Last Updated: 2 September 2026

Study in the Netherlands: Universities, Costs, Visa And Fee

The Netherlands has become a popular study destination for Indian students. In 2025–26, around 129,764 international students from more than 160 countries were studying in full-degree programmes at Dutch universities. Around 12,500 Indian students were enrolled, the highest number recorded so far. New Indian master's enrolments also increased by 16.5%, even as the overall number of international students in the Netherlands declined for the first time since 2006.

There are several reasons why Indian students choose the Netherlands. The country offers more than 2,000 English-taught programmes, while master's tuition fees are typically €8,000–€20,000 per year, compared with £22,000 or more in the UK. After graduation, eligible students can apply for a 12-month Orientation Year permit within three years of completing their studies. Recent Dutch graduates may also qualify for a reduced highly skilled migrant salary requirement of €3,122 per month, compared with €4,357 for other highly skilled migrants under 30.

Highlights: Study in the Netherlands

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Why Study in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is a popular study destination for international students, offering quality education, English-taught programmes, practical learning, and strong research opportunities.

• 12,500 Indian students: Around 12,500 Indian students are enrolled in Dutch higher education, reaching a record high.
• 16.5% growth: New Indian master's enrolments increased by 16.5% in 2025–26, despite an overall decline in international enrolments.
• 160+ nationalities: Students from more than 160 countries study in the Netherlands, creating a diverse international environment.
• 2,100+ English-taught programmes: International students can choose from a wide range of programmes taught in English across different fields.
• Affordable tuition fees: Dutch universities offer internationally recognised education at competitive tuition fees.
• Manageable living costs: Students can plan their budget based on accommodation, food, transport, insurance, and other monthly expenses.
• Top universities: The Netherlands has several internationally recognised universities known for quality education, research, and innovation.
• Wide course options: Students can choose programmes in engineering, technology, business, data science, sustainability, economics, and other fields.
• Practical education: Dutch education focuses on critical thinking, research, teamwork, and practical problem-solving.

Top Universities in the Netherlands

The top universities in the Netherlands constantly rank among the best, demonstrating the Netherlands well-structured education system and global position. Universities in the Netherlands, such as Delft University of Technology, University of Amsterdam, and Wageningen University, are internationally recognized for their academic quality and research in various disciplines.

These best universities in the Netherlands are assessed based on their faculty expertise, academic reputation, research output, and more. If you're looking to study in Netherlands, you'll find that universities in the Netherlands for international students offer a range of top-tier programs. Additionally, for those pursuing advanced studies, masters in the Netherlands for international students  provide excellent graduate-level options. Below is a list of universities that rank among the top universities in the Netherlands and have a global reputation worldwide.

Top-Ranked Universities in the Netherlands

Popular Courses to Study in the Netherlands

Students pursuing higher education find the Netherlands an ideal option and an excellent host because of its good academic opportunities. The variety and quality of courses offered by Dutch universities are well reflected in their education system.

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Study Intakes in the Netherlands for Indian Students

Dutch universities mainly offer two intakes during the year. The September intake is the main intake and usually has the widest range of courses and universities. February is the secondary intake and is available only for selected programmes.

Netherlands Student Visa

Indian students who plan to study in the Netherlands for more than 90 days generally require an MVV and residence permit. MVV stands for Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf. It is the long-stay entry visa that allows an eligible student to enter the Netherlands. For higher education, the student's recognised educational institution normally submits a combined immigration application under the TEV procedure.

After arriving in the Netherlands, the student registers with the municipality and collects the residence permit card, known as the VVR, from the IND. The VVR is a type I temporary regular residence permit. It is not permanent residence. The IND can issue the student residence permit for a maximum of five years, with validity normally extending three months beyond the official duration of the programme.

Types of Netherlands Study Visa

• Netherlands Short-Stay Visa: Students coming to the Netherlands for a course or training programme lasting up to 90 days may require a Schengen short-stay visa depending on their nationality.
• Netherlands Student Residence Permit: Students undertaking longer programmes generally require a residence permit for study. For students who also need an MVV, the institution submits the MVV and residence permit application together through the TEV procedure.

Documents Required for Netherlands Study Visa Application

The exact documents can vary depending on your institution and personal circumstances. Your university will provide the final immigration checklist.

Typical documents can include:

• Valid passport
• University admission or acceptance confirmation
• Completed immigration forms/declarations requested by the university
• Passport photograph meeting Dutch requirements
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Proof of tuition payment or arrangements where required
• Academic certificates and transcripts
• TB-test declaration where applicable
• Additional university or IND documents depending on your circumstances
• Copies and, where required, legalised or translated versions of supporting documents
• Biometric information
• IND application fee of €254 in 2026, normally paid through the university

Proof of Funds for a Netherlands Student Visa

The IND sets a fixed amount that international students must demonstrate is available for living expenses. This amount is called the study norm (studienorm). The amount is reviewed periodically by the IND.

What Indian Applicants Should Know?

The study norm covers living expenses only. Tuition is separate and must also be paid or demonstrated according to your institution's requirements. Universities may ask students to transfer the required funds to a designated university account or follow another accepted method of demonstrating funds. Some institutions can request slightly more than the IND minimum to account for bank charges or exchange-rate movements.

Financial documents should meet your university's and IND's requirements for recency, language, ownership, accessibility, and verification. Applicants should also be able to explain the source of funds where required. Large unexplained deposits made shortly before the immigration process can create additional questions.

How to Apply for a Netherlands Study Visa?

