutch people speak English and consider it their second language.
The education system here is globally recognised, making it a preferred choice to study in Netherlands for Indian students.
The Netherlands is one of the popular study-abroad destinations for international students. There were 131,004 international degree students enrolled in the Netherlands in 2024/25 from 168 countries, including Germany, Belgium, China, Spain, and Italy, choose this country for their higher education. Universities in the Netherlands provide world-class education and are ranked among the best in the world.
Although Dutch is the national language, the country has the first highest proficiency of English in the European continent. Almost 95% Dutch population can speak English, which makes this country international student-friendly.
As a result, many Dutch universities provide the largest number of English-taught programs in Continental Europe. The Netherlands also ranks top in work-life balance and performs well in various other parameters such as jobs & earnings, housing, education & skills, environmental quality & health status.
1. Home to Diverse Cultures
If you wish to be around different cultures, Netherlands is the place to be. The country caters to various international students from over 168 countries globally. Being surrounded by many cultures allows international students to learn new things about various countries and helps them to adjust better.
2. Helps Students Develop Career Skills
One of the key factors about studying in the Netherlands is the approach towards educating international students. Based on any degree level or course program chosen, the Netherlands’ academic syllabus is designed to meet the current market’s expectations. For instance, all business programs at Netherlands universities are created considering what the current business market needs and what they are looking for from a graduate.
Keeping this in mind, tutors in Netherlands are curating their learning techniques on this same route. For instance, more practical learning and independent research are conducted during classes to equip students to take on any roles after graduation.
3. Considered among the Happiest Country
According to the World Happiness Report 2024, Netherlands ranks sixth on the list of the happiest countries in the world. The country has always tended to its residents and has taken several actions for their happiness and well-being, such as:
4. Speak Various Languages
The best part about living in the Netherlands is the country’s fluency in several languages. While Dutch remains the local language, other languages include English, French and German. In fact, most Netherland universities have English as their language of instruction for international students.
Learning a new language helps foreign aspirants engage with the locals better, find a job easily, and create an impressive resume that will impact future job roles.
5. Boosts Student Travels
If you like travelling, the Netherlands is the perfect place to pack your bags and travel anytime. The country has multiple places for students to explore. You can hop on a flight or train to reach your destination safely. The best part about the Netherlands is that, since it is situated in the heart of Europe, you have more places to explore there.
Here are the top places to visit when staying in the Netherlands:
Higher education in the Netherlands is offered by two types of institutes – the research universities (universiteiten; WO) and universities of applied sciences (hogescholen; HBO). The universities of applied sciences comprise all general institutions, as well as institutions that specialize in a particular field of study such as fine and performing arts, agriculture, and educational training.
However, the research universities comprise general universities, as well as technical universities. These study institutions offer bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees.
Bachelor’s Programs
An HBO bachelor’s program requires students to complete 240 credits or 4 years to obtain the title of Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Laws (LLB), or any degree in their field of study. On the other hand, the WO bachelor’s program requires a student to complete 180 credits or 3 years to obtain a degree in BA, BSc, and LLB, depending on the discipline.
These structured programs provide a solid academic foundation and prepare students for further studies or entry into the professional world. Both HBO and WO bachelor’s programs in the Netherlands emphasize a practical and interactive approach to education, often incorporating internships or real-world projects to enhance students’ hands-on learning experience.
Masters Programs
An HBO master’s program requires the students to complete 60 credits/1 year or 120 credits/2 years and after this the graduates are awarded a degree depending on their field of study, ex. Master of Social Work. A WO master’s program requires students to complete 60 credits/1 year or 120 credits/2 years to obtain the degree.
Some programs may also require 90 credits/1.5 years or above 120 credits/2 years for completion. Mathematics, agriculture, engineering, and natural sciences are a few disciplines that require 120 credits while pharmacy or veterinary medicine are few disciplines that require 180 credit/3 years for completion. The students are awarded Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), and Master of Laws, depending on their chosen field of study.
PhD Programs
A doctorate, also known as a PhD, is the highest degree offered by research universities. Pursuing a PhD typically takes around four years to complete. During this time, doctoral candidates engage in advanced research under the guidance of experienced faculty members. The doctoral journey involves conducting original research, publishing scholarly work, attending conferences, and defending a dissertation that contributes to the existing body of knowledge in their field.
