Study in Netherlands

More English-taught programs than anywhere in continental Europe, problem-based teaching that employers love, and a one-year orientation visa to stay and work.

The Dutch teach in English almost by default — over 2,100 programs — and nearly everyone you meet speaks it, so daily life is frictionless from day one.

Universities split into research universities (WO) and universities of applied sciences (HBO), so you can choose theory or practice. Teaching is famously interactive and small-group. After graduation the one-year orientation visa lets you work for anyone, and the 30% tax ruling can make your first salary go further. Tuition sits well below the UK and US for comparable degrees.

Universities
29
English programs
2,100+
Orientation visa
12 mo
English in eu
#1

Why the netherlands

  • English-taught: The most English programs in mainland Europe (2,100+)
  • All research unis: Every research university in the world top 200 (Top 10)
  • Stay after: Orientation year, work for any employer (12 mo)
  • English fluency: Highest non-native English proficiency on earth (#1)

Intakes

  • September — starts September — apply Oct – May of the prior year — The main intake — every program opens here; numerus fixus programs close 15 January.
  • February — starts February — apply Jun – Oct of the prior year — Offered by a good share of master’s and HBO programs.
  • Pre-master — starts Sep — apply Oct – Jun of the prior year — Six-month bridging programs for HBO graduates entering research master’s.

What it costs: TUITION €10–22K · LIVING €12–16K · + INSURANCE €0.6K

  • Bachelor’s tuition: €9 – 15k / yr — Three years at research universities, four at applied sciences.
  • Master’s tuition: €14 – 22k / yr — One to two years — technical and medical programs at the top.
  • Living costs: €12 – 16k / yr — Amsterdam housing is scarce and dear — Groningen, Enschede and Maastricht are far cheaper.
  • Health insurance: €0.6k / yr — Student insurance at about €50 a month; Dutch basic insurance only if you work.

Scholarships and funding

  • Holland Scholarship: €5,000 — Government-funded first-year award at participating universities.
  • Orange Tulip Scholarship: UP TO FULL TUITION — For students from selected countries — India, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico and more.
  • University excellence awards: €5K – FULL TUITION — Amsterdam Merit, Utrecht Excellence, Leiden Excellence — applied for with admission.

Tests you may need

  • English proficiency: All programs — IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+ typical — set per program and intake.
  • Graduate entry: Some programs — GMAT for business master’s at RSM, Tilburg and a few others.
  • Undergraduate entry: Your school results — VWO-equivalent qualifications, mapped by each university; some ask for maths.

Dutch programs rarely ask for GRE — each program page lists exactly what its intake asks for.

Residence permit · four steps

  1. Offer & deposit: Accept and pay the first instalment — your university then applies for your permit.
  2. University applies (TEV): The university files your MVV and residence permit with the IND on your behalf.
  3. Show funds: €1,300 a month for a year — about €15,600 — transferred to the university or shown in your account.
  4. Collect your MVV: Pick up the entry visa at the embassy, then your permit card after arrival. Gradsy tracks each step.

Work while you study and after

  • Part-time work: 16 hours a week in term or full-time in June–August — employer needs a work permit.
  • Internships: Curriculum internships need no permit and are common in HBO degrees.
  • Orientation year: Zoekjaar visa — work for any employer while you find a highly-skilled job.
  • Highly skilled migrant: Reduced salary threshold for orientation-year graduates; permanent residence after five years.

Typical graduate salaries

  • Software engineering: €45k – 70k
  • Data & AI: €48k – 75k
  • Engineering: €42k – 62k
  • Business & finance: €40k – 60k

Student cities

  • Amsterdam: Europe’s startup and creative capital — two top universities, tight housing
  • Rotterdam: The port city — business school RSM, architecture and a modern skyline
  • Utrecht: A medieval student city 25 minutes from Amsterdam
  • Delft: The engineering town — TU Delft and a canal-side campus
  • Eindhoven: Brainport — Philips, ASML and Europe’s densest tech corridor
  • Groningen: The classic student city — a quarter of residents are students

Questions students ask

Do I need to speak Dutch?

No — over 2,100 programs are taught in English and the Dutch have the highest non-native English proficiency in the world. Learning some Dutch helps with part-time jobs and is offered free at most universities.

What is the difference between WO and HBO?

Research universities (WO) are academic and theory-led; universities of applied sciences (HBO) are practice-oriented with built-in placements. Both are fully accredited — HBO bachelor’s take four years, WO three.

How hard is it to find housing?

Genuinely hard in Amsterdam and Utrecht — start the day you accept an offer. Most universities reserve rooms for international students in your first year; Gradsy flags which ones guarantee it.

Can I stay after graduating?

Yes — the orientation year (zoekjaar) gives you 12 months to work for any employer without a permit. From there you can switch to a highly-skilled-migrant permit at a reduced salary threshold.

Search 29 Netherlands universities · Find your best-fit programs