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Today, the Netherlands is one of the most sought-after study options for international students. With its world-renowned education system and professional learning environment, the Netherlands is becoming an increasingly popular destination for students seeking quality education abroad.
Indian students Study in Netherlands to experience an educational methodology emphasizing critical thinking and practical problem-solving, which prepares them for real-world challenges.
Every year, the Netherlands provides "Netherlands study visas" to students from 160 nationalities, with more than 5,000 Indian students choosing to study in the Netherlands. Many students, especially those from India, are drawn to study due to the country's highly regarded and reputed programs and the chance to gain valuable global experience.
Many universities in the Netherlands consistently rank among the best in the world. Whether you're pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, or specialized courses, you will find that programs are offered in English, making it easier for international students to thrive and survive.
Want to Study in Netherlands? Y-Axis is here to assist you in all ways.
The Netherlands is a most sought-after destination for international students, with students from over 160 countries. Whether you study in Holland or the Netherlands for Indian students, the country is welcoming and inclusive. The colleges in the Netherlands provide world-class education, making it a prime choice for global learners.
Here are the top reasons to study in the Netherlands
The Netherlands visa for international students has a 98-99% acceptance rate.
There are 71 QS World Ranking Universities in the Netherlands.
The universities in the Netherlands have annual Tuition Fees of €8000 - EUR 40,000/academic year.
The Netherland Scholarship, worth €2,500 – EUR 6,000 per year, is provided for Indian students to study in the Netherlands.
There are more than 3500 Indian students who study in the Netherlands
The top universities in the Netherlands constantly rank among the best, demonstrating the Netherlands’sNetherland's 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 university in Netherlands |
QS rankings 2024 |
Delft university of Technology |
47 |
University of Amsterdam |
207 |
Wagenigen University and Research |
160 |
Erasmus University of Rotterdam |
176 |
Utrecht University |
138 |
The colleges in the Netherlands are divided into research and application. Almost the entire population in the Netherlands speaks in English. For international students looking at top universities in the Netherlands for international students, the first factor to consider is language.
The Netherlands has some degree programs with a wide range of courses offered in the English language in any European country except the UK and Ireland. There are currently around 375 Bachelor’s degrees and 1,425 Master’s degrees offered at the top universities in the Netherlands.
These cover most academic disciplines, but some common subjects like dentistry, nursing, and social care are not offered in English. Some famous and common subjects not provided in English are social care nursing, health care, and dentistry.
The course you wish to study at a Dutch university will also determine the university 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.
Name of the Course |
Course Duration |
Annual Course Fees |
Econometrics and Data science |
2 years |
€20,473 |
Animation |
2 years |
€8,198 |
Big data engineering |
2 years |
€14,500 |
Water Science Engineering |
18 months |
€14,682 |
Medical Physiology |
2 years |
€18,900 |
Health Sciences |
1 year |
€14,500 |
Economics |
1 year |
€14,762 |
Law |
1 year |
€14, 087 |
MBA (Management consultancy) |
1 year |
€14,762 |
Industrial and applied Mathematics |
18 months |
€16,200 |
You can obtain a master’s degree in the Netherlands either from a university of applied sciences or a research university.
A master’s in the Netherlands for an international student increases your knowledge, professional expertise, and skills at the graduate level.
This master’s program is for those who want to specialize in a specific profession. Research-oriented research universities usually offer the MS in the Netherlands, providing students with the necessary knowledge and analytical skills at the undergraduate level.
They also help students become independent researchers either in a specific field or in a multidisciplinary field.
The programs for master’s in the Netherlands last 1 – 3 years, depending upon your course. The following are the most popular courses that are internationally recognized, along with their duration and annual fees.
*Confused with the course and university selection? Avail Y-Axis course guidance
The general recommendation for admission to universities in the Netherlands is that the student must apply by mid-April to have enough time to arrange their visa (if they need one) and student housing for the Netherlands before starting their studies.
