• World-class education system with universities consistently ranked among the best globally


• Innovative and research-driven teaching approach that emphasizes critical thinking and practical skills


• Wide range of study programs taught in English, especially at undergraduate and postgraduate levels


• Strong focus on technology, engineering, business, sustainability, and social sciences


• High quality of life with excellent public transportation and student facilities


• Opportunities for part-time work during studies and post-study work through the Orientation Year (Search Year) visa 

Student Visa

International students who plan to study in the Netherlands for more than 90 days are required to apply for a Dutch student residence permit (MVV and VVR). The application process is usually handled by the Dutch university on behalf of the student after an official offer letter is accepted. Universities typically charge an administration fee of approximately €35 for this service.

The overall processing timeline requires particular attention: you should begin your visa application immediately upon receiving your admission letter, as the process takes considerable time. After your university submits your application to the Dutch Immigration Office (IND), the MVV processing typically takes between 2 to 3 months.

Once approved, the actual MVV entry visa can be collected from the Dutch embassy or consulate within 2 to 6 weeks. Upon arrival in the Netherlands with your MVV, you will receive your residence permit (VVR) within approximately two weeks. The combined MVV and VVR application currently costs approximately €311, though this fee is reviewed twice yearly and subject to change.

It is essential to note that your MVV is valid for only 90 days from the date of collection, so timing your entry carefully is important. The VVR residence permit, by contrast, remains valid for your entire study period.

Students must provide proof of financial means, valid health insurance, and accommodation. For short-term studies or exchange programs lasting less than 90 days, a Schengen Visa (Type C) may be required, depending on nationality.

Additionally, some students may qualify for an alternative VVR-only procedure, particularly those from countries with specific agreements with the Netherlands, which requires no separate entry visa, in such cases, entry to the Netherlands is possible using just a valid passport, with the residence permit obtained upon arrival.

Accommodation

Dutch universities do not automatically guarantee housing, but many offer assistance through university housing offices or partner housing providers, especially for first-year international students. Due to high demand—particularly in cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Groningen—students are strongly advised to arrange accommodation as early as possible. In fact, housing searches should ideally begin 3 to 6 months before your intended arrival date.

The Netherlands is currently experiencing a significant student housing shortage. As of 2025-2026, approximately 21,000 fewer student rooms are available than needed, with the situation worsening in major urban centers. Amsterdam has seen a 27% recent decline in available student housing supply, and cities like Groningen, Tilburg, and Rotterdam face acute shortages.

While 5,000 new rooms were added to the market last year, private landlords removed 17,800 rooms from rental supply due to stricter rent control regulations and new tax requirements, creating a net loss. Cities less affected by the shortage include Arnhem, Ede, Enschede, Leeuwarden, and some smaller university towns, though larger cities experience significant pressure. Without intervention, the shortage is expected to escalate to 26,000-63,000 rooms by the 2032-2033 academic year.

After arrival, students are required to register their address with the local municipality (Gemeente) within five days to obtain a citizen service number (BSN), which is essential for daily life in the Netherlands. This registration is free of charge and is necessary for opening a bank account, obtaining health insurance, and accessing medical services.

If you have not yet secured permanent accommodation upon arrival, you can register using a correspondence address or a consent form (toestemmingsverklaring) signed by your temporary host. Once you have a permanent rental contract, you should update your registration with the municipality to reflect your actual residence.

Student Residences / University Housing

University housing remains a popular choice among international students because it is relatively affordable and conveniently located, with costs typically ranging from €140 per week (approximately €600 per month). These residences are typically managed by housing corporations or university partners.

Common facilities include:

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  Furnished rooms

  
  


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  Shared or private bathrooms

  
  


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  Shared kitchen facilities

  
  


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  Internet access

  
  


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  Laundry facilities

  
  

Most residences are located near campus or are easily accessible by public transportation.

