Europe Education Centre
Destinations Netherlands
🇳🇱 Study Destination

Study in
Netherlands.

2,000+ English-taught programs. World's happiest nation. A degree with Leiden, TU Delft, or Amsterdam on the cover.

IELTS 6.0+ required Sep intake (main) 1-Year Orientation Visa

14

Universities

115k+

Intl Students

2,100+

English Programs

1yr

Orientation Visa

Why Netherlands?

The world's most
internationally minded.

The Netherlands leads Europe in English-taught programs and consistently ranks among the best for student satisfaction.

2,100+ English Programs

More English-taught degree programs than any other non-English speaking country. Study fully in English without needing Dutch at any level.

Most in continental Europe

Top Global Universities

TU Delft, University of Amsterdam, Leiden, and Erasmus Rotterdam consistently rank in the global top 150. Strong research output and industry links.

Multiple QS top-100 institutions

Orientation Year Visa

After graduating, stay 1 year on the Zoekjaar (orientation visa) to find work or start a business. No job offer needed. One of Europe's most progressive post-study schemes.

Start a business option included

Problem-Based Learning

Dutch universities are world-pioneers of problem-based learning (PBL) — small groups, real-world challenges, industry collaboration. Maastricht University invented the approach; it's now standard across the NL system.

Central Location in Europe

Amsterdam is 2 hrs from London, Paris, and Brussels. The Netherlands is the gateway to all of Europe — and Schiphol is one of the world's best-connected airports.

Top Universities

Where our students go.

We have active partnerships with leading Dutch universities across all disciplines.

UvA

Univ. of Amsterdam

Amsterdam · QS #55

EEC Partner ✓
TUD

TU Delft

Delft · QS #57

EEC Partner ✓
LEI

Leiden University

Leiden · QS #117

EEC Partner ✓
EUR

Erasmus Rotterdam

Rotterdam · QS #174

EEC Partner ✓
TUE

TU Eindhoven

Eindhoven · QS #170

Open for apps
RUG

Univ. of Groningen

Groningen · QS #163

Open for apps
VU

VU Amsterdam

Amsterdam · QS #265

Open for apps
UM

Maastricht Univ.

Maastricht · QS #283

Open for apps
Key Details

Everything you need
to know — tabbed.

Tuition Fees

EU students pay a statutory rate (~€2,314/yr). Non-EU students pay institutional rates that vary by program — typically €8–20k for Bachelor's and €10–25k for Master's.

Bachelor's (Non-EU)

€8–20k

per year

3–4 year programs

Varies by subject area

Master's (Non-EU)

€10–25k

per year

1–2 year programs

Research routes cheaper

EU Students

€2,314

statutory rate per year

Government-regulated

All public universities

Many programs include a mandatory internship semester — check program structure carefully when budgeting.

Scholarships & Funding

The Netherlands offers several major scholarship programs for international students. EEC identifies the best match before application.

Holland Scholarship

€5,000 grant for non-EEA students starting a Bachelor's or Master's at a Dutch institution. Funded jointly by Dutch universities and the government. Competitive, limited spots.

€5,000

Nuffic Scholarships (Orange Knowledge)

Dutch government scholarships for students from specific countries. Covers tuition, visa, allowance. Check Nuffic's country-specific eligibility list before applying.

Full

Erasmus+

The Netherlands is one of Europe's top Erasmus+ hosts. Mobility grants cover travel and part of living costs for EU partner university exchange students.

Varies

Intake Dates

Most Dutch programs start in September. A February intake exists for some programs but availability is limited — September is strongly recommended.

September Intake

Sep start — all programs

  • Application WindowOct – Apr
  • Visa ApplicationMay – Jul
  • Enrolment OpensSep

February Intake

Feb — limited programs

  • Application WindowJul – Nov
  • Visa ApplicationNov – Dec
  • Enrolment OpensFeb

Numerus Fixus (limited enrollment) programs like Medicine close very early — apply as soon as applications open.

Monthly Cost of Living

Amsterdam is expensive; other Dutch cities are more manageable. Most students budget €900–€1,300/month including rent and daily expenses.

Amsterdam

€1,300

estimated per month

Rent (shared)€700–1,000
Food€280
Transport€100 (OV-chipkaart)

Rotterdam / Leiden

€950

estimated per month

Rent (shared)€500–750
Food€250
Transport€80

Groningen / Tilburg

€800

estimated per month

Rent (shared)€350–550
Food€220
TransportFree bike city

Cycling is the dominant transport mode — a €200 secondhand bike will save you €1,000+ per year vs public transport.

Dutch Student Visa

Smooth process,
university-led.

1

University Applies for MVV

In the Netherlands, your university sponsors your visa (MVV). Once you receive an offer and pay the deposit, the university submits the visa application to IND on your behalf.

University is your sponsor

2

Collect MVV Sticker

Once approved (4–8 weeks), collect your MVV entry visa sticker from the Dutch embassy in your home country. This allows you to enter the Netherlands to study.

Embassy collection required

3

Arrive & Register

Arrive in the Netherlands and register at the local municipality (gemeente) within 5 days. You'll receive your BSN (citizen service number) — needed for banking, healthcare, and work.

BSN issued same day

4

Collect Residence Permit

Visit IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) to collect your residence permit card. Valid for the duration of your program. Renewable annually if still studying.

EEC handles all prep

Entry Requirements

Do you qualify?

Typical requirements across Dutch universities. Exact thresholds vary by institution and program.

Academic Requirements

Bachelor's12 yrs schooling + equiv. diploma
Master'sBachelor's degree (GPA 3.0+)
PhDMaster's + research proposal

Language Requirements

IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 overall
TOEFL iBT80–90 overall
Cambridge C1/C2Accepted by most universities

Financial Evidence (Visa)

Living Funds Required

€12,000

per year (€1,000/month) shown in bank statements

Work Rights

16 hrs

per week during term; full-time in June, July, August

Key Documents

Offer letter + deposit receipt

Bank statements (3 months)

Health insurance (OHRA/Aon)

Valid passport

Start Your Netherlands Journey

Your place at a Dutch
university is waiting.

2,100+ English programs, world-class innovation, and the most international campus culture in Europe.

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