Research or applied learning
Explore academic and research-oriented programmes alongside professionally oriented routes at universities of applied sciences.
Your ambitions. A fresh perspective.
Study in the
Netherlands.
Shape your next chapter.
Explore Dutch programmes through the learning experience, city and course that fit you. Bring admissions, housing, funding and residence preparation into one considered plan.
Undergraduate · Postgraduate · Research study
EXPLORE THE NETHERLANDSA different setting. Your own direction.Find the learning experience that fits.
Study routesResearch & applied sciences
Main start periodSeptember · selected other starts
Residence preparationInstitution-led sponsorship
Your first stepA personal study discussion
Why study in the Netherlands?
Your interests.
A route that fits how you learn.
Choose the subject and educational approach that suit your background. Compare the actual programme rather than relying on a country-wide promise.
Look inside the curriculum
Compare modules, assessment, projects and any placement conditions. Confirm the teaching language and qualification.
Consider life around your studies
Bring housing, daily costs, transport and campus support into the choice. Investigate accommodation early.
What would you like to study?
Subject areas to explore in your shortlist.
Engineering & technology
Compare technical specialisations, laboratories and mathematics or science prerequisites.
Data & computer science
Review programming, quantitative foundations and project or research options.
Business & economics
Compare analytical content, specialisations and any relevant prior-study requirements.
Design & built environment
Investigate portfolio requirements, studio learning and professional recognition.
Environment & life sciences
Explore subject content and the scientific background needed for the programme.
Social sciences & humanities
Match your interests with the curriculum, research methods and teaching language.
Institutions in the Netherlands
Find the fit behind the name.
These research university examples are starting points for your investigation. Also explore applied-sciences routes where they fit your goals.
Delft · check your programme
Delft University of Technology
Explore the programme curriculum, subject prerequisites and selection requirements. Confirm the teaching language and any portfolio or additional assessment.
Discuss this institutionAmsterdam · check your campus
University of Amsterdam
Compare the exact course, accepted qualifications and application stages. Check whether selection or numerus fixus requirements apply.
Discuss this institutionEnschede · check your programme
University of Twente
Review study content, academic preparation and admission evidence. Confirm fees, housing arrangements and the actual programme deadline.
Discuss this institutionCheck the programme and recognised sponsor. Review qualification recognition, campus and entry requirements. For the student residence route, confirm the institution's IND sponsorship role.
Explore university selectionNetherlands tuition fees & living costs
Budget for the full experience.
Use your actual programme fee and a city-specific living budget. Keep the immigration study amount separate from tuition and the costs you expect to incur.
IND study amount · HBO or university
Prepare your financial evidence.
€1,130.77per month · valid 1 January–31 December 2026
Check the amount, period and evidence required for your application date with the institution. This is an immigration study amount, not a tuition quote or a promise that it covers actual living expenses.
What belongs in the full study budget?
- Tuition and course chargesConfirm your fee status, programme duration and payment schedule.
- Housing and daily costsPlan rent, deposits, utilities, meals and transport for your actual city.
- Health cover and travelCheck the cover needed for your circumstances and budget arrival expenses.
- Applications and preparationAllow for relevant tests, documents, application and residence charges.
Reference: IND required amounts, study amounts 2026; reviewed October 18, 2026. Recheck for applications in a later calendar year.
Keep the practical commitments in view.
Your quoted tuitionCheck the exact programme, fee category and whether the fee is annual or for the complete course.
A confirmed housing planAsk about availability, provider terms, registration and check-in before making travel commitments.
Your actual fundingSeparate confirmed awards and available resources from pending applications or expected job income.
Payment and refund termsCheck deposits, institutional payment instructions, scholarship conditions and refunds before paying.
Funding possibilities
Read the NL Scholarship beyond its name.
The NL Scholarship, formerly the Holland Scholarship, is for eligible non-EEA students at participating institutions. It is not a full-tuition scholarship. Check the institution's current eligible programmes, award details and deadline, alongside other institutional funding.
Explore scholarship preparationNetherlands admission requirements
Start with your qualification and course.
Check accepted prior study, subject prerequisites and language evidence for the specific programme. Avoid relying on one percentage or test score for all institutions.
Bachelor's study
Check how your Class 12 qualification meets the programme's entry level and subject requirements. Research universities and universities of applied sciences can have different expectations; check the institution's assessment of your qualification.
Master's study
Review your bachelor's qualification, relevant subject preparation and any research, test or experience requirements. Ask whether a pre-master or other preparation is required rather than assuming direct admission.
Compare the study routes
Compare research-oriented study at a research university with professionally oriented study at a university of applied sciences. Read the actual curriculum, qualification and progression options before choosing.
Dutch-taught or English-taught?
Confirm your programme's teaching language, accepted tests and any documented exemption. A medium-of-instruction letter is not a universal substitute for required evidence.
Explore test preparationWhat should I prepare for an application?
- Passport details and academic records
- Subject prerequisites and accepted language evidence
- Requested statement, CV and references
- Selection tasks, portfolio or additional tests where required
- Translations and qualification evidence as instructed
Follow the institution's instructions, including any Studielink and separate portal stages.
