🇳🇱 Netherlands

Dutch students and students from other EU/EEA countries as well as Suriname generally pay the “statutory tuition fees” which are lower. This fee level is set by the Dutch government and the same at every university.

All other international students generally have to pay the “institutional tuition fees”, and these tend to be higher: 10,000 - 22,000 euros.

Universities are also divided into two groups: research universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS). The fee levels are the same for local/European students, but for internationals, universities of applied science tend to be cheaper than research universities. Also worth noting: The better a university ranks in global rankings, the more expensive it tends to be.

Always check with each university/programme to inquire about tuition, fees, and possible financial aid and scholarships.

See more general information about tuition, fees, cost of living, and financial aid opportunities here.

For some study programmes the education institution has set a certain capacity. This means that a limited number of places is available. This is called 'numerus fixus'.

If the number of students who apply exceeds the number of available places, a selection procedure will take place. The application process therefore differs from that of regular study programmes.

First check with your institution

You need to check with your institution whether the programme of your choice has a numerus fixus. They can also tell you whether you can submit an application through Studielink. Some institutions may want to do their own review first.

15 January application deadline

• If you have to apply via Studielink, make sure you do so before 15 January 23:59 hours (CET).

Max 2 applications

• For each academic year you can submit an application for a maximum of two numerus fixus programmes. The institution decides how many times you can participate in the selection of a specific programme.

• 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.

Selection based on ranking number

• If the number of students who apply exceeds the number of available places, a selection will take place between 15 January and 15 April. The education institution decides what the selection will look like and will provide you with further information.

• Applicants in the selection procedure will receive a ranking number via Studielink on 15 April. This number is determined by the institution, based on their selection criteria. Depending on your ranking number and the number of places available, you may or may not be offered a place.

Places offered

• If you are offered a place, you have to accept this place via Studielink within two weeks. If you don’t accept the place within two weeks, your place will be assigned to another student automatically.

• If you are not offered a place, there is still a small chance that one or more selected students do not accept their place. These places become available for the next student in line. For example, if there are 100 places available and one of the 100 selected student doesn’t accept, their place will be offered to the person with ranking number 101.

• Step-by-step plan numerus fixus programmes (521.8 kB)

No selection needed

• Sometimes the number of applicants for a numerus fixus programme is unexpectedly lower than the number of places available. In this case all applicants will be offered a place on 15 April. You do still have to accept this place within 2 weeks via Studielink.

Acceptance

• Your institution will send you a notification of acceptance. If you have questions about your acceptance, please contact the institution directly.

The Netherlands has many programs offered in English. See the English proficiency support letter and documentation here. If you still require an exam, find information on the English langauge exams here.

If your Bachelor's or Master's program of interest is taught in Dutch, a good verbal and written command of this language is essential. Therefore, all applicants who apply for a Dutch-taught Bachelor's or Master's program must provide proof of their Dutch language proficiency.

Eligible diplomas and language certificates

To be admitted to a Dutch-taught Bachelor's or Master's program, we require one of the following diplomas or Dutch language certificates:

• Dutch pre-university diploma (VWO) with Dutch as exam subject

• A propaedeutic certificate of a Dutch-taught program from a Dutch university of applied sciences or a Dutch research university

• A Dutch-taught Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch university of applied sciences or a Dutch research university

• Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs (Belgium), richting Algemeen Secundair Onderwijs

• Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife, which includes Dutch up to and including the last year of high school education (Abiturfach)

• Certificaat Nederlands als Vreemde Taal, Educatief Startbekwaam (STRT)
  The CNaVT exams can be taken worldwide.

• Certificaat Nederlands als Vreemde Taal, Educatief Professioneel (EDUP)
  The CNaVT exams can be taken worldwide.

• Staatsexamen Nederlands als Tweede Taal, programma II (NT2)
  The State Exams Dutch as a Second Language (Nt2) can only be officially taken at DUO at one of the examination locations in the Netherlands.

Finding suitable housing is a crucial aspect of studying abroad in the Netherlands. While many universities require proof of housing for registration, options vary in availability and affordability across different cities.

Start Early: Initiate the housing application process as soon as possible, as availability may influence your choice of university.

• https://nltimes.nl/2022/09/05/university-amsterdam-intends-limit-international-student-numbers?fbclid=IwAR3wh4Q7Q_yL-as7GVy2SKsUVjDbOtuh4izOfPN-Gg_Ou6RSmrH0m75IPa4#l7s3ovyyg667t1wj86p

• https://nltimes.nl/2022/08/25/international-students-struggling-netherlands

Explore Options: Investigate if your desired program offers housing assistance or if there are waiting lists for accommodations.

Consider Local Insights: Seek advice from individuals familiar with the city or university you're interested in, as they can provide valuable insights into housing availability.

Former Student's Tips: A former international student suggests exploring various options, including:

   1. Joining Facebook or social media housing groups specific to the city.

   2. Utilizing university housing options, albeit slightly more expensive.

   3. Renting directly from private housing companies like SSH housing, with caution.

   4. Sharing accommodations with fellow students to reduce costs.

   5. Registering with government housing agencies for budget-friendly options, though it may take time.

   6. Booking accommodations well in advance, considering the high demand in the Netherlands.

Subletting Considerations:

Students subletting accommodations should be aware of registration requirements with the municipality. Without a formal lease, registration for government formalities can be challenging. Resources like the page provided by IAMEXPAT offer detailed explanations of the registration process.

Visa Requirements for Non-EU Students:

Non-EU students must fulfill financial proof requirements for visa approval. The Dutch Immigration Authorities (IND) mandate demonstrating access to sufficient funds for one year's expenses in the Netherlands, typically amounting to €11,200 (subject to change). Students have several options to meet this requirement:

• • Option 1: Providing a bank statement.

  • Option 2: Transferring funds directly to the university.

  • Option 3: Presenting proof of a scholarship meeting the financial threshold.

As bank statements may not always suffice, transferring at least €11,250 to the university's bank account is often accepted by the IND. This amount is later refunded after the student opens a Dutch bank account upon arrival. Universities can provide specific guidance regarding this process.

In navigating both housing and visa requirements, thorough research, early planning, and adherence to official guidelines are essential for a smooth transition to studying in the Netherlands.

Follow this guide from Leiden University on finding housing as a student in the Netherlands HERE.

Most universities accept the IBDP program, and some will accept IBCP. You can find specific information about which universities recognize the program and the specific course requirements here: https://recognition.ibo.org/en-US/.  Always check the individual university websites to find their unique requirements.

Many of the universities require a minimum score of 30-35, not including bonus points, TOK, or EE.

Didn't get the IB diploma? Don't panic!     Read the guide here.

Looking for a scholarship? Find a study programme and see if there are scholarships available. The listed scholarships are not all scholarships out there, so also make sure to contact the institution of your choice to inquire about the possibilities.

https://www.studyinnl.org/finances