The Netherlands, also known popularly as Holland, is home to more than 17 million people. The Netherlands is a diverse and developed nation. It is a popular destination for international students. Studying in the Netherlands is the most popular option for international students.
Each year, the country welcomes international students from over 150 countries and provides them with a quality education and numerous employment opportunities.
| Universities in Netherlands | 55+ |
| Average Living Expense | 800 to 1,100 euro (monthly) |
| International Programs | 2100+international programs taught in English. |
| Affordable Tuition fees | Average tuition fee for EU/EEA students: 2,168 euro per year and for non-EU/EEA : 8,000-20,000 per year. |
| High Standard of Living | Ranked #4 in the world for happy country and ranked #9 in the world for quality of life. |
| Career Prospects | 91% of international graduates find work within a year of graduation. |
| Part-time work allowance | Up to 20 euros(hourly) |
| Netherlands study visa cost | 174 euro |
The Netherlands has a rich history of excellence in education, with some universities dating back to the 16th century. This longevity has allowed the country to establish itself as a leader in higher education, with many of its top universities consistently ranked among the best in the world. The commitment to academic excellence is evident in the high standards upheld by Dutch universities, making it an ideal destination for students seeking to pursue specialized courses.
The country offers a wealth of opportunities for students in popular fields such as engineering, information and communication technology, energy, and more. These sectors have a strong demand for highly skilled professionals, making the Netherlands an attractive option for students planning to study abroad. In addition, the country’s vibrant and diverse cities, including the world-renowned Amsterdam, offer an exciting and enriching experience for international students.
Overall, the Netherlands is a top choice for those seeking a high-quality education and a rewarding career in a variety of industries. Its long-standing reputation for academic excellence, combined with its vibrant culture and thriving job market, make it a truly exceptional destination for students from around the globe.
The Netherlands is home to over 1,700 Bachelor’s, Master’s, and other academic programmes. Accounting, Engineering, Health Care, Social Science, Law, Computer Science, and the Arts are among the top ten most prominent fields of study in the Netherlands.
Field of StudyPopular Courses
| Engineering | Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Civil, Chemical Engineering. |
| Business and Economics | International Business, Economics, Finance, Business Administration Marketing. |
| Computer Science | Computer Science, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science |
| Health Sciences | Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Public Health. |
| Social Sciences | Psychology, International Relations, Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology. |
| Arts & Humanities | History, Literature, Philosophy, Linguistics, Cultural Studies. |
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and there are many other courses available in each field of study. Additionally, the popularity of certain courses may vary depending on the university and location within the Netherlands.
For international students, studying in the Netherlands is a more affordable option than studying in the United Kingdom or the United States. Universities in the Netherlands are divided into two categories: Research Universities, Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS), Institutes for International Education, and Others.
Local and European students pay the same amount to study in the Netherlands, but international students pay less at universities of applied science than at research universities. International students pay the institution-specific fees imposed by universities, which may vary by institution. Some of the most prestigious universities in the Netherlands charge up to €15,000 per year for Bachelor’s degrees and up to €25,000 for Masters degrees. International student tuition for a UAS can range between €7-8,000 and rarely exceeds €10,000.
Students from the Netherlands, other EU/EEA countries, and Suriname typically pay the lower “statutory tuition fees.” This fee is determined by the Dutch government and is the same for all universities. All other international students are typically required to pay the higher “institutional tuition fees.”
Degree TypeAverage Annual Tuition Fees
| Bachelor’s | 600-15,000 EUR |
| Master’s | 8,000-25,000 EUR |
The Netherlands is an excellent destination for international students who desire to attend universities abroad. The Cost of Living in the Netherlands is low compared to other countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States. When preparing to study in the Netherlands, international students must be well-prepared, and the most crucial preparation is to consider their living expenses. This consists of food, transportation, literature, clothing, and lodging.
Expense categoryExamples of ExpensesAverage cost (in Euros)
| Accommodation | Accommodation | 500-600 per month |
| Food and Groceries | 1 litre of milk | 1 |
| 1 loaf of bread | 2 | |
| Transportation | Single journey on public transportation | 2-3 |
| Dining out | Meal for 2 at a mid-range restaurant | 60 |
| Utilities | Monthly cost for electricity, gas, water (2 person household) | 150 |
Note: Students from abroad can register for the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which provides discounts on travel, shopping, and museums. It is applicable worldwide.