The Netherlands is renowned for its strong academic environment, supportive infrastructure, and collaborative research networks, making it an attractive destination for aspiring scholars and researchers seeking to pursue a doctoral degree. In addition to conducting cutting-edge research, doctoral candidates in the Netherlands often have opportunities to teach undergraduate courses.
There are four types of higher education institutes in the Netherlands. They are as given below:
Research Universities (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO): These universities offer research-oriented education in subject areas like engineering, agriculture, and so on. There are 13 publicly-funded research universities in the Netherlands, plus the Open University, making 14 in total. Some of the major ones include Amsterdam University College, University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit.
Universities of Applied Sciences: These universities offer degrees in common subjects and specialized subjects such as pedagogy, art, agriculture, and so on. There are currently 36 universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands.
Institutes for International Education: These are small groups of educational institutes targeting foreigners. They offer English-taught programs in social, environmental, and economic sciences. There are five major institutes and various small institutes offering international education for students.
University Colleges: University Colleges are highly selective programmes ideal for academically strong students who want a broad, interdisciplinary education before specialising.
German universities assess the academic performance of students through grade point average (GPA) system. If you get grade 1, it means you have successfully cleared 90-100% of the tasks required to complete the course. If you get grade 6, your performance is not satisfied.
| Scale | UK Grade | US Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.00 | A+ | A+ | Outstanding |
| 9.5 | A+ | A+ | Outstanding |
| 9 | A+ | A+ | Very Good |
| 8.5 | A+ | A+ | Very Good |
| 8 | A/A- | A | Good |
| 7.5 | B+ | A/A- | Good |
| 7 | B | B+ | More than Satisfactory |
| 6.5 | C+ | B | More than Satisfactory |
| 6 | C/D | B-/C | Satisfactory |
| 5.5 | C/D | B-/C | Satisfactory |
| 5 | F | F | Almost Satisfactory |
| 4 | F | F | Unsatisfactory |
| 3 | F | F | Very Unsatisfactory |
| 2 | F | F | Poor |
| 1 | F | F | Very Poor |
You can be assured that pursuing a course in Netherlands is worth the academic investment for this simple reason. All courses designed in Netherlands exhibit one clear goal; ensuring that international students develop those skills and knowledge needed as per the current market needs.
Students receive an enhanced course learning experience since the curriculum isn’t limited to educating them on the course alone, but also covers crucial concepts that equips them to perform their professional duties.
Pursuing a course in Netherlands has multiple benefits, such as:
Courses in Netherlands are updated regularly undergoing frequent quality checks by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.
Course structures in Netherlands focus on challenging students and encouraging them to independently find innovative solutions to issues.
All courses offered in Netherlands benefit students in two ways, helping them pursue higher education in their chosen specialization and equip them to work as per their job role.
Netherland universities also allow students to choose a range of course topics and electives to customize their course learning experience as per their academic interests.
Netherlands is widely recognised for pursuing a range of courses. However, with the growing demand for certain academic fields, a few courses have become increasingly popular. Here is an overview:
1. Engineering
2. Financial Services
3. Technology
4. Medicine
5. Education
Apart from the above, there are also several other courses which you can pursue in Netherlands, such as:
1. Business
2. Computer Sciences
3. Natural Sciences
4. Social Sciences
Netherlands has become a prime choice to pursue higher studies since the courses offered help train students to become what the current market expects from new graduates on a professional scale. Due to this, overseas graduates in the Netherlands find it easy to apply for and secure their dream jobs.
The Netherlands is home to a few of the world-renowned universities and below is the list of the top universities as per QS Top University Rankings 2025.
| Universities Name | Type of University |
|---|---|
| Delft University of Technology | Public University |
| Breda University of Applied Science | Private University |
| Maastricht University | Public University |
| University of Amsterdam | Public University |
| Radboud University | Public University |
| The Hague University of Applied Science | Public University |
| University of Groningen | Public University |
| Wageningen University and Research | Public University |
| University of Twente | Public University |
| Utrecht University | Public University |
The following are some popular universities in the Netherlands that require no IELTS/TOEFL score and allow students to seek admission with alternate exam scores.
Step 1: Make a list of study programs and institutes you would like to pursue your course.
