Study in Netherlands: Top Universities, Scholarships, Cost

Study In Netherlands

Important Facts About Netherlands

The cost of studying in the Netherlands is more affordable than many other English-speaking countries like the US and the UK.
7 universities from the Netherlands feature in the top 100 rankings.
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.

Why Study in Netherlands?

The Netherlands is one of the popular study-abroad destinations for international students. Every year more than 90,000 students from 157 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 second 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 157 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 2023, Netherlands ranks fifth 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:

Providing better mental health support
Making healthcare affordable
Providing cheaper tuition fees to make education accessible to everyone
Increasing the immigration count and welcoming them with open minds and heart
Having no room for corrupt laws
Giving the ability to residents to live the way they wish without any judgements, etc.

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:

Explore the vast nightlife in Groningen
Visit the historical places in Amsterdam
Join the music culture in Rotterdam, etc.

Education System 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.

Grading System In the Netherlands

The universities in Netherlands use grades from 10 to 1 to indicate students’ performance in university exams. Grade 10 is the highest grade awarded to a student, and 1 is the lowest grade. This grading system was introduced in the 19th century. A grade of 10 is only awarded to a student if they achieve an absolute perfection, which is very rare. A grade of 9 is also rarely awarded; however, grade 8 is considered excellent. Similarly, grades 1, 2, and 3 are rarely awarded to students. The table below offers insights on the grading system in the Netherlands and comparable grades from the UK and US.

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	D	D	Satisfactory
5	F	F	Almost Satisfactory
4	F	F	Unsatisfactory
3	F	F	Very Unsatisfactory
2	F	F	Poor
1	F	F	Very Poor

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Types Of Educational Institutes In the Netherlands

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 currently 14 research universities in the country. 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 39 universities of applied sciences in the country.

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: These are colleges attached to Dutch universities and offer degrees in general subject areas. The colleges are best for students who aren’t clear about the type of degrees they must take in the future.

Top Courses to Study in the Netherlands for Indian Students

Some of the best courses in the Netherlands for international students are:

Popular Universities to Study In the Netherlands for Indian Students

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 2022/23.

University	QS University Rankings 2022	QS University Rankings 2023
University of Amsterdam	55	58
Delft University of Technology	57	61
Utrecht University	110	112
Leiden University	112	131
Wageningen University & Research	123	124
Eindhoven University of Technology	125	138
University of Groningen	128	145
Erasmus University Rotterdam	179	208
University of Twente	189	212
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam	209	214
Radboud University	220	232
Maastricht University	233	278
Tilburg University	356	356

Popular Universities in the Netherlands That Require No IELTS/TOEFL

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.

University of Amsterdam

Delft University of Technology

University of Groningen

Leiden University

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Utrecht University

Eindhoven University of Technology

Following are the commonly accepted English proficiency tests to study in the Netherlands for Indian students:

Cambridge Assessment English (CAE)
C1 Advanced, or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
C2 Proficiency, or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE)
Duolingo English Test (DET)

If you are opting for courses in Dutch, here are few proficiency exams you can opt for:

Staatsexamen Nederlands als Tweede Taal (NT2)
Certificaat Nederlands als Vreemde Taal (CNaVT)

Popular Cost-Effective Universities In the Netherlands

The tuition fees in the Netherlands are lower than in many other European countries like the UK. However, it is more expensive than in countries like Belgium, Germany, and so on. The Dutch universities charge two types of fees – institutional tuition fees and statutory tuition fees. All Dutch students and students from EU/EEA countries and Suriname must pay statutory fees. However, international students have to pay institutional fees. These institutional fees tend to be higher. International students have to pay institutional fees from € 6000 to € 15000 in tuition fees. However, the cheapest universities may charge them anything between € 6000 to € 12000 in tuition fees.

Listed below are some of the cost-effective universities in the Netherlands:

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

Admission Process To Study In the Netherlands for Indian Students

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.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Requirements

Basic Criteria for the UG Degrees include:

To be admitted to the UG degree, a student must:

Complete 12 years of secondary education in home country
Complete the upper secondary certificate from a recognized institute in their home country
Have a minimum score of 60% in the senior secondary school certificate examination, however, this requirement may vary across institutes and subject areas
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
Have a minimum GRE score of 310 to 330 or a GMAT score of 600
Submit a proof of English proficiency – IELTS -6.5; TOEFL – 90

In Addition to the Above, the Students Must Submit the Following Documents

Intakes In the Netherlands

The universities in the Netherlands majorly follow two intakes – Fall (Autumn) and Winter.

