Destination guide
Netherlands
Europe's English-taught powerhouse with a 3-year Orientation Year.
The Netherlands offers 2,100+ English-taught programmes — the most in continental Europe. Research universities (WO) and universities of applied sciences (HBO) both attract international talent, especially in business, design and AI.
Top universities
- • TU DelftApply Now via Partner Counselor
- • AmsterdamApply Now via Partner Counselor
- • UtrechtApply Now via Partner Counselor
- • Erasmus RotterdamApply Now via Partner Counselor
- • WageningenApply Now via Partner Counselor
- • LeidenApply Now via Partner Counselor
Popular programmes
- • MSc AIApply Now via Partner Counselor
- • MSc Aerospace EngineeringApply Now via Partner Counselor
- • MSc International BusinessApply Now via Partner Counselor
- • MSc Industrial DesignApply Now via Partner Counselor
MVV + VVR Residence Permit
Application timeline
- 1Apply via Studielink to up to 4 programmes
- 2Provide nuffic-certified diplomas + English test
- 3Pay tuition deposit; university files your MVV with IND
- 4Collect MVV sticker at Dutch embassy, fly in
- 5Register with the municipality (BSN) within 5 days
- 6Pick up VVR residence card at IND desk
Insider tips
- Holland Scholarship (EUR 5,000) is a one-off for first-year non-EU students.
- Bike + OV-chipkaart is non-negotiable — budget EUR 300 upfront.
- Get DigiD on day one — every government service runs through it.
- 30% ruling on early-career salaries makes post-study work very attractive.
Tests accepted
Official resources
Cost of studying in Netherlands
Tuition, monthly living costs, visa fees and a rupee funding-gap calculator.
MVV + VVR Residence Permit document checklist
Every document you need, as a tickable list you can save.
Studying in Netherlands — FAQs
How much does it cost to study in Netherlands?＋
Tuition typically runs EUR 8,000 – 20,000 / year (non-EU), and living costs come to roughly €1,325 per month in a mid-range city — about ₹30.6 lakh for a typical first year including living costs. Use the Netherlands cost calculator to model your own numbers.
What visa do I need to study in Netherlands?＋
You need the MVV + VVR Residence Permit. The application fee is EUR 228 (applied by university) and processing usually takes 2–4 weeks (university applies on your behalf). Your university applies on your behalf — start 3 months before the intake.
Can I work while studying in Netherlands?＋
16 hrs/week term, full-time summer After graduating: Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) — 12 months
Which tests do universities in Netherlands accept?＋
Commonly accepted tests are IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT (business). Requirements vary by university and programme, so always confirm on the programme page.
When are the intakes for Netherlands?＋
September primary · February limited Applications generally open 9-12 months before the intake starts.
How much money do I need to show for a Netherlands student visa?＋
About €1,000 per month held in your or the university's account.