Off-Campus Accommodation

Students who prefer more independence may choose private accommodation such as shared apartments or studios. Housing can be found through university platforms, housing websites, or registered rental agencies. Current market rates for off-campus accommodation include:

• Shared apartments: €400-€800 per month


• Private studios: €800-€1,200 per month


• Single rooms in shared housing: €400-€800 per month

Popular student-focused housing platforms include Kamernet (which has a subscription fee to contact landlords but focuses on student housing), HousingAnywhere (designed specifically for international students), Kamer.nl (affordable and student-friendly), Studentenwoningweb.nl (exclusively for student housing, €300-€600/month), and Vestide (operates on a first-come-first-served basis). General housing aggregators like Funda and Pararius also list properties, though with less student-specific focus. RentHunter aggregates listings from multiple platforms in one location, which can save time and increase your chances of finding available rooms.

Rental costs vary significantly by city, with higher prices in major urban areas like Amsterdam and Utrecht, where rent premiums can be 25-30% higher than the national average, while smaller cities tend to be more affordable. The competitive housing market means landlords increasingly require comprehensive documentation and rapid decision-making from potential tenants.

Part-Time Work

International students in the Netherlands are allowed to work part-time during their studies, though regulations vary by nationality. Non-EU/EEA students may work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year, or full-time during the summer months (June-August). A work permit (TWV - Tewerkstellingsvergunning) is required and must be applied for by your employer, not by you as a student.

The work permit application typically takes 5 to 6 weeks to process. Students cannot apply for this permit themselves; it is the employer's responsibility. Notably, many students find that working 10-12 hours per week strikes an optimal balance between earning income and maintaining academic performance.

Non-EU students cannot engage in freelance work or self-employment while on a student visa. Internships that are part of your academic program do not require a separate work permit if covered by a formal internship agreement between your employer and educational institution.

Health Insurance Requirements

All students who work, whether in part-time jobs, internships, or other employment are required by law to have Dutch health insurance, regardless of nationality. This requirement applies even to EU/EEA students and covers those earning the Dutch minimum wage or more in internship positions. As of September 2025, new regulations require that EU/EEA students whose internships provide any form of compensation and trigger enrollment in Dutch employee insurance systems must have Dutch Basic Healthcare Insurance.

Students studying only without employment are not required to have Dutch health insurance if they are from the EU/EEA (and can instead use the European Health Insurance Card - EHIC), but non-EU students studying only typically use private international health insurance. Dutch health insurance costs begin at approximately €133.75 per month (2025) and includes an annual excess (deductible) of €385.

Common student jobs include roles in hospitality, retail, logistics, and on-campus services. Part-time work helps students support living expenses while gaining valuable international work experience in a professional and multicultural environment. Students are entitled to written employment contracts, fair wages (at least the Dutch minimum wage), and holiday pay, with the same labor protections as Dutch employees.

1. Primary & Secondary Schools

Primary and secondary education in the Netherlands is provided by public and private schools, including international and bilingual schools. Education is compulsory from ages 5 to 16. After completing secondary education at age 16-18, students receive a diploma (such as VMBO, HAVO, VWO, or International Baccalaureate) and are eligible to enter higher education institutions in the Netherlands and internationally.

Dutch secondary education features a distinctive three-stream system. After completing eight years of primary education and taking the CITO exam, students are streamed into one of three pathways based on academic performance and teacher recommendations. 

VMBO (Vocational Middle General Education) is a four-year program leading to vocational training (MBO), focusing on practical skills. HAVO (Senior General Secondary Education) spans five years and prepares students for applied sciences universities (HBO), while VWO (Pre-University Education) takes six years and leads to university. In the final years (years 4-6 for HAVO/VWO), students choose subject profiles and specialize in academic areas.

At graduation, VMBO students must pass 5-7 exam subjects, HAVO students must take at least 7 national exams, and VWO students must take 8 exam subjects, with school exams counting for 50% and national exams for 50% of final grades.

International schools offering private education charge significantly higher fees than public Dutch schools. Tuition fees at international secondary schools generally range from €6,350 to €8,000 per year for standard programs, with some specialized programs exceeding €23,000 annually. Examples include International School Almere, which charges €6,350 for Middle Years Programme (MYP) students and €7,275 for Diploma Programme students, and International School Haarlem, which offers IB programmes with comparable fee structures.

