Netherlands
Two principal routes: research universities and applied sciences.
Study overview
Dutch higher education distinguishes research-oriented WO from professionally oriented HBO. WO bachelor’s degrees usually take three years; HBO bachelor’s degrees commonly take four. Public and private institutions operate in both the wider education market and professional-specialist sectors. English-taught study remains subject to programme-specific entry requirements.
Tuition / Year
Nuffic, the Dutch education internationalisation organisation, gives this non-EU/EEA bachelor’s range. Master’s: EUR 12,000–30,000/year; programme fees vary.
Living / Month
Nuffic estimate including accommodation. Its quoted room allowance is EUR 450–1,000/month.
Typical degree length: Bachelor’s: research 3; applied 4 years
Master’s: usually 1–2 years
Medicine: 6 years (3 + 3)
Fields: Business; engineering; life sciences; public health; computing.
Official references
- https://www.studyinnl.org/finances/tuition-fees
- https://www.studyinnl.org/finances/daily-student-expenses-and-cost-of-living-in-the-netherlands
- https://studyinnl.org/plan-your-stay/how-to-apply
- https://www.studyinnl.org/information-package
- https://www.nuffic.nl/en/research-facts-and-figures/research/incoming-degree-mobility-at-dutch-universities-2024-25
- https://www.studyinnl.org/dutch-education/bachelors
- https://www.studyinnl.org/dutch-education/masters
Study and admission
Research and applied degrees
Research universities and universities of applied sciences have different entry profiles, teaching structures and bachelor’s durations.
Research and professional higher education
The Dutch system distinguishes research-oriented education, known as WO, from professional higher education, known as HBO. A research-university bachelor’s normally takes three years and 180 credits. A university-of-applied-sciences bachelor’s normally takes four years and 240 credits, combining disciplinary learning with professional application. Both use the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System. Some applied-sciences institutions also run intensive three-year bachelor’s routes for suitably qualified entrants. The institution’s legal status and the programme’s accreditation are separate from whether its marketing name contains the word ‘university’.
Official references
What a school qualification must establish
Research-university entry normally requires a qualification comparable to Dutch pre-university secondary education, known as VWO. Applied-sciences entry can be based on the Dutch HAVO general-secondary diploma or level-four vocational qualification and comparable foreign awards. Nuffic, the Dutch organisation for internationalisation in education, publishes comparisons of foreign qualifications; the admitting institution makes the admission decision. Subject prerequisites remain important after diploma-level comparison. Mathematics, science or language deficiencies can lead to additional assessment even when the overall school qualification is acceptable.
Business, technology and specialist provision
Research and applied-sciences routes both include business, computing and engineering, but their course structures differ. Applied-sciences provision also includes hospitality, teacher education, nursing, design and performing arts. Specialist institutions extend the range: IHE Delft provides postgraduate water education, while arts schools admit students through discipline-specific selection. A master’s after an applied-sciences bachelor’s can involve a preparatory or bridging programme before admission to a research university. The bridge addresses academic prerequisites; it is not a second bachelor’s degree or a universal requirement for every graduate.
Medicine, mathematics and capped places
A course offered in English elsewhere in the university does not establish the teaching language of medicine or another regulated profession. Maastricht’s published medicine admission route is Dutch-language and requires the relevant pre-university science subjects. In quantitative subjects, universities identify acceptable mathematics evidence: Maastricht Computer Science lists the OMPT-D mathematics test and specified Dutch examination alternatives. Programmes with a numerus fixus have a capped number of places and their own selection process. Meeting minimum subject requirements does not remove that additional competition.
Admissions, fees and housing
Programme-level selection sits alongside a national registration portal and a housing market with limited student accommodation.
Studielink is the starting registration layer
Most Dutch higher-education applications begin with Studielink, the national enrolment portal, followed by the institution’s own document and assessment stages. A Studielink registration is therefore not an admission offer. Numerus-fixus programmes normally have a 15 January application deadline; other courses have different deadlines, including earlier dates for applicants who need immigration processing. The institution evaluates the diploma, required subjects and language evidence. Selection programmes can add tests, written work or interviews, while arts courses may assess portfolios or performance.
