Study in Netherlands 2025: Know Top Universities, Courses and Admission Cycle

Study in Netherlands 2025: Higher Education System

There are two main groups of universities to study in the Netherlands - Research Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences. While research universities offer research-oriented programs and are responsible for the research output of the country, universities of applied sciences offer programs focusing on practical applications of arts and sciences. As many as 14 research universities and 41 universities of applied sciences are available for aspirants interested to study in the Netherlands. In addition to the state-funded universities, there are private universities and colleges that students can opt for. Since 2002, the higher education system has been organised around a three-cycle system consisting of Bachelor (first cycle), Masters's (second cycle), and PhD (third cycle) degrees for studying in the Netherlands.

Study in Netherlands 2025: Top Universities to Study in Netherlands

The Netherlands has an academically strong higher education system and an international learning environment that makes it one of the top reasons to study in the Netherlands 2025. According to QS ranking 2025, 13 ranked universities in the Netherlands featured in the top universities of the world.

Top Universities to study in Netherlands 2025

Study in Netherlands: Admission Cycle

Understanding the admission cycle is crucial for all students aspiring to study in the Netherlands. Students aspiring to study in the Netherlands from India should be thorough with the admission cycle as that helps in planning. This provides ample time to applicants trying to study in the Netherlands so that they can manage other elements of application along with choosing the university of their choice. Students should get precise information from the concerned department of the University to avoid missing dates related to admission. After candidates aspiring to study in the Netherlands from India are aware of the application deadlines, they can start preparing for the standardised tests and the English proficiency tests. Students aspiring to study in the Netherlands from India should note that the deadlines for non-EU students might be different from those of the EU. Every year, universities accept applications during two annual intakes- February and September. The academic year in the Netherlands runs from September until May/June the following year. Some institutions or courses to study in the Netherlands may have enrollments throughout the year as well.

Study in Netherlands: Admission Cycle

Eligibility Criteria for Study in Netherlands

Due to its location, social tolerance, and being a hub of culture and arts, studying in the Netherlands is becoming an attractive proposition for international students. International students, whether opting for Bachelor's or Master's programmes, require good English proficiency test scores to study in the Netherlands. Ideally, students aspiring to study in the Netherlands should score at least 7 in IELTS or C on Cambridge International exam or 95 in TOEFL iBT.

To be eligible to study Bachelor in the Netherlands, candidates must have a decent GPA and good English proficiency scores. Some courses require students to perform well in a Maths admission test or accept SAT scores to study in the Netherlands.

A valid and substantial GRE or GMAT score is necessary to be eligible to study a Masters's programme in the Netherlands. Some programmes like communications, sociology, etc. do not require a standardised score. Check individual course requirements for the specific eligibility criteria to study in the Netherlands. A Statement of Purpose is also part of the admission process along with letters of recommendation to study in the Netherlands from India.

Study in Netherlands: Eligibility Criteria of Top Dutch Universities

Cost of Study in Netherlands 2025

Government-funded Dutch universities have two types of tuition fees: statutory and institutional. Statutory fees are paid by students from the Netherlands and other EU/EEA countries. The institutional fees are set by the university itself and are applicable to students from outside of the EU/EEA aspiring to study in the Netherlands. The amount depends on specialisations and other conditions for students wanting to study in the Netherlands from India. The annual tuition fee (statutory fee) is EUR 2,314 for the academic year 2025. Students are eligible to pay this fee if: they are from an EEA country, Switzerland, or Surinam; they have not yet obtained a similar degree from a government-funded Dutch university or university of applied science.

Scholarships for Study in Netherlands 2025

Tuition fees do not include the cost of study books, living expenses, or other additional expenses. Hence, looking for a scholarship is a good idea to reduce Netherlands study cost. The good news for candidates aspiring to study in the Netherlands is that a significant number of scholarships are offered by colleges and universities along with the Dutch government and institutions. However, these are scholarships available to International students aspiring to study in the Netherlands. Hence, students aspiring to study in the Netherlands from India should apply in advance and be prepared to face competition for attaining a scholarship. To study in the Netherlands, applicants should also consult individual websites of respective scholarships for detailed guidelines and document requirements.