An important alternative for families seeking international education at lower cost is bilingual schools (TTO - Tweetalig onderwijs). Over 130 government-funded Dutch secondary schools offer bilingual education, where some courses are taught in Dutch and others in English. These schools are significantly cheaper than full international schools, often charging similar fees to Dutch public schools (which are heavily subsidized) while offering an international curriculum component. Many award an IB-certificate English A2 or Cambridge Certificate upon graduation in addition to their regular VMBO, HAVO, or VWO diploma.

2. Language Programs

The Netherlands offers comprehensive English and Dutch language programs for international students preparing for degree studies. English-taught programs typically require proficiency demonstrated through IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent standardized tests, while Dutch-taught programs may require NT2 (Dutch as a Second Language) certification.

Program duration ranges significantly: short-term intensive courses, long-term preparation programs, and semester-based pathways are all available. Pricing varies considerably by intensity and provider. General English courses cost approximately €30-€420 per week depending on intensity. Intensive English courses run €420 per week for 25-30 hours of instruction, while business English costs €395 per week for 25 hours. Exam preparation courses (IELTS/TOEFL) range from €390-€450 per week for 20-25 hours. Private lessons are available at approximately €43 per lesson for 45-minute sessions.

Summer language programs operated by independent providers typically run from June to August and cost €1,490 and upward for 2-4 week intensive programs. The Netherlands Education Group, for example, offers 4-week programs for €1,490, with classes conducted 5 days per week, 4 academic hours daily, taught by native speakers from the UK, USA, and Australia. Classes typically include small groups of 4-10 students, with options for business-focused coursework, preparation for international exams, or individual customized lessons.

3. Vocational & Professional Education

Vocational education in the Netherlands is highly practical and industry-oriented, offered through two main levels: MBO (Secondary Vocational Education) and HBO (Universities of Applied Sciences).

MBO Programs

Students aged 18 and older pursuing full-time MBO courses must pay tuition fees of €1,458 for the 2025-2026 academic year. Payment is typically due in September, with flexible options to pay the full amount at once or in nine monthly instalments through the Dutch student finance portal (DUO).

MBO programs typically last 2-4 years depending on the specific trade or profession, preparing students for entry into skilled trades, healthcare, hospitality, and technical professions. Popular pathways include plumbing, hairdressing, nursing, and technical trades.

HBO Programs

Universities of Applied Sciences (HBO) offer more advanced vocational education leading to bachelor's degrees. For EU/EEA students and those meeting statutory fee criteria, tuition is €2,601-€2,695 per year (2025-2026 academic year).

Non-EU/EEA students typically pay institutional fees ranging from €9,000-€10,560 per year. For example, InHolland University of Applied Sciences charges €10,360 annually for non-EU students (2026-2027 academic year), while The Hague University of Applied Sciences charges €10,164-€10,528.

These programs focus on practical fields such as engineering, business, IT, hospitality, and creative industries, with bachelor's degrees typically completed in 3-4 years.

4. Foundation / Preparatory Programs

Foundation or pathway programs are specifically designed to help international students meet academic and language requirements for higher education in the Netherlands. These programs usually last 6-12 months and serve as a bridge between secondary education and degree programs.

Tuition fees for foundation programs are substantially higher than degree programs. One-year International Foundation Programs cost €13,930-€14,950 for the 2025-2026 academic year. Fast-track foundation programs, which can be completed in a shorter timeframe, cost approximately €11,350 per year. English Academic Preparation Programmes cost €6,700 per year.

Providers such as The Hague Pathway College and OnCampus Amsterdam offer comprehensive pathway programs. OnCampus Amsterdam, for instance, offers two-semester University Pathway Programmes costing €22,140 (October 2025 - July 2026 intake) or €22,980 (October 2026 - June 2027 intake).

These programs are instrumental for students whose previous education or language proficiency falls short of direct university admission requirements and provide comprehensive academic writing, mathematics, and language skills development alongside cultural integration support.