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 automatically assigned to another student.
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.

Cost Of Studying In the Netherlands for Indian Students

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
Tuition Fees	€6000 - €15000 for bachelor’s programs and €8000-€20,000 for master’s programs at public universities Private University Fees: Up to €30,000 for Bachelor’s Programs (for four years) and Master’s Programs at some private universities
Living expenses including accommodation, food, transportation	€9600 - €14,400

Types of Expenses (Annual)

Expenses in EUR

Tuition Fees

€6000 - €15000 for bachelor’s programs and €8000-€20,000 for master’s programs at public universities

Private University Fees: Up to €30,000 for Bachelor’s Programs (for four years) and Master’s Programs at some private universities

Living expenses including accommodation, food, transportation

€9600 - €14,400

Types Of Student Visas In the Netherlands

The following are a few popular types of student visas for the Netherlands:

Long-Stay Student VISA

This VISA is a comprehensive student VISA designed for individuals pursuing graduate and postgraduate programs in the Netherlands, serving as both a student VISA and a residence permit, allowing students to reside in the country for a period of up to five years.

Short-Stay Student VISA

This VISA is specifically designed for individuals planning to enroll in short-term courses, including language courses for learning Dutch, which typically have a duration of three months or 90 days.

Intra-EU Mobility VISA

This VISA allows students to study across EFTA/EU countries without the need for separate visas for each country, promoting seamless mobility and exchange within the European higher education system.

Student VISA for Secondary & Vocational Courses

This VISA for secondary and vocational courses is specifically tailored for students who are aiming to pursue secondary education or vocational programs in the country.

Netherlands Student VISA Process

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.

The Following Are the Documents Required to Submit for Your VISA Application

Best Student Cities In Netherlands

The best student cities in the Netherlands for international students are:

Nijmegen

The Hague

Tilburg

Eindhoven

Delft

Utrecht

Rotterdam

Leiden

Amsterdam

Groningen

Exams to Study in Netherlands for Indian Students

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 Requirements

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.

Government and Non-Government Scholarships to Study In Netherlands for Indian Students

The following are some popular government and non-government scholarships available to international students in the Netherlands.

Scholarship Program	Description
Holland Scholarship	This scholarship is awarded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science and many universities of applied sciences and Dutch research universities to international students outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to pursue their master’s and bachelor’s in the country. This scholarship doesn’t cover a full tuition fee, and an amount of € 5,000 is awarded to a student in the first year. Based on merit, the student may receive up to three Holland scholarships to the maximum of € 15,000.
Netherlands Fellowship Programmes (NFP)	This is the Netherlands government-funded scholarship program awarded to female students wishing to pursue a short course, Ph.D., or master’s in the country.
Orange Knowledge Programme in The Netherlands	This Netherlands government-funded scholarship is awarded to students wishing to pursue short or master’s programs in Dutch organizations that offer OKP-qualified courses or programs.
Orange Tulip Scholarship Program	This scholarship program is managed by the Netherlands Education Support Offices (Nesos) and is awarded to students from India and Indonesia.
Erasmus University Holland Scholarship	Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education,Culture and Science andErasmus UniversityRotterdam, this scholarshipis awarded to studentsoutside the EEA who areapplying for full-timeundergraduate and graduateprograms in ErasmusUniversity Rotterdam. Thestudents will be awarded €5.000, € 10.000 or € 15.000annually as decided by theirfaculty.

Note: In addition to the above, most Dutch universities offer scholarships to international students for bachelor’s, and master’s programs. You can check their individual websites to know the information.

Post-Study Work VISA in the Netherlands

You must possess any of the following visas to continue in the Netherlands after graduation.

