The Netherlands has much more to offer than tulips, wooden shoes, and lots of cheese. When studying in the Netherlands, you will meet open-minded people, modern universities with innovative teaching concepts, and numerous (English-language) degree programs with open admission. Nowhere else in Europe is it easier to gain international experience during your studies than in the Netherlands. Curious? Then find out everything you need to know about studying in the Netherlands here.
The Dutch higher education landscape is divided into two types of institutions: Universiteiten (WO) – 20 in total – and over a hundred hogescholen (HBO).
The universiteiten offer the entire spectrum of academic programs. They are research-based and teach more theory than practice. When choosing a university, you are spoiled for choice, because according to the Times Higher Education University Rankings 2025, 11 of the 14 state universities in the Netherlands are among the 200 best universities in the world.
While Dutch hogescholen may resemble universities of applied sciences in theory, they differ significantly from them in practice. While universities of applied sciences also teach research methods, hogescholen focus exclusively on practical and vocational training. If you are interested in professions such as physiotherapist, speech therapist, or hotel manager, you can study these at a hogeschool in the Netherlands – and receive a solid apprenticeship and a recognized university degree. In Germany and other European countries, these professions require an apprenticeship.
Studying in the Netherlands thrives on internationality. The more than 2,100 English-language bachelor's and master's programs specifically attract students from abroad. This is also the intention of the Dutch government, but the numbers have gotten a little out of hand in recent years. In 2024, one in three first-year students came from abroad – an increase of 250% compared to 2005! This has led to bottlenecks in lecture halls and on the housing market, which is why Dutch universities are currently taking measures to curb the number of international students somewhat without abandoning their welcoming culture. If you want to study in the Netherlands in English, now is a good time, as there is still a wide range of English-language degree programs available!
Munich Business School collaborates with selected universities in the Netherlands that are renowned for their high academic standards and international environment. Here you will find the most important information about our partner universities. Discover your options for a semester abroad in the Netherlands.
Are you already excited about studying in the Netherlands, or do you feel anxious about leaving your comfort zone? That's understandable; it's definitely a big step. But let us tell you: it's worth it! If you take a closer look, you'll quickly see that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. We've listed five reasons why studying abroad in the Netherlands is worthwhile – pretty convincing, right?
Since the Bologna reform, degrees in the European Higher Education Area are no longer different. The Netherlands was one of the first countries to introduce the Bologna structure (bachelor's-master's-PhD) across the board.
How long it takes to complete a bachelor's degree in the Netherlands depends on the type of higher education institution you are enrolled at. At a university, a bachelor's degree takes three years, as usual, while at a hogeschool it takes four. This is because studies at a hogeschool are very application-oriented and include a full semester or year of practical training. Many graduates of a hogeschool bachelor's degree program transfer to a university for their master's degree, as there are more and cheaper master's programs available there. However, in order to enter a research-oriented master's program, they must first complete a six- to 12-month pre-master's program, which teaches the necessary scientific basics.
Master's programs in the Netherlands last one to two years, depending on the subject. In engineering and natural sciences, the program is designed to last two years, whereas in the humanities, economics, social sciences, and law, it is often one year shorter.
A doctoral program in the Netherlands lasts at least four years and concludes with the highest academic degree, the Doctor.
The academic year in the Netherlands begins in early September and ends in mid-July. While the academic year at hogescholen is divided into four quarters of ten weeks each (including two exam weeks at the end), universities in the Netherlands use a semester structure. The fall semester lasts from September to January, and the spring semester from February to June. There are no long vacations between the fall and spring semesters. However, you do have a six- to eight-week break in the summer, which means you can really relax instead of writing exams or term papers. This is possible because, when studying in the Netherlands, performance is assessed continuously throughout the semester in the form of projects, presentations, and essays instead of a final exam.
The vast majority of degree programs in the Netherlands do not have a numerus clausus (NC). So if you want to study in the Netherlands and meet the formal requirements, you will usually be offered a place. Final grades do not play a role.