The majority of the UG deadlines in the Netherlands are in January, April, and May. Check out the bachelor’s program deadlines across the top universities in the Netherlands:
Name of the university |
Bachelor’s program deadline |
Delft University of Technology |
Semester 1: January 31, 2025 | Semester 2: August 31, 2025 |
Radboud University |
April 1, 2025 |
Maastricht University |
January 5, 2025 |
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam |
January 5, 2025 |
University of Amsterdam |
January 15, 2025 |
Utrecht University |
May 1, 2025 |
Eindhoven university of Technology |
January 15, 2025 |
Leiden University |
Early Bird: January 15, 2025 | Regular: May 1, 2025 |
University of Groningen |
May 1, 2025 |
University of Twente |
May 1, 2025 |
Incorporating the Netherlands university application timeline in your planning will ensure you meet all deadlines and make the most of the application process for your desired intake to study in the Netherlands.
The universities in the Netherlands majorly follow two intakes, which are as follows:
March – April of the previous year |
Research the top 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. |
July – September |
Work on your essays, resume, transcripts and other documents. |
October – December |
Start applying to the colleges well in advance with all necessary documents through Studelink. |
January – March |
|
April – June |
Start applying for the student visa for the Netherlands as soon as you receive the acceptance letter from the desired university in Netherlands. Arrange for your finances, like applying for student loans or scholarships. |
August / September |
Prepare to start your semester in the Netherlands study abroad. |
October – November of the previous year |
Research the top 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. |
March – May |
Work on your essays, resume, transcripts and other documents. |
June – July |
Start applying to the colleges well in advance with all necessary documents through Studelink. |
August – October |
|
October – December |
Start applying for the Netherlands student visa as soon as you receive the acceptance letter from the desired university in Netherlands. Arrange for your finances, like applying for student loans or scholarships. |
January/ February |
Prepare to start semester in Netherlands study abroad |
The Netherlands study visa is called Machtiging to Voorlopig Verblifj' (MVV). An Indian student willing to study in the Netherlands requires a study visa or Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblifj' (MVV) to enter and stay for study purposes.
Depending on the kind of visa, of course, the student is planning to undertake, they can apply for the relevant student visa for the Netherlands – Schengen Visa (for courses less than three months) and Entry Visa - MVV and the VVR or the Residence Permit for Bachelor/Masters from the Netherlands.
On arriving in the Netherlands, students would have to appear for and apply for a Residence Permit (VVR) within the given time.
Again, it varies depending on the University, but this is usually done between 3 - 5 days. Then, the application is forwarded by the University for a PR Permit, which is issued within the following two weeks.
For those planning to stay longer and work in the Netherlands after their studies, the post-study work visa after studying in the Netherlands or the Orientation Year Permit in the Netherlands is available. These visas allow graduates to search for a job in the country.
It's also important for Indian students to be aware of the Netherlands visa requirements for Indian students to ensure they have the correct documentation for both study and post-graduation opportunities.
Netherlands Short stay visa |
Netherlands Student visa for secondary and vocational courses |
Netherlands long stay visa |
Allows you to make free movement within the Netherlands and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days. |
|
It allows students to complete their education in the Netherlands for 5 years. |
When applying for a student visa to the Netherlands, you must submit various documents to support your visa application. These documents are essential to ensure you meet the student visa for the Netherlands requirements.
Here’s a list of the typical documents required:
Step-by-step process of applying for the Netherlands study visa
Step 1: Research the top universities in Holland, shortlist, and apply to your program choice.
Step 2: Apply for the Netherlands study visa by providing complete personal and financial details
Step 3: Submit the necessary documents as required and Pay the application fee of €210 or as mandated by the authorities. You might have to give a generic interview and your biometrics.
Step 4: Wait for the decision from the IND
The tuition fees for universities in the Netherlands are way cheaper than those in English-speaking destinations such as the UK. Students from the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Surinam pay comparatively lower tuition fees than other international students. '
The cost of studying varies depending on the course, level of study (undergraduate/postgraduate), and the university (public/private) chosen.
Here is an overview of tuition fees for international students in the Netherlands: There are significant distinctions between European and non-European students, as well as many essential details.