Step 2: Check the individual websites of these institutes to check the application process and deadline. Many numerus fixus programs follow an application deadline of January 15 and other programs follow a deadline of May 1. Universities receive a large number of applications from international students for some popular bachelor’s programs, which may get overwhelming at times. So, to avoid overcrowding, many leading universities fix a certain number of admissions quotas known as numerus fixus. A student can submit a maximum of two applications for a particular degree program at two different universities. Many programs such as dentistry, medicine, physiotherapy, and dental hygiene would accept only one application. It means, a student can only submit one application for physiotherapy or dentistry at one university and cannot apply to a second university.
Step 3: Arrange all required documents needed for the application. Most universities require you to submit mark sheets, a portfolio of previous work experience, a letter of motivation, a recommendation letter, and so on.
Step 4: Apply through Studelink portal. This is the official application portal for programs at higher education institutes in the Netherlands. It allows you to apply for a maximum of four courses at a time. However, some institutes may use a different portal or their individual websites. So, before applying you need to check on the university or institute website whether you need to apply through the Studelink portal or their own website.
Step 5: You have to wait for several weeks before the application is accepted. If you receive an offer, you have to accept it within two weeks and pay the tuition fee through Studelink. If you do not accept the offer within two weeks, the place will be automatically assigned to another student.
Basic Criteria for the UG Degrees include
To be admitted to the UG degree, a student must:
Complete the upper secondary certificate from a recognized institute in their home country
Indian students typically require 70–75% or above in Class 12 board exams. While 60% is the stated minimum, competitive research university programmes may require higher scores. Requirements vary by institution and programme.
Possess a valid school leaving certificate
Prove proficiency in English or Dutch, depending on the language of instruction chosen
Basic Criteria for the PG Degrees
To be admitted to the PG degree, a student must:
Possess a bachelor’s degree in any relative field
Possess an average GPA score of 7.5 or higher on a 10.0 scale
GRE and GMAT are not universally required. GRE (typically 300–320 minimum) may be required for some STEM research programmes. GMAT is required for MBA and select business programmes. Most engineering, science, and humanities master’s programmes do not require either test.
English proficiency requirement: IELTS 6.0–7.5 (typically 6.5 for most research university programmes) or TOEFL iBT 80–110 (typically 90+). Requirements vary by university and programme — always verify on the official programme page.
Motivational Letter
Results of TOEFL or IELTS
Mark sheets of Standard X, XII, and the bachelor’s degree
GMAT or GRE score (as applicable)
Resume or CV
Passport
Bank statements and proof of financial coverage for your entire study timeline
Fall / Autumn Intake
The first intake usually starts in September. Most leading universities in the Netherlands offer maximum courses in this intake, which is why it is popular with international students. Let us look at the timeline for this intake.
March – April of the previous year: Research the universities, courses, application deadlines and start arranging the required documents.
May – June: Appear for English proficiency exams and standardized exams like GRE and GMAT or any other exam as per the course requirement. It is always better to appear for these exams a little earlier because you may be required to re-test if the scores are low.
July – September: Work on your essays, resume, transcripts and other documents.
October – December: Start applying to the colleges with all necessary documents through Studelink.
January – March: If your application is accepted, then an offer of placement will be sent. You have to accept it within two weeks and pay the tuition fee through Studelink. If you do not accept the offer within two weeks, the place will be a
April – June : Start applying for the VISA as soon as you receive the acceptance letter. This is also the time to arrange for your finances, like applying for student loans or scholarships.
August / September: Prepare to start your semester in the Netherlands.
Winter Intake
The intake usually starts in February, and is less competitive than the Autumn intake. Note, not many universities have a spring intake. Let us look at the timeline for this intake.
October – November of the previous year: Research the universities, courses, application deadlines and start arranging the required documents.
December – February: Appear for English proficiency exams and standardized exams like GRE and GMAT or any other exam as per the course requirement. It is always better to appear for these exams a little earlier because you may be required to re-test if the scores are low.
March – May: Work on your essays, resume, transcripts and other documents.
June – July: Start applying to the colleges with all necessary documents through Studelink.
August – October: If your application is accepted, then an offer of placement will be sent. You have to accept it within two weeks and pay the tuition fee through Studelink. If you do not accept the offer within two weeks, the place will be automatically assigned to another student.
October – December: Start applying for the VISA as soon as you receive the acceptance letter. This is also the time to arrange for your finances, like applying for student loans or scholarships.
January / February: Prepare to start your semester in the Netherlands.