Official references
International enrolment: the measured population
Nuffic reported 129,764 international bachelor’s and master’s students at publicly funded Dutch higher-education institutions in 2025–26. Its definition combines non-Dutch nationality with a secondary education completed outside the Netherlands; it is not simply a count of everyone holding a foreign passport. The total also excludes international students outside the report’s institutional and qualification coverage. This distinction matters when comparing national figures: an exchange-student count, a residence-permit count and an enrolled-degree-student count measure different populations and cannot be treated as interchangeable statistics.
Tuition depends on fee status and subject
Study in NL, the national international-study information service, gives indicative annual tuition of EUR 9,000–20,000 for non-European Economic Area bachelor’s students and EUR 12,000–30,000 for master’s students. These broad estimates describe a market, not a fixed national tariff. Statutory-fee eligibility depends on conditions including nationality or residence status and prior study; many international applicants instead pay institutional fees. Some institutions also charge application or handling fees. The amount attached to a particular course and intake is the relevant tuition commitment.
Official references
Living costs and room availability
Study in NL estimates total student living expenditure at EUR 1,000–1,500 a month, with accommodation commonly EUR 450–1,000. These figures overlap: rent is a component of living expenditure, not an extra amount to add twice. Amsterdam generally costs more than smaller student cities. University admission does not guarantee a room, and the national study service warns of housing shortages. Deposits, furnishings and initial travel can create a larger first-month requirement than the recurring monthly budget; shared housing and studio accommodation have different cost structures.
Entrance and language assessments
English-language tests
Applies to: Institution-specific English-taught degrees
International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or other accepted evidence. Required scores and exemptions depend on the programme and prior education.
OMPT mathematics examinations
Applies to: Selected quantitative bachelor’s programmes
The Online Mathematics Placement Test has different versions. Maastricht Computer Science identifies OMPT-D; another degree’s accepted version or threshold may differ.
CCVX / Boswell-Bèta examinations
Applies to: Applicants with specified subject deficiencies
Dutch pre-university subject examinations from CCVX or Boswell-Bèta can address specified mathematics or science deficiencies. Accepted certificates are set by the institution, not required from every international applicant.
Numerus-fixus selection
Applies to: Programmes with a capped intake
Selection is organised for the particular programme and may include tests or other assessments. It is distinct from a nationwide university entrance examination.
Scholarships and funding routes
NL Scholarship
Support: €5,000 in the first study year under the standard national scheme.
Eligibility: Non-EEA applicants to a full-time programme at a participating institution, meeting its criteria and without a Dutch higher education degree.
Application: Applications and selection are administered by participating universities, with institution-specific courses and deadlines.
Conditions: Partial support only: it is not a full-tuition award. Participation and additional institutional conditions vary by intake.
University of Twente Scholarship (UTS)
Support: EUR 3,000–22,000 for one year. A second-year award of the same value is possible when renewal conditions are met.
Eligibility: Excellent non-EU/EEA applicants with conditional or full admission to an eligible master’s; statutory-fee payers and current UT students are excluded.
Application: A separate scholarship application follows conditional or full master’s admission and issuance of a university student number.
Conditions: Renewal requires a 7/10 average and at least half the year’s credits by the end of the third quartile. ITC and pre-master’s programmes are excluded.
Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship
Support: Tuition, visa and specified insurance costs, plus EUR 20,150 living support for 13 months or EUR 38,750 for 25 months under the 2027–28 call.
Eligibility: Eligible non-EU/EEA applicants, excluding Swiss and Surinamese nationals; age no more than 35 on 1 September 2027, GPA at least 7.5/10 and no previous Dutch degree study.
Application: A complete application to a listed master’s is required before the later scholarship deadline. A separate scholarship form follows. The 2027/28 call offers 18 awards for specified one- and two-year programmes.
Conditions: The allocated first-year room is a mandatory part of the award. Airfare, cleaning and any programme handling fees are excluded.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Support: Competitive full scholarships may cover participation costs and contribute to travel, visa and living expenses.
Eligibility: Applicants worldwide with a bachelor’s degree, or in its final year and graduating before the programme starts, meeting the consortium’s requirements.
Application: The joint-master consortium receives admission and scholarship applications directly.
Conditions: These are joint programmes involving study in multiple countries. A Dutch partner does not mean the entire degree is taught in the Netherlands.
Selected university profiles
Selected 20 institutions. RIO records Dutch institutions and programmes; Study in NL provides an English-taught programme directory.
University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam provides research-based education in humanities, social sciences, economics, business, law, science and medicine. Teaching occupies several Amsterdam sites, including city-centre, science and medical locations. Its portfolio extends from bachelor's and master's degrees to doctoral research and professional education.