However, for very popular degree programs such as medicine, psychology, international business studies, or physiotherapy, the numerus fixus applies. Depending on the degree program, you may have to take part in selection interviews/tests or submit a letter of motivation. If there are many equally qualified applicants, a lottery will be held. Everyone has the same chance, regardless of their high school grades. You can apply for a maximum of two numerus fixus programs per year, and only once per program at a given university.
Studying in the Netherlands is shaped by a modern and student-centered approach. A key feature is problem-based learning (PBL), where students work in small groups to solve real-world problems. This method not only helps you retain knowledge more effectively, but also trains you to apply it directly to future professional challenges – a skill highly valued in today’s job market.
Classes often take place in modern, well-equipped buildings that are designed to inspire collaboration and independent study. Universities place great emphasis on creating open, accessible learning environments – from digital labs to quiet study zones.
Another hallmark of Dutch university life is the informal and approachable relationship between students and lecturers. Professors are usually on a first-name basis with students, and it’s not unusual to continue academic discussions over coffee – or even a beer – after class.
When studying in the Netherlands, a grading system with points from 1 to 10 is used. 10 is the best grade and 5.5 is the minimum grade required to pass. Universities tend to grade slightly more strictly than hogescholen. The grades 10 and 9 actually only exist on paper; they are rarely or never awarded, as they represent “(almost) perfect performance.”
There are tuition fees for studying in the Netherlands. The so-called wettelijk collegegeld (“statutory tuition fees”) are set annually by law for all public universities in the country. In the 2024/25 academic year, tuition fees for all EU students studying full-time at a public university in the Netherlands amounted to €2,601 per year.
Over two thousand euros per year for a degree – that sounds like a lot at first, but as a student in the Netherlands, you can see exactly where the money goes and actively benefit from it. Dutch universities are always up to date and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. When studying in the Netherlands, you really notice that universities are meant to be inspiring places of learning: There are inviting seating areas everywhere, workspaces for groups and individuals, freely accessible PCs, and libraries with extensive opening hours. The student-to-faculty ratio at Dutch universities is also very good. You will usually study in a group of no more than 20 students. Standing in a lecture because all the seats are taken? That doesn't happen in the Netherlands!
In addition to the state-set tuition fees, state universities also charge a so-called instellingscollegegeld (“institutional tuition fee”). This is charged, for example, if you already have a Dutch degree, are 30 years of age or older, or come from outside the EU/EEA and want to study in the Netherlands. As the name suggests, this fee is set by the universities themselves, which is why it can vary depending on the institution and degree program. However, it is at least as high as the state-set tuition fees, but usually higher. As a rough guide, you can expect costs between €6,000 and €22,000 per year.
At private universities, a bachelor's degree costs between €6,000 and €15,000 per year and a master's degree between €8,000 and €25,000 per year, regardless of where you come from.
Studying in the Netherlands is not the cheapest destination in Europe for studying abroad, but it offers excellent value for money – especially when compared to popular countries such as Australia, Great Britain or the USA and given the high quality of education you can expect there.
If you want to study in the Netherlands, you should bear in mind the living costs in addition to the tuition fees. Students report spending between €800 and €1,400 per month. However, the actual costs depend heavily on the place of study, lifestyle, and living situation. Thriving cities such as Amsterdam or Rotterdam are among the most destinations in the Netherlands.
One way to study in the Netherlands more cheaply is to not opt for a full bachelor's or master's degree, but instead to spend a semester abroad in the Netherlands. If you only study in the Netherlands for a shorter period of time, you will automatically have lower living and accommodation costs. If you choose an Erasmus partner university of your home university for your semester abroad in the Netherlands, you will also be completely exempt from tuition fees. You can find out more about the various external financing options for international students in the next section. Your dream of studying abroad in the Netherlands should not be thwarted by slightly higher tuition fees or living costs! Contact the International Office at your university to find out more about the options for studying in the Netherlands as part of a semester abroad.
