Applying to Netherlands

General

In Netherlands both UAS (hogeschool) and Research Unis (universiteit)​ offer higher education. UAS programs are more practical than Uni programs and some UAS programs accept IB students applying with IB certificates (not full diploma).

There are more than 2000 English Bachelor's and Master's programmes.​

Some fields are easy to get accepted to, but you must meet the minimum requirements each year. Other fields are very competitive and require excellent IB results (Psychology, Medicine, Physiotherapy etc.). Medical school starts in English but in 3 years students must learn to speak fluent Dutch.

Programmes

Browse options here: https://www.studyinnl.org/

Numerus fixus

• Selective programs (numerus fixus): selection between applicants​. You can apply only to two Numerus Fixus programs. Medicine, Dentistry, Dental hygiene and Physiotherapy programmes are an exception; for these programmes you can only submit one application per programme per academic year. For example; you can’t apply for Medicine at two different universities, but you are allowed to apply for Medicine and Dentistry. 

• Non-selective programs: all applicants accepted who fulfill the requirements

Fees and living costs

• Fees about 2000€ / year​

• Please notice that living costs in Netherlands can be high due to the shortage or student housing

  • https://yle.fi/a/3-12121553

  • https://www.dutchnews.nl/2023/08/student-housing-crisis-continues-as-new-university-year-starts/

Application

Applications through Studielink -service​. 

• Application deadlines: 15 January for Numerus fixus programmes and 1 May for all other study programmes. However if the deadline is 15 January, we recommend applicants to complete the application before the Christmas holiday.

• It is possible to apply to the maximum of 4 programmes​. Of these four, two programmes can be Numerus fixus programmes: medicine, psychology, artificial intelligence, international business administration, international relations and physiotherapy.​

• Application requirements vary​: universities may require online entrance exams, CV, motivation letter etc. Remember to check beforehand what requirements each university has.