Netherlands/EU Government Scholarships for International Students

• Netherlands Fellowship Program

• Holland Scholarships

• Erasmus Mundus Scholarships in Netherlands

• Dutch Colleges and Universities that offer Scholarships for International Students

• Leiden University Excellence Scholarships

• University of Maastricht High Potential Scholarships

• Radboud University Scholarship Programme

• Utrecht University Excellence Scholarships

• Erik Bleumink Scholarships at University of Groningen

• TU Delft Excellence Scholarships

• Amsterdam Excellence Scholarships (Netherlands)

• University of Twente Scholarships

• VU University Amsterdam Fellowship Programme

• The Hague World Citizen Talent Scholarship

Student Visa Cycle and Process for Study in Netherlands

Indian aspirants can apply for the Netherlands student visa – Schengen Visa (for courses less than 3 months) and Entry Visa - MVV and the VVR or the Residence Permit to study in the Netherlands.

A student planning to study in the Netherlands for more than 90 days would require a Residence Permit. With the Modern Migration Policy coming into effect, non-EU students can apply for the regular provisional residence permit (MVV) and residence permit (VVR) at the same time via the Entry and Residence Procedure. This procedure is a joint effort between the student and the sponsoring higher educational institution. Indian aspirants will provide their university with the required information and documents, and the university will then apply to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND). The process of study in the Netherlands might vary from University to University and guidelines as specified by the university must be followed.

Under the TEV Procedure, the university would submit the form on the student’s behalf to the IND. Once the IND approves the application, the student will be granted an MVV (Provisional Residence Permit) which would be valid for 3 months to study in the Netherlands. On arriving to study in the Netherlands, students would be required by their respective Universities to appear and apply for a Residence Permit (VRV). The time may vary from university to university but is usually stipulated between 3 to 5 days for students aspiring to study in the Netherlands from India. It is important to note that to continue studying in the Netherlands, a student would have to get their Residence Permits extended. This is only possible if the student, aspiring to study in the Netherlands from India, completes at least 50 percent of the required credits. The MVV is processed in about 30 days but might take longer. Hence, study in Netherlands aspirants are advised to start as soon as possible. It is important to remember that the MVV is valid only for three months. The VRV is processed quicker and takes about 2 weeks. Students would have to be studying in the Netherlands to be granted this visa.

Documents Required to Study in Netherlands

As a non-EU student, applicants from India need a number of documents and must meet the requirements to come and study in the Netherlands.

• A valid passport with a validity of at least 12 months at the time of application

• Confirmation of admission to study in the Netherlands.

• Candidates must prove that they have sufficient finances to live for at least one year to study in the Netherlands. In most cases, applicants must transfer this sum to the university’s bank account prior to completing their Netherlands student visa application. After arriving applicants will get access to these finances to study in the Netherlands.

• Health insurance for the first three months of the student's stay in the Netherlands must be covered. Students aspiring to study in the Netherlands from India might be requested for a Tuberculosis test before arrival.

Students aspiring to study in the Netherlands would be asked for a small generic interview. Questions pertaining to the applied University and the applicant’s interest in wanting to study in the Netherlands might be asked.

Study in Netherlands: Living Expenses

The living cost in the Netherlands is comparatively lower than that of other first-world countries like the USA and UK. You will be required to spend around EUR 800 to EUR 1,100 per month in the Netherlands.

Housing

An average room in the Netherlands costs somewhere between EUR 300 and EUR 600 a month.

Food

Most higher education institutions offer hot meals at reasonable prices. Some average prices:

1. a cup of coffee/tea in a café: EUR 3,00

2. a cheese sandwich: EUR 4,00

3. dinner in a typical student restaurant: EUR 12,50

Transportation

You can move around easily on your bike. Bus tickets will cost you around EUR 2 for a single fare in the city.

Accommodation Cost

Students aspiring to study in the Netherlands from India can work part-time to reduce the burden of expenses. This can be a great opportunity to earn money and get experience at the same time while studying in the Netherlands. A work permit would have to be acquired by students wanting to work while pursuing their study in the Netherlands.