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!
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?
You can't go wrong with a study program in the Netherlands, but you can do a lot right. One of the best higher education systems in Europe awaits you here. All universities offer excellent education: one proof of this is the Times Higher Education University Rankings 2025, in which 11 of the 14 state universities in the Netherlands are listed among the 200 best universities in the world.
In the Netherlands, you can study in three different languages: Dutch, English, and even German! At the master's level, English-language programs even have the upper hand. In addition, semesters abroad and internships are firmly anchored in the curriculum. This attracts students from all over the world, making your time studying in the Netherlands a truly international experience.
When studying in the Netherlands, you can learn two foreign languages at once: in addition to Dutch, English is widely spoken – not only at university, but also in everyday life. This makes it much easier for you to settle in. Studying abroad is the ideal opportunity to actively learn a new language. As an English speaker, you will usually find it easy to get to grips with Dutch.
Studying in the Netherlands involves the innovative principle of problem-based learning. Using concrete, realistic questions, students work in small groups to independently discover the necessary knowledge for themselves –and thereby learn for the future. The hogescholen offer even more practical experience: there, you can expect to complete an entire practical semester!
The Dutch are considered to be very cosmopolitan and hospitable. You will also experience this welcoming culture when studying in the Netherlands. Lecturers act as study mentors and do everything they can to ensure that you can successfully complete your studies in the Netherlands. On campus, you can expect a friendly atmosphere without crowded lecture halls.
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:
To ensure that you are well prepared for your study abroad adventure in the Netherlands, we have put together a short list of useful details regarding the organization of your studies.
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 ten-week quarters, universities have two semesters. There are no long breaks 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:
In order to receive Erasmus+ funding, it is important that both your home university and your host university participate in the Erasmus program and have signed a bilateral cooperation agreement. If this is the case, you can apply for an Erasmus study program at your home university. Study stays in the Netherlands of at least two and no more than 12 months are eligible for funding. This means that you will not be able to finance a complete bachelor's degree in the Netherlands with Erasmus+, but one or two semesters abroad or a one-year master's program are possible.
With Erasmus+, you not only save on tuition fees when studying in the Netherlands, but you also receive an additional monthly financial allowance and a contribution toward travel expenses. Since Erasmus+ is a grant, you do not have to repay the money. In addition, Erasmus+ can be combined with other funding, such as BAföG for studies abroad.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the largest provider of scholarships for study abroad. Here you will find a wide range of scholarships for all courses of study as well as subject- and country-specific funding. In addition to the DAAD, there are other private, church, and political foundations that award scholarships. Non-EU students in particular have a good chance of receiving a scholarship from the Dutch government. In addition to the Holland Scholarship, which provides a one-time payment of €5,000 for the first year of study, numerous universities award performance-based scholarships. The best place to find out what requirements you need to meet is on the individual websites of the universities. Please note that applications for scholarships must usually be submitted together with your application for a place at the university.
So check right away whether you meet the relevant requirements. If so, your tuition fees in the Netherlands will be subsidized by up to €5,600 for a maximum of one year, regardless of whether you are studying in the Netherlands for a semester abroad (at least 12 weeks) or completing an entire degree program there. In addition, for the entire duration of your stay abroad, you will receive a monthly allowance for living and accommodation costs, a lump sum for travel expenses for the outward and return journey, and a supplement for international health insurance.
Half of the BAföG for studies abroad is a grant and the other half is an interest-free loan, which means that you must repay half of the money you receive after completing your studies. The subsidy for tuition fees is exempt from repayment.
During the summer months (June, July, August), students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland can also work without restrictions. In order to work while studying in the Netherlands, you must be registered locally with a Burgerservicenummer (BSN). Typical part-time jobs for students include waitering, tutoring, or working in retail. Anyone who has a part-time job in the Netherlands is subject to income tax. There are no marginal jobs such as mini-jobs in the Netherlands, so even small incomes from student jobs are taxable. With a part-time job, you can at least cover some of your living expenses while studying in Norway. At the same time, you will get to experience the country and its people up close – a very unique experience.
Pro tip: If you work at least 56 hours per week, you can apply for Dutch study funding (Studiefinanciering) and receive additional financial support for your studies abroad in the Netherlands.
If you only want to study abroad in the Netherlands for one or two semesters, you can apply for a KfW student loan or, if you are already enrolled in a master's program, a education loan of the German federal governement. The latter is also suitable for financing a complete master's degree in the Netherlands. An education fund that explicitly focuses on studying abroad is the Fonds der Deutsche Bildung.
Before signing a contract, you should carefully compare the providers and be aware that these financing models are loans and that you will have to repay the money you receive (plus interest). You can find more details on how student loans and education funds work on our blog.
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:
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.
Did you find this article helpful? Do you have any suggestions or questions about this article? Did you notice something or is there a topic you would like to learn more about? Your feedback is important to us! It enables us to constantly improve our offering and deliver exactly the content that interests you.
