Most applications are made through the national Studielink portal, and the university usually applies for your residence permit on your behalf.
Why Indian students consider the Netherlands
- Many English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes
- Choice between research-oriented and practice-oriented institutions
- University-led residence permit process
- An orientation year permit for eligible graduates
Popular fields of study
- Engineering and technology
- Business and economics
- Data science and AI
- Logistics and supply chain
- Design
- Life sciences
Common qualifications
- Bachelor’s (3 years at research universities; 4 at universities of applied sciences)
- Master’s (1–2 years)
- PhD
Entry and English language requirements
Academic entry requirements
Research universities often require strong academic results and specific subjects. Some bachelor’s programmes are selective (numerus fixus) with early deadlines.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT are widely accepted; programmes set the minimum score.
Intakes and application timeline
September is the main intake. A limited number of programmes start in February.
- 112 months before: shortlist programmes and check selective deadlines
- 26–10 months before: register on Studielink and apply
- 3After admission: provide documents for the university’s visa application
- 4The university applies for your MVV/residence permit with the IND
- 5Arrange accommodation early — housing is in short supply in many cities
Tuition fees and living costs
Non-EU students pay institutional tuition fees set by each university. Housing shortages in cities such as Amsterdam and Utrecht can make accommodation the hardest part of planning.
- Indicative tuition (our database)
- €8,000 – €20,000/year
- Indicative living costs (our database)
- €10,000 – €14,000/year
Indicative ranges only. Check each university’s fee page and the official visa funds requirement.
Scholarships
Options include university excellence scholarships and programmes listed on Study in NL. Many are competitive and limited in number.
Browse all scholarshipsStudent visa overview
Your university, as a recognised sponsor, normally applies to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) for your entry visa (MVV) and residence permit. You must show sufficient funds for the period of study.
Working while you study
Non-EU students can work a limited number of hours during the academic year or full-time during summer months, and the employer usually needs a work permit for you. Check the IND for current rules.
After graduation
The orientation year (zoekjaar hoogopgeleiden) residence permit lets eligible graduates stay to look for work or start a business.
Popular student cities
- Amsterdam
- Delft
- Rotterdam
- Eindhoven
- Utrecht
- Groningen
- Leiden
Choosing a course and university
- Decide between a research university and a university of applied sciences first
- Watch for early deadlines on selective programmes
- Start your housing search as soon as you accept an offer
Studying in the Netherlands: common questions
What is the difference between a research university and a university of applied sciences?
Research universities focus on academic and research training; universities of applied sciences focus on professional, practice-oriented education.
Do I apply for the visa myself?
Usually your university applies to the IND on your behalf as a recognised sponsor.
Is accommodation difficult to find?
In several cities, yes. Start early and use university housing services where available.
Official sources
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