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Study in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is continental Europe's leading destination for English-taught higher education, recognized globally for innovation, problem-based learning, and interactive pedagogy. Dutch universities offer over 2,100 programmes taught entirely in English, with institutions like Delft University of Technology, University of Amsterdam, Leiden, and Utrecht consistently ranked among the world top 100. Robust scholarship schemes include the government-backed NL Scholarship and institutional merit grants. Graduates enjoy a dedicated 1-year post-study Orientation Year visa (Zoekjaar) to build international careers in a vibrant tech-driven economy.

11
universities listed
11
scholarships & discounts
1
government programmes
nl, English
teaching languages
September
academic year starts

Government scholarships & national programmes

Scholarships funded by the state or its official bodies for international students.

NL Scholarship

NL Scholarship

Partially Funded1 scholarship

Dutch government scholarship (formerly the Holland Scholarship) for non-EEA students: €5,000 in the first year of a Bachelor's or Master's at participating Dutch institutions.

Universities(11)

Fees for international students and the highest discount or scholarship available, from each university’s official sources.

All cities:
Delft University of Technology
QS #47State university

Delft University of Technology

جامعة دلفت للتكنولوجيا

Delft1 scholarship
Annual Tuition:€12,000 – €22,000 per year
Active scholarshipsDetails
Eindhoven University of Technology
QS #140State university

Eindhoven University of Technology

جامعة آيندهوفن للتكنولوجيا

Eindhoven1 scholarship
Annual Tuition:€11,500 – €19,000 per year
Active scholarshipsDetails
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
QS #119State university

Leiden University Excellence Scholarship

منحة جامعة لايدن للتميز

Leiden1 scholarship
Annual Tuition:€10,000 – €20,000 per year
Active scholarshipsDetails
Maastricht University
QS #239State university

Maastricht University

جامعة ماسترخت

Maastricht1 scholarship
Annual Tuition:€9,000 – €20,000 per year
Active scholarshipsDetails
Radboud University
QS #279State university

Radboud University

جامعة رادبود

Nijmegen1 scholarship
Annual Tuition:€9,500 – €18,000 per year
Active scholarshipsDetails
University of Amsterdam
QS #53State university

University of Amsterdam

جامعة أمستردام

Amsterdam1 scholarship
Annual Tuition:€9,000 – €21,000 per year
Active scholarshipsDetails
University of Groningen
QS #147State university

University of Groningen

جامعة خرونينغن

Groningen1 scholarship
Annual Tuition:€9,500 – €18,500 per year
Active scholarshipsDetails
University of Twente Scholarship
QS #203State university

University of Twente Scholarship

منحة جامعة تفينتي

Enschede (Twente)1 scholarship
Annual Tuition:€10,000 – €18,000 per year
Active scholarshipsDetails
VU Amsterdam (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
QS #194State university

VU Amsterdam (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

جامعة VU أمستردام (Vrije Universiteit)

Amsterdam1 scholarship
Annual Tuition:€9,500 – €19,000 per year
Active scholarshipsDetails
Wageningen University & Research
QS #153State university

Wageningen University & Research

جامعة فاخينينجن للأبحاث الزراعية (Wageningen University)

Wageningen1 scholarship
Annual Tuition:€13,500 – €20,500 per year
Active scholarshipsDetails
Utrecht University
QS #103State university

Utrecht University

جامعة أوترخت

Utrecht
Annual Tuition:€9,500 – €22,000 per year
Explore universityDetails

All scholarships & discounts (11)

Filter by funding type and study level.

Eindhoven University of Technology
QS #140
Fully Funded

Amandus H. Lundqvist Scholarship Program (TU Eindhoven) 2027

by Eindhoven University of Technology

Master’s
2027-02-01Details
University of Groningen
QS #147
Fully Funded

Eric Bleumink Fellowship, University of Groningen 2027

by University of Groningen

Master’s
2026-12-01Details
Maastricht University
QS #239
Fully Funded

Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship for Master's 2027/28

by Maastricht University

Master’s
2027-02-01Details
Delft University of Technology
QS #47
Fully Funded

TU Delft Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship

by Delft University of Technology

Master’s
2026-12-01Details
Wageningen University & Research
QS #153
Fully Funded

Wageningen University Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP)

by Wageningen University & Research

Master’s
2026-12-01Details
University of Amsterdam
QS #53
Partially Funded

Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (University of Amsterdam) 2027–2028

by University of Amsterdam

Master’s
2027-01-15Details
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship
QS #119
Partially Funded

Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)

by Leiden University Excellence Scholarship

Master’s
2026-12-01Details
NL Scholarship
Partially Funded

NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship) 2027–2028

by NL Scholarship

Master’sBachelor’s
Open for applicationDetails
Radboud University
QS #279
Partially Funded

Radboud Scholarship Programme for Master's Students 2027/28

by Radboud University

Master’s
2027-01-31Details
University of Twente Scholarship
QS #203
Partially Funded

University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) 2027–2028

by University of Twente Scholarship

Master’s
2027-04-01Details
VU Amsterdam (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
QS #194
Partially Funded

VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme (VUFP) for Master's Students 2027/28

by VU Amsterdam (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

Master’s
Open for applicationDetails

Study guide

The study system

Dutch higher education features a binary structure conforming to the Bologna process: 1) Research Universities (WO): Focus on theoretical foundation and advanced independent research (13 comprehensive universities including Amsterdam, TU Delft, Leiden). Bachelor's degrees take 3 years (180 ECTS); Master's take 1 to 2 years (60–120 ECTS). 2) Universities of Applied Sciences (HBO): Practical, professionally oriented training with embedded internships. Bachelor's take 4 years (240 ECTS). 3) Doctorate (PhD): Typically 4 years; doctoral candidates in the Netherlands are primarily treated as employed university staff receiving competitive monthly salaries and employment benefits. The academic year begins in September and finishes in late June.

How to get admitted

1) National Application Portal (Studielink): Applications for Dutch higher education must be initiated via the central Studielink portal, allowing up to 4 programme choices. 2) Deadlines: For capacity-limited programmes (Numerus Fixus), the strict deadline is **15 January**. For standard non-EU international admissions, deadlines are usually between **1 April and 1 May** for the September intake. 3) Language Standards: English-taught degrees demand IELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL 90–100. 4) Required Documentation: Certified academic transcripts and diplomas, CV, statement of motivation, and academic recommendation letters.

Fees and living costs

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students in the Netherlands: • Bachelor's Degrees at research universities: between €9,000 and €15,000 per academic year (clinical/medical up to €22,000). • Master's Degrees: between €12,000 and €21,000 annually depending on programme, technical specialization, and faculty. Living Costs & Visa Financial Proof (2026/27): The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) sets the statutory student subsistence norm. In 2026, students must demonstrate approximately **€1,050 to €1,100 per month** (approx. €12,600 to €13,200 annually) for living expenses, usually deposited directly to the university alongside tuition.

Visa, residence permit and health insurance

In the Netherlands, the host university directly submits the entry visa and residence permit application (TEV procedure) to the IND on behalf of the admitted student. The process provides: 1) An Entry Visa (MVV) collected at the Dutch Embassy in the student's country. 2) A Study Residence Permit (VVR) issued upon arrival in the Netherlands. Requirements: valid passport, signed antecedents certificate, verified payment of university tuition and living funds guarantee, and international health coverage.

Working while studying

Non-EU students can work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year or full-time during the summer months (June to August), requiring an easily obtainable work permit (TWV) filed by the employer. The post-study «Orientation Year» (Zoekjaar): Graduates of Dutch Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD programmes are granted a **full 12-month unrestricted residence permit** to work without any employment permits, offering an exceptional and expedited transition into the Dutch Highly Skilled Migrant scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Key questions and answers regarding eligibility, documents, and application steps for 2026 / 2027.

No, the Netherlands offers over 2,100 full degree programmes in English, and more than 95% of the population speaks fluent English, making daily life, studies, and professional networking in English seamless.

The NL Scholarship is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education and universities for non-EEA students pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree at participating Dutch institutions, providing a €5,000 award in the first year of studies.