Netherlands university intakes
Start with the deadline, not just the intake.
Programme, selection, scholarship and immigration preparation deadlines can differ. International applicants may need to act earlier than a general deadline.
Main academic start
SeptemberMany programmes begin in autumn. Confirm the actual start date and deadline for your course and applicant category.
Selected additional starts
February · where offeredAvailability varies by programme. Check whether the additional start offers the same curriculum and admission conditions.
Numerus fixus selection
General deadline: 15 JanuaryCheck whether your programme has limited places and follow its selection instructions. Other programme and international-applicant deadlines can differ.
From course choice to arrival
Understand the institution's role.
For the higher-education student residence route, the recognised institution applies to the IND. Admission and the immigration decision remain separate.
- 01
Choose the programme and study route
Compare curriculum, qualification, institution type, teaching language, campus and full costs.
- 02
Follow the application instructions
For most programmes, start with Studielink where instructed, then complete the institution’s additional steps. Check selection and numerus fixus deadlines separately.
- 03
Resolve offer conditions
Provide the required academic and language evidence, complete any assessment and clarify outstanding conditions or preparatory study.
- 04
Work with the recognised sponsor
For the higher-education student residence route, the recognised institution submits the application to the IND. Follow its funding, document and payment instructions.
- 05
Complete the relevant entry steps
If an MVV is required, follow the decision and Dutch representation instructions. Check appointment, identity and entry requirements for your circumstances.
- 06
Prepare housing and arrival formalities
Confirm accommodation before travel. Follow residence-document collection, municipal registration, health-cover and institution enrolment instructions, and maintain the relevant study conditions.
Bring residence preparation into the plan.
Explore the dedicated guide, then confirm current requirements with your institution for the actual route and application date.
Work & your next chapter
Develop your skills.
Keep the conditions in view.
Choose your programme for its learning value. Plan costs independently of unconfirmed earnings and understand the obligations of your student permission.
Employment during your studies
For employment under this student residence route, the employer needs a TWV work permit. Students choose either up to 16 hours per week or full-time work in June, July and August.
Check the conditions that apply to your permission. Work availability and income are not guaranteed.
The orientation year after qualifying study
Eligible graduates can apply for an orientation-year residence permit, valid for one year. Check qualifying study or research, timing and other conditions. The orientation year cannot be extended.
A separate residence application is required. A degree or orientation year does not guarantee a job or permanent residence.
Maintain the study conditions
The IND requires sufficient study progress, generally at least 50% of the credits for each study year. Your institution assesses progress and relevant reasons for a shortfall. Discuss concerns promptly with the institution.
Your questions, answered
Planning to study in the Netherlands?
How much does it cost to study in the Netherlands?
Use the tuition quoted for your exact programme, academic year and fee status. Add housing, deposits, daily expenses, insurance, travel and setup. The IND study amount is an immigration evidence requirement, not a full cost estimate or tuition quote.
What is the IND study amount for 2026?
The IND lists €1,130.77 per month for higher professional education or university study from 1 January through 31 December 2026. Check the amount and evidence required for your application date with the institution. Tuition and actual study expenses must be planned separately.
What is the difference between a research university and a university of applied sciences?
Research universities focus on academic study and research, while universities of applied sciences focus on professionally oriented education. Compare the actual programme, qualification, entry requirements and progression options rather than treating the routes as interchangeable.
What is Studielink, and when should I apply?
Studielink is the Dutch higher-education registration and application portal used for most programmes. Follow your institution's instructions and any additional application steps. Study in NL gives 15 January as the general numerus fixus deadline, but check exact dates for your course and applicant category.
Is an English-taught programme available without IELTS?
Check the actual teaching language, accepted tests and any documented exemption. There is no universal score or medium-of-instruction policy for all Dutch institutions. Do not assume every programme is taught in English.
Who applies for the student residence permit?
For the higher-education student route, a recognised educational institution submits the application to the IND. Follow its instructions and check whether you need an MVV entry visa. Admission does not itself guarantee the immigration decision.
Can I work while studying in the Netherlands?
For employment under the higher-education student residence route, the IND requires the employer to have a TWV work permit. Students choose either up to 16 hours per week or full-time work in June, July and August. Check your own conditions; employment is not guaranteed and should not replace your funding plan.
Can I stay after graduation through the orientation year?
Eligible graduates can apply for an orientation-year residence permit, valid for one year. Check the qualifying study or research, application timing and other requirements. It is a separate application, cannot be extended, and does not guarantee employment or permanent residence.
Free initial Netherlands study counselling
Your direction.
A considered plan.
Discuss your academic background, study route, preferred intake and budget. Organise a shortlist and identify the questions to resolve before applying.
+91 92810 31981Meet in Uppal or Vanasthalipuram, Hyderabad; Vijayawada; or Hanamkonda. Online counselling is available. Confirm the scope and any additional service fees before proceeding.
Find your nearest branch