Orientation Year VISA: This VISA is known as Zoekjaar Hoogopgeleiden or Zoekjaar VISA in Dutch language and is ideal for students who have recently earned a bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degree from a Dutch university. This VISA will allow them to stay in the country for 12 months. The student must have graduated in the last 3 years to qualify for this VISA.
Orientation Year for a Highly Educated Migrant VISA: This VISA is also known as regeling hoogopgeleide and is ideal for students who have completed a master’s degree or PhD in particular subjects.
Orientation Year for a Highly Skilled Migrant: This VISA is known as kennismigrant in Dutch and is awarded to a student younger than 30 years old and earns an annual salary of €38,040. If a student is older than 30, the required annual salary is €51,888.
Orientation Year for a Scientific VISA: This VISA is usually awarded to PhD students. Generally, the research institute where they are currently enrolled for a PhD program or wish to continue their research in future will apply for the VISA on the student’s behalf.
Start-Up Residence Permit: This residence permit is awarded to students who wish to run an innovative business in the country after their studies. The student must collaborate with an experienced facilitator to be granted this permit. A facilitator is a business mentor who offers tailor-made packages to support the entrepreneur.
European Blue Card: A student is awarded an EU Blue Card for four years. To avail of this card, the student must have a minimum gross salary of € 5,403 per month and possess a job contract lasting at least a year for highly qualified employment.
Permanent Residence: A person can apply for a residence permit after staying in the country for five years.

On-Campus And Off-Campus Jobs In Netherlands

On-Campus Part-Time Jobs:

Teaching Assistant
Library Supervisor
Peer Tutor
Department Assistant

Off-Campus Part-Time Jobs:

Waiter
Cashier
Delivery executive
Cook

Popular Career Prospects For International Students in the Netherlands

This section features the highest-paying careers in the Netherlands along with their annual average salaries in EUR (€).

Banking

AML Analyst, assistant bank manager, ATM manager, bank accounts analyst, bank accounts executive, bank clerk, bank compliance specialist
(€21,240 – €128,400)

Energy

Assistant yard manager, biomass plant technician, biomass power plant operator, chemical plant operator, crude oil marketing executive, dispatcher
(€20,400 – €120,000)

IT

2nd line systems administrator, ABAP developer, Application System Specialist, AI developer, AI and ML specialist, business intelligence analyst, business intelligence developer
(€31,320 – €94,800)

Healthcare

Academic clinician, acute care nurse, ambulance officer and paramedic, anesthesiologist, occupational therapist, behavioral health specialist, biomedical health specialist
(€19,560 – €2,55,600)

Travel and Tourism

Motel manager, quality, health, and safety coordinator, regional restaurant manager, room reservations manager, travel agent, travel consultant
(€16,200 – €107,250)

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Study in Netherlands FAQs

Can Indian students also work part-time in the Netherlands?

Yes, Indian students can work part-time in the Netherlands between 10-16 hours weekly.

How much an Indian student can earn while working part-time in the Netherlands?

Students can earn between €6-€10 per hour while working part-time in the Netherlands. However, students make much more during their internships and industrial placements arranged by the universities in the Netherlands for students.

What is the approximate VISA processing time for the Netherlands?

The student visa processing time for Holland is usually 30 days to 90 days.

Is the Netherlands safe for international students?

Yes, the country is safe for international students. It regularly features on the list of the safest countries in the world.

Are PhD students charged tuition fees in the Netherlands?

Generally, PhD students aren’t charged tuition fees in the Netherlands. They are usually treated as university employees but they have to pay statutory fees. However, doctoral candidates who are termed as contract doctoral research associates and external doctoral candidates are not treated as university employees. Contract doctoral research candidates are funded by an external source and external doctoral candidates are self-funded. They have to pay some tuition fees at the university. The statutory fees cover costs of examination, administration, supervision, and university access. These fees may vary across universities as well as disciplines. The students can seek university scholarships to cover their statutory fees and other living costs. This Dutch funding is offered by Nuffic, Study in Holland, and Euraxes.

Are there any big companies in the Netherlands?

Yes, there are many big companies in the country. The companies like Tesla, Netflix, Nike, Panasonic Europe, IKEA, and Adidas have their regional headquarters in the country. Other big companies like Aegon, Unilever, Royal Dutch Cell, and Heineken also have offices in this country.