- Subjects
- Humanities; Social sciences; Business; Law; Science
- Address
- Spui 21, 1012 WX Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Website
- https://www.uva.nl/en
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is centred on the Buitenveldert campus in southern Amsterdam. Its faculties cover science, humanities, law, business and social disciplines. The university provides bachelor's, master's and doctoral education, with additional honours, exchange, professional and summer-school programmes.
- Subjects
- Business; Social sciences; Law; Science; Humanities
- Address
- De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Website
- https://vu.nl/en
Official references
Leiden University
Leiden University operates in Leiden and The Hague. Its faculties cover archaeology, humanities, law, social sciences, science, medicine, and governance and global affairs. Degree programmes extend from undergraduate study to doctoral research, with teaching locations distributed between the two cities.
- Subjects
- Law; Humanities; Social sciences; Science; Medicine
- Address
- Rapenburg 70, 2311 EZ Leiden, Netherlands
- Website
- https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en
Utrecht University
Utrecht University teaches across its city-centre and Science Park locations. The academic portfolio includes humanities, law, social sciences, natural sciences, medicine and veterinary medicine. Research-based bachelor's and master's degrees sit alongside doctoral education and interdisciplinary teaching at University College Utrecht.
- Subjects
- Science; Humanities; Social sciences; Law; Veterinary medicine
- Address
- Heidelberglaan 8, 3584 CS Utrecht, Netherlands
- Website
- https://www.uu.nl/en
- info@uu.nl
Delft University of Technology
Delft University of Technology specialises in engineering, architecture, design and applied sciences. Its programmes include aerospace, civil and mechanical engineering, computing and industrial design. Education is organised through specialist faculties, with bachelor's and master's degrees followed by doctoral and professional research training.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Architecture; Computer science; Applied sciences; Industrial design
- Address
- PO Box 5, 2600 AA Delft, Netherlands
- Website
- https://www.tudelft.nl/en/
Eindhoven University of Technology
Eindhoven University of Technology organises undergraduate education through its Bachelor College and postgraduate education through its Graduate School. Academic fields include engineering, computing, applied physics, architecture and industrial design. The university's innovation Space supports interdisciplinary student projects and technology development.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Computer science; Applied physics; Industrial design; Architecture
- Address
- PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Website
- https://www.tue.nl/en/
Official references
University of Twente
The University of Twente combines engineering and computing with business, behavioural sciences and public administration on its Enschede campus. Its research and degree portfolio also includes geo-information, earth observation, health technology and nanotechnology. Bachelor's, master's and doctoral study form separate academic stages.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Computer science; Business; Behavioural sciences; Geo-information
- Address
- Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB Enschede, Netherlands
- Website
- https://www.utwente.nl/en/
- study@utwente.nl
Official references
Wageningen University & Research
Wageningen University & Research combines a university with specialist research organisations. Education centres on agriculture, food, environment, life sciences and their economic and social dimensions. Wageningen University awards the degrees; the wider organisation also conducts applied research for public and private partners.
- Subjects
- Agriculture; Food science; Environmental science; Life sciences; Economics
- Address
- Droevendaalsesteeg 4, 6708 PB Wageningen, Netherlands
- Website
- https://www.wur.nl/en
Official references
University of Groningen
The University of Groningen teaches across science, engineering, medicine, business, law and humanities. Most university activity is based in Groningen; Campus Fryslân is in Leeuwarden. Its academic offer includes bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes, with honours and interdisciplinary study options.
- Subjects
- Science; Business; Law; Humanities; Medicine
- Address
- Broerstraat 5, 9712 CP Groningen, Netherlands
- Website
- https://www.rug.nl/
Official references
Radboud University
Radboud University is based in Nijmegen and offers programmes in science, social sciences, humanities, law, management, philosophy and related fields. Its research-university structure supports bachelor's, master's and doctoral study. Teaching and university services are concentrated around the Heyendaal campus.
- Subjects
- Science; Social sciences; Law; Humanities; Management
- Address
- Houtlaan 4, 6525 XZ Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Website
- https://www.ru.nl/en
- admissions@ru.nl
Maastricht University
Maastricht University uses problem-based learning, in which small tutorial groups analyse questions and cases alongside independent study. Academic areas include business, law, health, psychology, arts, social sciences and engineering. Its undergraduate provision also includes university-college and interdisciplinary science programmes.
