Fontys University of Applied Sciences

The Netherlands, also informally known as Holland, is the country home to over 17 million people. The Netherlands is a developed and diverse country. It’s a very popular destination for students to study abroad. Studying in the Netherlands is the preferred choice among International students. Every year, the country hosts international students from over 150 countries worldwide and offers them quality education with many job opportunities.

In 2024, Netherlands admitted around 3,504 Indian students. Students thrive to study across top-ranking universities in Netherlands which have globally made a mark and rank among the top 500 universities. Plus, there are many compelling reasons to study in Netherlands. Since Dutch universities have capped international student admits in 2026, a 4% decline in admission is predicted. This is because of student housing shortage and severely strained Dutch education system. More details on the cap are still awaited. For now, 1,23,000 international students enrolled at these universities continue to pursue their education.

Let us look at all the aspects of studying in the Netherlands from the perspective of international students.

Study in the Netherlands Highlights

Top Universities in the Netherlands

Universities in the Netherlands are known for their impressive ranking and for their high-quality education. Every year, they receive applications from international students for all levels of study and programs. The ranking of the Netherlands universities is evaluated on their research performance and their ratings by members of the academic community around the world and within Europe. We have listed the top global universities in the Netherlands for 2026.

Studying in Netherlands can be expensive because ultimately it is a European country. But like other European countries, there are also affordable and cheap universities in the Netherlands for international students. Majority of them are public universities as well.

Education System in Netherlands

The education system in the Netherlands is highly structured, known for its early differentiation into specialised tracks based on a student's academic level and career goals. Education is compulsory for children aged 5 to 16, and until 18 if they have not yet obtained a "basic qualification" (like a HAVO, VWO, or MBO-2 diploma).

• MBO (Vocational Education): Levels 1-4, leading to jobs or further HBO.
• HBO (Higher Professional Education): 4 years, practical, follows HAVO.
• WO (Research University): Bachelor's (3 yrs) and Master's, follows VWO.

Most of these courses are available at the top public universities in Netherlands for international students. These courses to study in Netherlands can also be found at Studielink where both universities and courses are listed for application.

Popular Courses in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is the home of over 1,700+ Bachelor, Master, and other programs for students. There are around 10 fields of study in which Accounting, Engineering, Health Care, Social Science, Law, Computer Science, and Arts are the most popular fields to study in the Netherlands.

Timeline for Admission to the Netherlands Universities

Universities in the Netherlands can have a particular intake season or opt for rolling admissions where the particular university won’t be having a deadline. When we talk about intake season, the academic year is divided into two semesters i.e. Summer Semester and Winter Semester. Candidates can also get in touch with our Shiksha Study Aboard counsellors who primarily look at assisting with university admissions.

How to Apply to Dutch Universities?

Majority of Dutch universities accept applications through its common application portal - Studielink. Applicants have to first apply via Studielink and then the respective university assesses the application. For this:

• Applicants have to create an account on Studielink without DigiD.
• Add previous educational background.
• Choose university and course and approve of their choice.
• Submit funding option - self or other (only in option).
• There is no application fee on Studielink.
• Once everything is checked, submit application.
• Next, Dutch university will assess application.
• On Dutch university portal applicants will have to upload necessary documents.
• Next, pay an application fee which is between Euro 50-100.
• If they approve it will reflect on Studielink.
• If applicants accepts the offer, they can go to Studielink and pay the tuition fee.

Note: Alongside visa application fees, applicants must demonstrate to the Dutch IND that they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses in the Netherlands. For the 2026 academic year, this standard amount is typically set at a minimum of €1,000 to €1,200 per month of international students' stay.

Education loans and Scholarships to Study in the Netherlands

Scholarships in the Netherlands are the best way to finance your studies in the country. The Netherlands offers several scholarship opportunities and education loan options for international students and non-EEA students. Netherlands Universities offer merit-based scholarships for international students to manage their tuition fees. International students can also apply for Education Loans in the Netherlands as it has become highly convenient with major financial institutions providing a loan at a lucrative interest rate. Here are some scholarships that are available for international students:

• Holland Scholarships
• Orange Tulip Scholarships
• Radboud Scholarship Programme

Part-Time Work Options in the Netherlands

Part-time work option in the Netherlands is available for international students and they can only work either no more than 16 hours a week throughout the year or full-time in June, July, and August – but not both. Part-time work will help students manage the cost of studying and living in the Netherlands. As soon as you have a (part-time) job, you are required to have Dutch public health insurance.

• International students are allowed to work part-time in the Netherlands between 10-16 hours weekly.
• Part-time working students can earn up to €16 per hour, which is almost INR 1,700 (approx).
• Many part-time opportunities can be availed at the University level where students can volunteer for assistantships in the library, to lecturers, for tutoring, etc.
• Not knowing the Dutch language is no barrier as English is used at administrative and educational levels.

Some of the top part time jobs in Netherlands for non-EU applicants are as follows:

Post-Study Work Permit in the Netherlands

The Dutch education system offers good-quality study programs and offers them many job opportunities. International students get Post-Study Work Permit in the Netherlands after completing the degree from the Universities in the Netherlands. International Graduates require post-study work permissions – called the Search/ Orientation Year or ‘zoekjaar’ in Dutch. As per new regulations in effect from March 1, 2016, students must apply for this permit three years after completing their degree program. Graduates of the Top 100 Ranked Universities in the World are also applying for this permit to find meaningful employment in the Netherlands. After applicants graduate, they can also look at applyong for PR for Netherlands as Indian Students.

Study in the Netherlands FAQs

Q. How much does it cost to study in the Netherlands?

A. The Netherlands is famous among international students because of its unique lifestyle and number of universities in the top 200 worldwide. Some of the best-ranked universities in the Netherlands charge up to €17,000 per year for Bachelors, and up to €23,000 per year for Masters. A large share of the available Bachelors and Masters are taught in English.

Q. Can I study in the Netherlands for free?

A. No, It’s not possible for International students to study in the Netherlands for free as there's no such tuition-free program available for students. The best way to study in the Netherlands for free is to obtain a scholarship. There are various scholarship options for international students, with some excellent opportunities for non-EEA students.

Q. Is it affordable to study in the Netherlands?

A. Yes, studying in the Netherlands is relatively inexpensive compared to other countries like the UK or US. The government sponsors Dutch higher education, and tuition fees are comparatively low. International students can experience low living costs in the Netherlands and other financial aid programs offered by the universities in the Netherlands.

Q. Can I study in the Netherlands without knowing Dutch?

A. Yes, you can study in the Netherlands without knowing Dutch as you don't need to speak Dutch to live and learn. However, it sure could be an excellent skill to have whether you stay in the Netherlands, head back to your home country or head off to a new country on a new adventure!

Q. Can I stay in the Netherlands after studying?

A. After a five-year stay in The Netherlands, one will be eligible to get a residence permit. To get a PR in the Netherlands after study, one needs to meet the following conditions: You have a valid Dutch residence permit for 5 years or more directly before the application.

Q. Which are the top universities in the Netherlands?

A. The University of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology, Utrecht University, Wageningen University & Research, Leiden University, Eindhoven University of Technology, and the University of Groningen are the top 7 universities in the Netherlands for international students studying abroad in the Netherlands.

Q. How long can you work in the Netherlands after graduation?

A. Yes, the Netherlands offers a post-study work permit and provides permits for international students who want to stay and work after graduation. With the Orientation Year for Graduates Seeking Employment, you can spend up to one year looking for work in Holland and stay as long as you have that job.