Study in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the world's most densely populated countries, with 16.5 million people living in an area half the size of Scotland. Famed for its multicultural cities and institutions, why not join the 37,000 EU students already studying in the Netherlands each year…

The Dutch education system

There are two types of higher education system in the Netherlands:

• Research universities - these focus on independent study of research-based work in an academic or professional location. Also known as wetenschappelijk onderwijs or WO.
• Universities of applied science - these offer professional programmes in the applied arts and sciences that help prepare students for specific jobs. Named hoger beroepsonderwijs or HBO.

In 2011, there were 12 Dutch universities in the top 200 of the Times Higher Education University Rankings . The highest ranking is Utrecht University, coming in at number 68. 

According to NUFFIC (Netherlands Organisation for International Co-operation in Higher Education) , the top four most popular subject areas among enrolled foreign students are:

• economics;
• behaviour and society;
• engineering;
• language and culture.

The Dutch grading system differs from many other countries in the world. A ten-point grading system is employed, with ten being the highest mark and six the minimum pass grade. To find out how Dutch grades compare to the UK system, see NUFFIC - Grading Systems .

Entry requirements

When applying to higher education institutions, it is important to contact them individually first. This way the institution can tell you exactly what is required to apply for your chosen programme.

When applying for a Masters degree, students must have a minimum qualification of a Bachelors degree or equivalent.

There are more than 1,500 international study programmes in the Netherlands, the largest offering in continental Europe, and all are taught in English. Of these, 1,088 are degree programmes and 472 are non-degree programmes, which includes traineeships, short courses, certificates and diplomas.

There are regular degree programmes taught in Dutch which you can apply for, with a number of institutions offering Dutch language courses to help sharpen your skills before lectures begin.

To search for courses, go to NUFFIC Study Finder .

Course fees

European Union (EU) citizens are entitled to attend university in the Netherlands or any EU country (this means the 27 member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway). The same conditions apply to all EU citizens whether a national of the country or not.

The average annual fee for enrolment on a degree programme or course at a Dutch higher education institution is €1,771. Non-EU students face the considerably higher cost of €8,000.

Funding study in the Netherlands

Funding and study grants in the Netherlands are available depending on individual circumstances.

To search for a specific grant for your nationality, subject area and level of study, go to Netherlands Student Grantfinder .

For those looking to study a PhD in the Netherlands, you can find helpful information at EURAXESS Netherlands .

The Dutch government offers different types of study grants. Be aware that the money you are given must be repaid in monthly instalments. Payments begin two years after your right to a student grant comes to an end.

Dutch exchanges and placements

Students attending UK universities can take part in the EU's flagship educational exchange programme Erasmus . The scheme offers work placements, study opportunities and language assistantships, which last from three months to one academic year in EU countries.

Financial support is also available to selected Masters and Doctoral students through the Erasmus Mundus initiative.

Your university must have a formal agreement with a partner university in another EU country. Check that your university is involved in the programme and offers the Erasmus scheme in your subject.

Student visas

As an EU citizen, you are permitted to live in any EU country while studying as long as you:

• are studying for more than three months;
• are enrolled at an approved university educational institution;
• have sufficient income (from any source) to live without needing income support;
• have comprehensive health insurance cover.

All students in the Netherlands are obliged to have health insurance. In addition, students staying for longer than four months are required to register at their local municipality.