Here we have included the average annual cost of education in EUR (€). Actual values may differ across cities and universities in the Netherlands.
Types of Expenses (Annual) | Expenses in EUR
If you are an Indian student planning to study in the Netherlands, you may require a student VISA. You can make a VISA application following these steps:
Confirm your place at the university. Your host university should immediately start the VISA application process.
Submit all required documents for the VISA application process to the university.
When the university receives the documents, the application will be sent to the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
You will be informed of the application status by the university. The VISA processing time lasts for a month.
Once IND approves the VISA, you can seek an appointment with Dutch Consulate General or Embassy in your country for the Provisional Residence Permit (MVV). This must be collected from the embassy within three months of your application being approved by the university. The validity of MVV is three months and is not extendable.
If you are planning to study in the Netherlands for more than 3 months, then you should apply for a residence permit. Your photo and fingerprints will be taken at the embassy when you go to collect the MVV VISA at the embassy. Your biometric information will be sent to the IND for processing your residence permit card.
The residence permit card can be collected from the IND office after arriving in the Netherlands. This residence permit card stands valid for the entire course duration.
Language proficiency test requirements
The universities in the Netherlands offer courses in English. To be accepted, you must submit scores of the following English language tests.
IELTS: The International English Language Testing System assesses English language proficiency for study, work, or migration purposes.
TOEFL iBT: The Test of English as a Foreign Language measures English language skills for academic purposes, commonly required for university admissions.
Cambridge English: A range of exams offered by Cambridge Assessment English to assess English language proficiency for various purposes and proficiency levels.
If you are seeking admission to Dutch language programs, then you need to submit the scores for the following Dutch language tests.
NT2: The Dutch as a Second Language Exam evaluates proficiency in Dutch language skills for non-native speakers.
CNaVT: The Certificaat Nederlands als Vreemde Taal is a proficiency test for Dutch as a foreign language, assessing language skills at different levels.
Standardized Test Requirement
GRE: The Graduate Record Examination is a standardized test for admissions to graduate programs, assessing verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.
GMAT: The Graduate Management Admission Test is a standardized exam used in admissions to business programs, evaluating analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative, and verbal skills.
The following are some popular scholarships available to international students in the Netherlands.
1. Holland Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, along with several universities of applied sciences and Dutch research universities, to international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who wish to pursue their bachelor’s or master’s degree in the Netherlands.
The scholarship does not cover full tuition fees but provides an amount of €5,000 to students in their first year. Based on merit, students may receive up to three Holland scholarships, amounting to a maximum of €15,000.
2. Orange Tulip Scholarship Programme (OTS)
This scholarship program is managed by the Netherlands Education Support Offices (Nesos) and is awarded to students from India and Indonesia to study in the Netherlands.
3. Anne van den Ban Scholarship
This is a Netherlands government-funded scholarship program awarded to female students wishing to pursue a short course, Ph.D., or master’s degree in the Netherlands.
4. Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)
This Netherlands government-funded scholarship supports students who wish to pursue short courses or master’s programs in Dutch institutions that offer OKP-qualified programs.
5. Erasmus University Holland Scholarship
Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science and Erasmus University Rotterdam, this scholarship is awarded to students outside the EEA applying for full-time undergraduate or graduate programs at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
Eligible students may receive €5,000, €10,000, or €15,000 per year, depending on their faculty’s decision.
After completing your studies in the Netherlands, you can stay back through the following residence permits:
On-Campus Part-time Jobs:
Teaching Assistant
Library Supervisor
Peer Tutor
Department Assistant
Off-Campus Part – Time Jobs:
Waiter
Cashier
Delivery executive
Cook
This section features the highest-paying careers in Netherlands along with their annual average salaries in EUR (€).
Yes, Indian students can work part-time in the Netherlands while studying. However, the employer must apply for a work permit (TWV) on the student’s behalf.
On average, students can earn around €8 to €15 per hour, depending on the type of job, location, and experience. Monthly earnings can range between €400 to €1,200, based on working hours.
The visa/residence permit processing usually takes around 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the university and immigration workload.
Yes, the Netherlands is considered one of the safest countries in Europe. It has a welcoming environment, good public transport, and strong student support services.
In most cases, PhD students in the Netherlands are treated as employees, not regular students. Therefore, they usually do not pay tuition fees and may receive a monthly salary.
Yes, the Netherlands is home to many global companies such as:
