The Netherlands is the leading continental European destination for students seeking university degrees taught entirely in English. Dutch research universities, such as TU Delft, the University of Amsterdam, Leiden, and Utrecht, are consistently ranked in the global top 100.
Higher Education Pathways
- Research Universities (WO): Focus on independent academic and scientific enquiry (3-year Bachelor's, 1–2 year Master's).
- Universities of Applied Sciences (HBO): Professionally oriented education with compulsory internships (4-year Bachelor's).
Studielink Application Process
All applications must be initiated through the central Studielink.nl portal:
- Apply for up to 4 programmes simultaneously.
- Deadlines: 15 January for capacity-controlled programmes (Numerus Fixus); 1 April – 1 May for standard international admissions.
NL Scholarship (Formerly Holland Scholarship)
Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education and universities, awarding €5,000 during the first year of Bachelor's or Master's studies for non-EEA students.
Visa and Post-Study Orientation Year (Zoekjaar)
Universities apply directly for your entry visa (MVV) and residence permit (VVR) with the IND. Upon graduation, international students are granted a full 12-month Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) residence permit to work without restrictions.