Here is a list of annual tuition fees based on the level of study
Level of study |
Tuition fees (annual) |
Bachelor’s degree |
€6,000 - €15,000 |
Master’s degree |
€8,000 - €20,000 |
A student willing to study at a university in the Netherlands can pay their tuition fees in the Netherlands for international students in a lump sum or installments.
They have to do this through digital authorizations or bank transfers. It is important to note that first-year students requiring a visa/residence permit for study cannot pay their Dutch university fees by digital authorization or in installments.
They must pay their tuition fee for a whole year in one lump sum by bank transfer before starting their study program.
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.
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:
Name of the university |
Scholarship Amount |
€2,500 - €3,600 |
|
€3,000 - €5,000 |
|
Erasmus University Rotterdam |
€10,000 - €15,000 |
€3,000 - €5,000 |
|
Radboud University |
€3,000 - €5,000 |
Utrecht University |
€10,000 - €15,000 |
€3,000 - €5,000 |
|
Tilburg University |
€3,000 - €5,000 |
Complete tuition fee |
|
€13,260 |
Scholarship applications in the Netherlands are normally accepted annually. Most scholarship programs open their application portals months before the deadline, offering students ample time to prepare. But it’s important to note that deadlines and processes can change every year.
Below is a general timeline for scholarship applications that you should think about:
September - November |
This time to start researching and choosing potential scholarships, including Netherlands scholarships for Indian students and other international students. |
December - February |
Many scholarships have deadlines within this period, especially for programs starting in the fall intake (September). It is important make sure your application materials is complete and submitted in time. |
March to May |
Some scholarships, particularly those for programs starting in spring semester (February), may have additional deadlines in this period. The student should ensure that these all your documents are up to date and included. |
June to August |
This is the periods where the applicants must complete all the remaining applications and prepare for possible interviews. |
Documents and Eligibility Requirements for Scholarship:
Scholarship applications in the Netherlands generally require a necessary set of documents to assess a student’s eligibility. The student must ensure that all the documents are up-to-date, accurate, and well-formatted according to the latest scholarship guidelines.
Here are the standard documents that are required when applying for Netherlands scholarships for international students or Netherlands scholarships for Indian students:
Studying in the Netherlands gives students opportunities to live in a diverse international community of the Netherlands and experience its rich culture. Dutch value work-life balance a lot, at the same time they take time for personal projects or just to relax.
However an international student always has to struggle for getting an Student accommodation in the Netherlands without overpaying, especially in the expensive Dutch cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
Finding the right student housing and accommodation requires a lot of careful planning and research. Students must consider their budget, preferred lifestyle, and the location of their university when choosing housing in the Netherlands.
Types of accommodations and housing options in the Netherlands:
As an international student students have the opportunity to work part time in the Netherlands while they are studying with a Netherlands student visa.
However, there are certain rules and regulations restrictions, which are as follows:
Types of student jobs available for international students in the Netherlands:
Finding an appropriate part-time job in the Netherlands can be an excellent opportunity for international students. From working as a barista in cafes to positions in corporate offices, many roles fit a student’s schedule and help build a network in the Netherlands.
As we know, international students can work while studying in the Netherlands for a maximum of 16 hours per week and can work full-time during vacations. Students working part-time in the Netherlands can earn up to €20 per hour, though some job roles may vary.
The average monthly salary in the Netherlands ranges from €1,200 to €1,450. Here are some of the part-time job opportunities for international students in the Netherlands, along with their average pay per hour in the Netherlands are:
Part time Job |
Average hourly wage |
Sales associate |
€15 |
Barista |
€11 |
Retail Assistant |
€13 |
Customer service representative |
€15 |
Waiter / Waitress |
€12 |
Tutoring / Teaching assistant |
€16 |
Administrative Assistant |
€14 |
Warehouse Operative |
€11 |
Cleaning staff |
€9 |
Delivery driver |
€10 |
Cashier |
€8 |
Every international student in the Netherlands wants opportunities to gain work experience after completing their degree in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands provides such opportunities to gain valuable experiences by offering a post-study work visa after studying in the Netherlands or the ‘Residence Permit for ‘Orientation Year permit Netherlands,’ valid for 1 year.