To study or conduct research in the Netherlands as an international student, a visa and work permit are required. The process for obtaining a Netherlands Student Visa involves two steps:
1. The MVV or Entry Visa allows entry into the Netherlands.
2. Within a month of arrival, students are granted the VRV, or Residence Permit.
Duration depends on the length of your stay. If your stay is less than 90 days, you will need a Short-Stay Visa or Schengen Visa. For stays longer than 90 days, you will need an MVV (depending on your nationality) and a VVR (residence permit).
The visa typically allows you to travel throughout all Schengen countries. However, with a Short-Stay Visa, you can only stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that you cannot return to the Schengen area until another 90 days have passed. An entry visa is also only valid for 90 days and must be followed by a residence permit for a longer stay.
International students can work part-time in the Netherlands for a maximum of 10 hours per week throughout the year or full-time during the months of June, July, and August, but not both. Part-time employment will assist students in managing the costs of living and studying in the Netherlands. If you have a (part-time) job in the Netherlands, you are required to have public health insurance.
1. International students are permitted to work between 10 and 16 hours per week in the Netherlands.
2. Students who work part-time can earn up to 20 Euros per hour, or approximately 1,700 Indian Rupees.
3. At the university level, students can volunteer for assistantships in the library, with lecturers, as tutors, etc., among other part-time opportunities.
4. English is utilised at administrative and educational levels, so not knowing Dutch is not a barrier.
The Dutch educational system provides high-quality study options as well as numerous employment possibilities. After graduating from one of the Dutch universities, international students are granted a post-study work permit. International graduates must obtain the Search/Orientation Year, or “zoekjaar” in Dutch, which permits post-study employment. Students must file for this permit in accordance with new rules that became effective on March 1, 2016, three years after finishing their degree programme. Additionally, graduates from the top 100 universities in the world are requesting this permission in order to work productively in the Netherlands.
Scholarships are the best way to pay for your education in the Netherlands. For international students, including those from outside the EEA, the Netherlands provides numerous scholarship possibilities as well as options for student loans.
In order to cover their tuition costs, Dutch universities provide merit-based scholarships to foreign students. Major financial institutions now offer loans at attractive interest rates, making it very easy for international students to apply for education loans in the Netherlands.
Here are a few scholarships that Indian students can take advantage of:
Netherlands/EU Government-Sponsored Scholarships:
The Netherlands offers several scholarships for international students seeking to pursue their studies in the country. These scholarships include:
1. Holland Scholarships – This scholarship is available to international students who are not from the EU. There are no restrictions on the universities that students can attend, as all 48 Dutch universities are eligible. Successful applicants will receive €5,000 in the first year of their studies.
2. Netherlands Fellowship Program – This program is specifically designed to support the education and training of working professionals. It is funded by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Netherlands and offers fellowships for PhD, Master’s, and short courses. This scholarship is available not only in the Netherlands, but also in 51 selected countries.
3. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships in the Netherlands – This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students seeking funding for their Master’s or PhD programs. The European Commission offers this scholarship exclusively to international students and covers the full cost of university expenses.
Overall, these scholarships are a great way for international students to pursue their academic goals in the Netherlands, and they offer a range of options for different fields and levels of study.
A. The top 7 universities in the Netherlands for international students studying abroad are the University of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology, Utrecht University, Wageningen University & Research, Leiden University, Eindhoven University of Technology, and the University of Groningen.
A. Yes, you can live and study in the Netherlands without knowing Dutch. Although it might be a great skill to have whether you remain in the Netherlands, return to your country of origin, or embark on a new adventure.
A: Tuition fees in the Netherlands vary based on your degree of education, program, and nationality. Tuition fees for EU/EEA students are typically cheaper than those for non-EU/EEA students. Tuition fees vary from €2,000 to €20,000 per year on average.
A: Yes, it is possible to work while studying in the Netherlands. If you are an EU/EEA student, you can work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during the summer break. Non-EU/EEA students can work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during the summer break, provided they have a work permit.