Step 1: Research universities and programmes, check admission requirements, and submit your application before the relevant deadline.

Step 2: After receiving an offer, complete the university's acceptance procedure and meet any tuition deposit or payment requirements.

Step 3: Provide your passport, proof of funds, declarations, and other documents requested by the university's international office.

Step 4: Pay the €254 IND fee for 2026 to your university. The university forwards the applicable fee when submitting your application to the IND.

Step 5: Your recognised educational institution submits the immigration application to the IND on your behalf.

Step 6: The IND assesses the application. The statutory decision period can be up to 90 days.

Step 7: After receiving approval through your university, complete the required MVV appointment and biometrics/formalities in India.

Step 8: After receiving your MVV, travel to the Netherlands within its validity period.

Step 9: Register with your municipality, obtain your BSN, and collect your residence permit card from the IND.

Netherlands Student Visa Fees

For a higher-education study application, the student generally pays the IND fee to the university, which submits the application as the recognised sponsor.

Netherlands Student Visa Processing Time

For international students, the Dutch university usually submits the student residence permit and MVV application to the IND. If the application is complete, the IND often aims to make a decision within 2 weeks, although the official legal decision period is up to 60 days. Students should apply well in advance to allow time for the visa sticker, travel and residence permit formalities.

Average Tuition Fees for International Students to Study in Netherlands

Tuition fees depend on the university, programme, degree level, and student's nationality/status. Indicative annual tuition ranges for non-EU/EEA international students can be:

Students should always check the current tuition fee directly on the university programme page.

How to Pay Tuition Fees ?

Universities may accept tuition payments through bank transfer, digital authorisation, or other approved methods. Payment rules for students requiring immigration sponsorship can differ from those for Dutch or EU students. Your university may require full or partial payment before it submits the residence permit application. Follow the payment instructions provided by the institution rather than assuming that instalment payments are available.

Scholarships for International Students in the Netherlands

Studying in the Netherlands for international students can have different costs depending on their country of origin, the chosen field, and various universities in the selected study levels.

That is why it is essential to inquire directly with the higher education institution of interest for accurate information regarding tuition fees. Several Netherlands scholarships for international students are offered to those who choose to study in the Netherlands, which are either government-funded or provided by the University of Choice based on merit.According to statistics by International Cooperation in Higher Education, there are over 800 Netherlands scholarships for international students every year. 

Popular Scholarships in the Netherlands

The value of these Dutch scholarships usually ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 EUR per year. On top of that, several Netherlands study abroad scholarships are available for international students, which might also cover extra things like housing, travel, and living expenses.

For Indian students, there are also specific opportunities under the umbrella of Netherlands scholarships, which can help cover many Netherlands study costs. Here's a list of funded and non-funded scholarships and the amounts they offer:

Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the Netherlands

Students may find work in areas such as:

• Retail
• Hospitality
• Customer service
• Tutoring
• University support roles
• Administration
• Warehousing and logistics
• Delivery
• Technology and specialised roles

Actual wages depend on age, employer, industry, experience, location, and applicable Dutch minimum-wage and employment rules. Students should confirm the employment conditions and TWV requirements before accepting a job.

Post-Study Work Visa Options in the Netherlands

International students who complete an eligible degree in the Netherlands can apply for the Orientation Year residence permit. This gives graduates time to find a job, work, start a business or work as a freelancer in the Netherlands.

Orientation Year Permit

The Orientation Year Permit is the main post-study option for international graduates. It allows you to work, look for a job, freelance or start a business in the Netherlands for up to one year. The permit cannot normally be extended. After finding a suitable job, graduates can switch to an appropriate work residence permit, such as the Highly Skilled Migrant permit or EU Blue Card, if they meet the requirements. For Indian students, this route provides a valuable opportunity to gain international work experience and build a career in the Netherlands after graduation.

What are the most in-demand jobs in the Netherlands for the next 10 years?

Cost of Living in the Netherlands for International Students

Living expenses vary considerably depending on the city, accommodation, lifestyle, transportation, insurance, and personal spending.

Students should budget for:

• Accommodation
• Food
• Transport
• Health insurance
• Utilities
• Internet/mobile
• Study materials
• Personal expenses
• Leisure

The IND study norm of €1,130.77 per month for HBO/university students in 2026 is an immigration funds requirement and should not be treated as a guarantee that this amount will cover every student's actual monthly expenses. Students living in cities with expensive housing may need a higher budget.

Common Monthly Expenses

Study Cost Calculator

Actual costs can be substantially higher depending on accommodation and city.

Accommodation

Housing is usually one of the largest monthly expenses.

Transportation

The Netherlands has extensive train, tram, bus, metro, and cycling infrastructure. Cycling is particularly common among students and can reduce daily transport expenses.

Healthcare

Health insurance requirements depend on the student's circumstances, particularly whether they work in the Netherlands. Students should confirm which insurance they require based on their study, employment, and residence situation.

How Y-Axis Can Help You Study in the Netherlands?

Y-Axis supports students planning to study abroad with guidance across university selection, applications, documentation, coaching, and visa preparation.

Support can include:

• Free Counselling: Guidance on universities, programmes, and study destinations
• Course Recommendation: Help identifying programmes aligned with academic and career goals
• Application Guidance: Support with the university application process and documentation
• Coaching: IELTS and other test preparation support where applicable
• Campus Ready Program: Fly to the Netherlands with the best and ideal course. 
• Student Visa Guidance: Assistance understanding the Netherlands study visa and TEV process
• Pre-Departure Support: Guidance to help students prepare for studying and living in the Netherlands