- Subjects
- Business; Law; Health sciences; Psychology; Data science
- Address
- Minderbroedersberg 4–6, 6211 LK Maastricht, Netherlands
- Website
- https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/
- study@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Erasmus University Rotterdam teaches economics, business, law, social sciences, philosophy and health-related fields. University activity includes the Woudestein campus and medical locations associated with Erasmus MC. Its portfolio combines research-based degrees, doctoral study, specialised institutes and professional education.
- Subjects
- Economics; Business; Law; Social sciences; Medicine
- Address
- Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, 3062 PA Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Website
- https://www.eur.nl/en
Official references
Tilburg University
Tilburg University concentrates on economics, business, law, social and behavioural sciences, humanities and digital sciences. Its main campus is in Tilburg. Research-based bachelor's and master's programmes sit alongside doctoral education and specialised graduate study in management and related professional fields.
- Subjects
- Economics; Business; Law; Social sciences; Humanities
- Address
- Warandelaan 2, 5037 AB Tilburg, Netherlands
- Website
- https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/
HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht provides professional education in Utrecht and Amersfoort. Its portfolio covers business, communication, engineering, education and health. Degree teaching combines disciplinary study with applied projects, while research groups work with external organisations on professional and societal questions.
- Subjects
- Business; Communication; Engineering; Education; Health
- Address
- Padualaan 99, 3584 CH Utrecht, Netherlands
- Website
- https://www.internationalhu.com/
- info@hu.nl
HAN University of Applied Sciences
HAN University of Applied Sciences has campuses in Arnhem and Nijmegen. Its professional degree programmes cover engineering, international business, life sciences, health and social studies. Teaching combines subject knowledge with practical assignments and work placements, supported by applied research activities.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Business; Life sciences; Health; Social studies
- Address
- Ruitenberglaan 31, 6826 CC Arnhem, Netherlands
- Website
- https://www.hanuniversity.com/en/
- ask@han.nl
Fontys University of Applied Sciences
Fontys University of Applied Sciences operates in the southern Netherlands, including Eindhoven, Tilburg and Venlo. Its portfolio includes bachelor's, master's and associate degrees in engineering, business, information technology, arts and education. Internships, applied assignments and projects form part of professional study.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Business; ICT; Arts; Education
- Address
- Rachelsmolen 1, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Website
- https://www.fontys.nl/en/
- info@fontys.nl
Saxion University of Applied Sciences
Saxion University of Applied Sciences delivers professional education from locations in the eastern Netherlands. Its programmes include business, engineering, information technology, creative technology and hospitality-related fields. The portfolio distinguishes full bachelor's degrees, shorter routes requiring prior study, master's programmes and exchange courses.
- Subjects
- Business; Engineering; ICT; Creative technology; Hospitality
- Address
- M.H. Tromplaan 28, 7513 AB Enschede, Netherlands
- Website
- https://www.saxion.edu/
Hanze University of Applied Sciences
Hanze University of Applied Sciences is based in Groningen and teaches business, engineering, health and the arts. Its provision includes bachelor's and master's degrees, an honours college and exchange study. Research centres and professorships organise applied research alongside professional education.
- Subjects
- Business; Engineering; Arts; Health; Energy
- Address
- Zernikeplein 7, 9747 AS Groningen, Netherlands
- Website
- https://www.hanze.nl/en
Breda University of Applied Sciences
Breda University of Applied Sciences specialises in tourism, hospitality, leisure, logistics, built environment, games and media. Its programmes include professional bachelor's and master's degrees. Teaching uses discipline-specific projects and industry contexts, with different course structures for creative, managerial and technical subjects.
- Subjects
- Tourism; Hospitality; Games and media; Logistics; Built environment
- Address
- Mgr. Hopmansstraat 2, 4817 JS Breda, Netherlands
- Website
- https://www.buas.nl/en
Official references
Nyenrode Business University
Nyenrode Business University specialises in business administration, management, finance and accountancy. Its portfolio includes bachelor's and master's degrees, MBA programmes, executive education and part-time doctoral research. The Breukelen estate provides residential campus facilities, while the university also operates in Amsterdam.
