Why Study in Netherlands?

English-Taught Programs: Over 2,000 programs taught in English

Innovative Education: Problem-based learning approach with practical focus

Affordable Tuition: Lower fees compared to other Western European countries

International Community: Very high English proficiency among locals

Post-Study Work: Orientation year permit for graduates seeking employment

Bike-Friendly Culture: Excellent cycling infrastructure and healthy lifestyle

EU Hub: Home to many international organizations and multinational companies

Innovative education in English with international focus

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Eligibility & Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements
Secondary education equivalent to Dutch VWO diploma. For postgraduate, recognized bachelor's degree with minimum 6.5-7.0 GPA.
English Proficiency
IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall (no band less than 5.5-6.0), TOEFL iBT 80-90, Cambridge English B2/C1.
Numerus Fixus Programs
Selection procedures for medicine, dentistry, psychology, etc.
Study Progress Requirements
Must earn minimum 50-60 ECTS in first year (Bindend Studie Advies)
Age Requirements
Minimum 17 years for bachelor's programs

Financial Requirements

Tuition Fees

EU/EEA: €2,314/year; Non-EU: €8,000-€20,000/year

Living Costs

€800-€1,200 per month (€9,600-€14,400/year)

Proof of Funds

Minimum €933 per month (€11,196/year) for visa

Accepted Evidence

Bank statements, scholarship letters, sponsor declarations

Health Insurance

Mandatory: €100-€150 per month

Required Documents

Mandatory Documents
  • Conditional/unconditional admission letter
  • Valid passport
  • Proof of financial means
  • English proficiency certificate
  • Nuffic certificate (for certain nationalities)
  • Tuberculosis test (for certain countries)
  • Housing proof in Netherlands
Additional Documents
  • CV/Resume
  • Motivation letter
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Portfolio (arts/design programs)
  • Transcripts evaluation (Nuffic/IDW if required)

Fees & Processing Time

MVV Visa Fee

€210 (long stay visa)

Residence Permit Fee

€210 (after arrival)

Processing Time

1-3 months for MVV, 2 weeks for residence permit

IND Appointment

Required within 3 months of arrival

Biometrics Fee

Included in visa fee

Visa & Study Permit Information

Visa Requirements

Student visa (MVV) requires admission, proof of funds (€933/month), health insurance, TB test if from certain countries.

Processing Time

1-3 months

Work During Study

16 hours/week during term (with work permit)

Post-Study Work

Orientation Year: 12 months to seek employment

Dependents

Partner and children under 18

Cost Information
Cost of Living

€10,000-€14,000 per year (Amsterdam higher)


Post-Study Work Rights

Orientation Year (Zoekjaar): 1 year to seek employment after graduation

Rejections & Refunds

Common Reasons for Rejection

  • Insufficient financial means
  • No valid admission letter
  • Incomplete documentation
  • No proof of accommodation
  • Previous visa violations in Schengen area
  • Suspected immigration intent

Refund Policy

Visa Fee Refund

Non-refundable

University Fees

Refund policies vary by institution

Appeal Process

Can file objection within 4 weeks

Dependent Visa Information

Eligible Dependents

Spouse/partner and children under 18

Work Rights

Partner can work full-time with residence permit

Study Rights

Children can attend Dutch schools

Financial Requirements

Additional €500-€700 per month per dependent

Health Insurance

Required for all family members

Application

Apply together with main applicant

Student Life & Regulations

Work Regulations

16 hours/week during term, full-time during holidays (with work permit)

Residence Registration

Must register at municipality within 5 days

Health Insurance

Mandatory for all residents

BSA Requirement

Must pass sufficient courses in first year

Visa Conditions

Must maintain study progress and health insurance

Post-Study Work Opportunities

Orientation Year Visa (Zoekjaar)

  • 12 months after graduation
  • Dutch degree, sufficient funds, health insurance
  • Unrestricted work rights
  • Within 3 years of graduation

Highly Skilled Migrant Visa

  • €4,752/month (2024, under 30 years)
  • Job offer from recognized sponsor
  • 5 years maximum
  • After 5 years continuous residence

EU Blue Card

Available for highly qualified employment

Top Universities in Netherlands

View All Universities
Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences
Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences

World Rank: #4

Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences is a Dutch government-accredited private university of applied sciences, often...

Application Timeline

Fall Intake (Sept)

Apply by April-June

1
Spring Intake (Feb)

Apply by September-November

2
Numerus Fixus Programs

Apply by January 15

3
Visa Processing

Apply by June-July for September

4
Housing

Start searching January-April (very competitive)

5

Scholarships for Netherlands

View All Scholarships
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Award: $80,000

Comprehensive scholarship program for African students worldwide

Deadline: March 1, 2025

Apply Now
Erasmus+ Programme

Award: $30,000

EU programme for education, training, youth and sport

Deadline: February 15, 2025

Apply Now

Key Benefits for Students

English-Taught Excellence: Largest selection of English programs in continental Europe

Innovative Teaching: Problem-based learning methodology

International Focus: Very welcoming to international students

Post-Study Work: Orientation Year visa for job seeking

EU Benefits: Access to Schengen area and EU job market

Bike Culture: Healthy, eco-friendly transportation system

Frequently Asked Questions

No, there are over 2,000 English-taught programs available. However, learning basic Dutch is recommended for daily life and integration.

The BSA requires students to earn a minimum number of credits (usually 50-60 ECTS) in their first year to continue their studies.

Have more questions about studying in Netherlands?

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Life in Netherlands

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