As per recent rules and regulations in effect from March 1, 2016, international students in the Netherlands must positively apply for a post-study work visa within 3 years of completing their degree program.
The application fees for the orientation year permit for the Netherlands are €210, which should be paid by all applicants, except for a few countries like Turkey, San Marino, and Israel.
Particulars |
Fees (€) |
Netherlands Post study work visa (all countries except Turkey, San Marino and Israel) |
€210 |
Netherlands Post study work visa fee for Turkish Nationals |
€70 |
Netherlands Post study work visa fee for San Marino and Israeli citizens |
Free |
Step – by- step process to apply for the Netherlands residence permit
Step 1: Check if all the eligibility requirements are met before applying
Step 2: Collect and prepare all the necessary documents that are required to apply
Step 3: Apply for the Netherlands residence permit online or by writing via post
Step 4: Pay the application fee of €210
Step 5: Wait for approval from IND (Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service), which takes 90 days to decide.
Step 6: Make an appointment and collect the residence permit. Once it is ready at an IND desk, the candidate will receive a letter.
Generally, the monthly cost to study in the Netherlands for Indian students can range from €800 to €1500. Smaller towns in the Netherlands are less expensive compared to larger cities. The type of accommodation the student chooses can also affect the overall cost of studying in the Netherlands. Living expenses in the towns like Amsterdam can be a little high.
While studying in the Netherlands, students should consider various costs, such as tuition, accommodation, food, transportation, and healthcare. Other basic expenses include utilities like electricity, water, gas, and internet, which are included in the total cost of living in the Netherlands for international students.
It’s essential to consider these expenses in a student’s budget when calculating the overall study in Holland cost to ensure you plan effectively.
Average Netherlands living cost International students
Expenses |
Average cost per month (EUR) |
Accommodation |
€350 - 600 |
Transportation |
€40 - 80 |
Food |
€160 - 180 |
Internet |
€35 - 60 |
Entertainment |
€40 - 110 |
Miscellaneous |
€120 - 140 |
Housing |
Monthly Rent (EUR) |
Shared apartments |
€400 - 700 |
Student Houses |
€350 - 600 |
Private owned Houses |
€800 - 1000 |
Factors |
Average cost (EUR) |
Rented Bikes |
€50 - 150 |
Train ticket (single fare) |
€4 - 5 |
Trams |
€3 - 5 |
Taxi |
€2.30 km |
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trend line |
€27,000 |
Gasoline (1 L) |
€1.97 |
3) Healthcare: There is a universal healthcare system in the Netherlands. It is solely managed by the government and supported by the private insurers.
Any international immigrant living or working in the Netherlands must get basic level health insurance (with or without additional coverage) from a Dutch provider. Individuals below 18s are automatically covered under their parent’s insurance, and for the low income earners health care allowances are in place.
The basic insurance costs Dutch residents around €125 per month, with an annual deductible of €385. Below is an overview of healthcare expenses and their average monthly cost in the Netherlands. Below is the breakdown of Health care in the Netherlands
Treatment |
Average cost (EUR) |
Health Screening |
€1000 - 1600 |
Inpatient treatment |
€500 - 1200 |
Onsite treatment |
€40 - 80 |
Childbirth |
€3190 |
Here is an overview of the comparative cost of living of the major cities in the Netherlands.
Name of the city |
Average monthly cost of Living |
Amsterdam |
€450 - €850 |
Groningen |
€400 - €700 |
Nijmegen |
€400 - €500 |
Rotterdam |
€400 - €500 |
Leiden |
€400 - €500 |
As an international student planning to move to the Netherlands, you will be confronted with a new culture and Dutch language for international students. The Netherlands is a country that welcomes countless international immigrants daily.
Although most people in the Netherlands speak English, to truly integrate into the Dutch way of life and explore study in the Netherlands, it’s important to learn Dutch.
Knowing the language will help you in your day-to-day interactions, improve your chances of finding part-time work while studying, and increase your opportunities for full-time employment after graduation. It will also allow you to better navigate academic and professional environments in the Netherlands.
Y-Axis can assist by giving more vital support to aspirants who wish to study in the Netherlands. The support process includes,
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