- Subjects
- Business administration; Management; Finance; Accountancy; Business law
- Address
- Straatweg 25, 3621 BG Breukelen, Netherlands
- Website
- https://www.nyenrode.nl/en
Further institutions
| Institution | Location and type | Official website | Book page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aeres Hogeschool | Dronten / Almere / Wageningen / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | https://www.aereshogeschool.nl/ | 157 |
| Amsterdamse Hogeschool voor de Kunsten | Amsterdam / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | http://www.ahk.nl | 157 |
| ArtEZ University of the Arts | Arnhem / Enschede / Zwolle / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | http://www.artez.nl | 157 |
| Avans Hogeschool | Breda / ’s-Hertogenbosch / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | http://www.avans.nl | 157 |
| Christelijke Hogeschool Ede | Ede / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | http://www.che.nl | 157 |
| Codarts Rotterdam | Rotterdam / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | http://www.codarts.nl | 157 |
| De Haagse Hogeschool | The Hague / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | http://www.dehaagsehogeschool.nl | 157 |
| De Kempel | Helmond / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | http://www.kempel.nl | 157 |
| Design Academy Eindhoven | Eindhoven / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | http://www.designacademy.nl | 157 |
| Driestar hogeschool | Gouda / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | http://www.driestar-hogeschool.nl | 157 |
| Gerrit Rietveld Academie | Amsterdam / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | https://rietveldacademie.nl/ | 157 |
| HAS green academy | ’s-Hertogenbosch / Venlo / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | https://www.has.nl/ | 157 |
| Hogeschool der Kunsten Den Haag | The Hague / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | http://www.hogeschoolderkunsten.nl | 157 |
| Hogeschool Inholland | Multiple cities / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | http://www.inholland.nl | 157 |
| Hogeschool IPABO | Amsterdam / Alkmaar / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | https://www.ipabo.nl | 157 |
| Hogeschool KPZ | Zwolle / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | https://www.kpz.nl | 157 |
| Hogeschool Leiden | Leiden / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | http://www.hsleiden.nl | 157 |
| Hogeschool NCOI | Hilversum / Private applied-sciences institution | https://www.ncoi.nl/ | 157 |
| Hogeschool Rotterdam | Rotterdam / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | https://www.hogeschoolrotterdam.nl/ | 157 |
| Hogeschool van Amsterdam | Amsterdam / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | http://www.hva.nl | 157 |
| Hogeschool Viaa | Zwolle / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | http://www.viaa.nl | 157 |
| Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht | Utrecht / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | http://www.hku.nl | 157 |
| Hotelschool The Hague | The Hague / Amsterdam / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | http://www.hotelschool.nl | 157 |
| HZ University of Applied Sciences | Vlissingen / Middelburg / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | https://hz.nl/ | 157 |
| IHE Delft Institute for Water Education | Delft / Specialist postgraduate institution | https://www.un-ihe.org/ | 157 |
| Iselinge Hogeschool | Doetinchem / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | http://www.iselinge.nl | 157 |
| LOI Hogeschool | Leiderdorp / Private distance-learning institution | https://www.loi.nl/ | 157 |
| Marnix Academie | Utrecht / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | https://www.marnixacademie.nl/ | 157 |
| NHL Stenden Hogeschool | Leeuwarden / Emmen / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | https://www.nhlstenden.com/ | 157 |
| Open Universiteit | Heerlen / Public distance university | https://www.ou.nl/ | 157 |
| Protestant Theological University | Utrecht / Specialist university | https://www.pthu.nl/en/ | 157 |
| Theological University Apeldoorn | Apeldoorn / Specialist university | https://www.tua.nl/ | 157 |
| Theological University Utrecht | Utrecht / Specialist university | https://tuu.nl/en/ | 157 |
| Thomas More Hogeschool | Rotterdam / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | http://thomasmorehs.nl/ | 157 |
| Tio Business School | Hilversum / multiple campuses / Private applied-sciences institution | https://www.tio.nl/ | 157 |
| University of Humanistic Studies | Utrecht / Publicly funded specialist university | https://www.uvh.nl/en/ | 157 |
| Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences | Velp / Leeuwarden / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | https://www.hvhl.nl/ | 157 |
| Windesheim | Zwolle / Almere / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | http://www.windesheim.nl | 157 |
| Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences | Apeldoorn / Private applied-sciences institution | https://www.wittenborg.eu/ | 157 |
| Zuyd Hogeschool | Heerlen / Maastricht / Sittard / Publicly funded applied-sciences institution | http://www.zuyd.nl | 157 |