5. Undergraduate Degree (Bachelor)

Bachelor's degrees in the Netherlands typically take 3-4 years and are widely recognized internationally. Many programs are taught fully in English, making them accessible to international students. The Netherlands offers an exceptionally competitive tuition fee structure for EU/EEA students and provides diverse program options across engineering, business, sciences, humanities, and creative fields.

Non-EU/EEA students typically pay substantially higher institutional fees set by each university. Fees generally range from €10,000-€18,000 per year at public research universities. For examples (2025-2026 academic year) include TU Delft (€17,310 for non-EU Bachelor students), Erasmus University Rotterdam (€11,400), University of Amsterdam (€13,900-€17,500 depending on faculty), Tilburg University (€10,200), and University of Twente (comparable range). Private institutions often charge significantly higher fees regardless of nationality.

Most students qualify for statutory fees if they are EU/EEA nationals, hold a valid Dutch residence permit of certain types, or meet specific residency criteria. Students who have already obtained a Dutch bachelor's or master's degree must pay institutional fees for any subsequent degree program, even if they are EU/EEA nationals.

6. Postgraduate Degree (Master & PhD)

Master's Degree Programs:

Master's degrees generally take 1-2 years, depending on the program structure and field of study. Like bachelor's programs, master's degrees use the same dual fee structure.

Master's fees for non-EU/EEA students typically range from €8,000-€25,000+ per year depending on the university, program, and field.

For Examples tuition fee for TU Delft (€22,290 for non-EU Master's students), Erasmus University Rotterdam (€19,950 typical range), University of Amsterdam (€20,200-€26,000 depending on faculty and specialization), Tilburg University (€18,900 for non-EU Master's), and University of Twente (€9,216-€12,658 depending on program tier). Business schools and MBA programs often charge at the higher end of this range or above it.

Master's programs are widely available in English across Dutch universities, spanning fields such as business, engineering, sciences, law, and humanities. Many programs include research components, internship requirements, and specialization tracks.

PhD Programs (Doctorate)

PhD programs in the Netherlands differ fundamentally from most other countries' systems. PhD students are typically employed as university staff members on fixed-term contracts, meaning they receive a paid salary rather than paying tuition fees. This employment-based model is a distinctive feature of Dutch doctoral education.

Compensation and Duration

• Duration: typically 4 years, though programs can extend 4-5 years depending on the research project and institution


• Average annual compensation: approximately €74,000 USD equivalent, or roughly €3,500-€3,539 per month salary


• Benefits include holiday and travel allowances, social security coverage, and pension scheme enrollment


• Some fully-funded positions include relocation support, health insurance, and access to state-of-the-art research facilities

Programme Structure

PhD programs feature explicit structure with clear timelines, regular supervisory meetings in collaborative academic communities, and requirements for thesis completion. Students typically complete a 4-5 year research project, write a comprehensive dissertation, and present their findings in a ceremonial thesis defense—a unique Dutch tradition involving presentation to a panel of judges.

Popular Fields

Popular doctoral areas include Social Sciences, Medical Sciences, Economics, Business, Psychology, and STEM fields. Engineering PhD students particularly comprise a significant international cohort. Most programs are taught in English, and international collaboration is encouraged through joint doctorates and international partnerships.

Language and Admission Requirements:

• English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) required for non-native English speakers


• Bachelor's degree (and typically master's degree) required


• Strong academic record and transcripts


• 2-3 letters of recommendation


• CV and statement of research interests


• Relevant research experience

Funding and Scholarships:

The Netherlands provides multiple funding pathways for international PhD students:

• Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) grants


• University-based PhD scholarships


• Holland Scholarship program


• Orange Knowledge Programme (for professionals from specific countries)


• University-specific schemes: Radboud Scholarship Programme (reduces fees to €2,695 plus covers visa, residence permit, health insurance, and liability insurance)


• Leiden University Excellence Scholarship


• Utrecht Excellence Scholarships


• VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme


• TU Delft Excellence Scholarships


• Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship (€34,000 full scholarship)


• Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorate Programmes