With Munich Business School (MBS), your dream of studying abroad in the Netherlands can come true! At MBS, stays abroad are an integral part of the bachelor's and master's programs. Here, internationality is not only taught, but also lived. Of course, the Netherlands is also represented in MBS's global network of partner universities. Get an overview of the universities in the Netherlands where you can study with MBS.
We now know that studying in the Netherlands is not exactly cheap. But that's no reason to bury your head in the sand. There are a number of ways you can finance your studies in the Netherlands, including any tuition fees and living expenses. Here are a few ideas:
If you want to study in the Netherlands, you need to know more than just how to finance your studies. There are also a few things to keep in mind when it comes to applying and admission – from study requirements to legal basics. To help you be as prepared as possible, we have compiled the most important information here:
You know you want to study abroad, but where should you go? The whole world is at your feet and you are spoiled for choice. North or south? A prestigious university that will give your career a real boost, or a semester abroad that feels more like a vacation than hard work? Ideally, you want it all. How can you possibly decide?
Our info pages will help you find the right destination and university for your study abroad adventure – whether in Europe, the US, or overseas:
Studying in the Netherlands is a dream for many young adults – and with good reason! At the same time, studying abroad in the Netherlands is a big step that needs to be well planned and financed. To provide you with the best possible support in organizing your stay, this FAQ section provides answers to frequently asked questions about studying in the Netherlands.
The cost of studying in the Netherlands depends on which country you come from, what you want to study, how long you plan to stay in the country, and whether you are enrolled at a public or private university. At public universities in the Netherlands, tuition fees for the 2024/25 academic year amounted to €2,601 per year for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland (wettelijk collegegeld) and €6,000 to €22,000 per year for students from outside the EU/EEA (instellingscollegegeld). At private universities, a bachelor's degree costs between €6,000 and €15,000 per year and a master's degree between €8,000 and €25,000 per year. It is generally cheaper to study in the Netherlands for a semester or a year abroad than to complete a full degree program. If your home university has a partnership with a university in the Netherlands and both participate in the Erasmus program, your tuition fees will be waived completely, saving you a lot of money.
In addition to tuition fees, there are also living expenses. These are highest in Amsterdam than anywhere else in the Netherlands. You should budget at least €1,200 per month.
The Netherlands has 20 universities. Fourteen of these are state-funded, while the rest are private institutions. These are the state universities in the Netherlands:
In addition to the universities, more than 100 hogescholen (universities of applied sciences) complete the Dutch higher education landscape.
In Amsterdam, you can study a wide range of courses in English or Dutch. The city is home to renowned universities such as the University of Amsterdam (UvA), the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), and various hogescholen and private educational institutions.
Popular fields of study in Amsterdam include:
Many programs have an international focus and are offered entirely in English, making them ideal for international students.
Tip: Check the websites of the respective universities for specific degree programs, admission requirements, and application deadlines.
The vast majority of degree programs in the Netherlands (approx. 85%) are open to all applicants. They do not have a numerus clausus (NC), which means that you can apply without a grade point average and, provided you meet the formal requirements such as school leaving qualifications and language skills, you will be admitted to study in the Netherlands without any problems.
A few very popular subjects, such as (dental) medicine, psychology, and international relations, are subject to the numerus fixus. The numerus fixus is a special type of selection process in which, unlike the numerus clausus, the final grade is not the only factor taken into account; other procedures such as tests or interviews also play a role in the decision. If there are a large number of equally qualified applicants, the final decision is made by lottery.
Studying in the Netherlands offers many advantages that are attractive to international students: The quality of education is high, teaching is practical and innovative, and universities are equipped with modern facilities. A particularly compelling factor is that most degree programs do not have a numerus clausus (NC) – not even popular subjects such as psychology, business studies, or medicine. This opens up opportunities that are often closed in other countries. In addition, there is a wide range of English-language programs, good support from teachers, and an international flair. No wonder that thousands of international students take the plunge and study in the Netherlands every year.
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