Studying in the Netherlands attracts tens of thousands of international students each year, who make up a large percentage of the country’s total students (around 16%). The reasons are the affordable tuition fees, the many programs in the English language and the high level of the country’s universities.
Studies in the Netherlands are famous for their “value for money”, as they combine a very high quality of studies, recognition and absorption in the labor market with low tuition fees for students from the European Union.
The cost of living for an undergraduate or graduate student in the Netherlands is on average 800-1100€/month and their currency is the Euro (€).
Bachelor’s studies in the Netherlands last 4 years at universities of applied sciences and 3 years at research-oriented universities. Both types of institutions award bachelor degrees, have modern programs and targeted orientations to the needs and demands of society and business.
Bachelor’s studies in the Netherlands are ideal for young first-year students, due to the organization of the universities, the welcoming culture of the locals and the interculturality. Undergraduate students will not have difficulty adapting to a new environment, on the contrary, they will feel safe and receive support until they get used to their new everyday life.
Master’s degrees in the Netherlands, in recent years, are the first thing that comes to mind of those looking for a master’s degree abroad. The reasons are the ones we have already mentioned, such as low tuition fees, immediate professional rehabilitation and job prospects in the country, alongside studies. Also, there are hundreds of programs in English.
The geographical location of the country is also a big factor, as it is only a few hours away from London, Paris and Berlin. There are so many opportunities for travel, networking and life experiences that make the Netherlands a great career and personal development investment.
The requirements for studying in the Netherlands include English language certificates, such as IELTS or TOEFL or CPE, etc., a copy of your passport or ID, a translated copy of your high school diploma for undergraduates and a copy of your diploma for postgraduates, as well as a student visa for a residence permit in the country ( does not apply to citizens of the European Union).
Individual documents such as transcripts, curriculum vitae and personal statement may be requested for master’s degrees in the Netherlands, as in all master’s applications worldwide.
The IELTS certification is one of the most popular for studying abroad, but also for work. The year of acquisition and the score are two equally important factors for your admission to universities abroad..
The TOEFL test is an English language certification that is accepted in almost all English-speaking universities and together with IELTS are the two most popular certificates for studying abroad.
A good level of English is a basic requirement for applications to study abroad. One of the most popular proofs of proficiency that is accepted is the CAE (Cambridge Advanced Exam) which you will need for admission to a university in that country.
The student visa is the most important document you must have if you want to study abroad. Some countries, however, do not require a student visa, such as European Union member countries if you are a European citizen.
The passport is a necessary document that you must have for studying abroad. Although in most countries of the European Union only your national identity card is sufficient - if you are a European citizen - we recommend having a passport for easier movements and less paperwork.
For master's studies abroad it is necessary to have a copy of your degree translated into English or the language required by each university. The required score varies from country to country, institution to institution or even school to school. Consult the specifications of the program of your interest to see the exact ratings.
For bachelor's studies abroad it is necessary to have a high school diploma translated into English or the language required by each university. The required degree score varies from country to country, institution to institution or even school to school. Consult the specifications of the program you are interested in to be sure.
Financially weaker students can claim scholarships to study in the Netherlands through the universities themselves, but also seek government scholarships or funding from related support organizations.
You can also look for scholarships in your country of origin, as for example in Greece, where many scholarships are given for studying abroad every year. Another way to get funding is to apply to study in the Netherlands through Brive and claim one of our scholarships.
Brive Scholarships help you fund your dream by completing study abroad applications through our innovative platform. Apply with one click, claim one of the 3 scholarships and start your career with the most reliable ally!
Most universities internationally provide scholarships for studying abroad, covering either all or part of the tuition fees. You can claim your own scholarship, as long as you start your search early to get ahead.
Most countries that have invested significant funds in the development and evolution of their education system to make it attractive to international students offer government scholarships to help young talent thrive academically at their universities. Are you one of them?
The best cities to study in the Netherlands are Nijmegen, The Hague, Tilburg, Eindhoven, Delft, Utrecht, Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
The average accommodation costs for students in the Netherlands range from €300-600 per month for shared accommodation or hostel accommodation, with the total monthly costs being around €800-1100. Living in a private apartment can be very expensive, which varies by city, region and type of home.
The languages in which bachelor's and master's degrees are offered in the Netherlands are English and Dutch.