Education
Universities in the Netherlands
What this entry covers
The Netherlands has a large number of degree programmes taught in English, which makes it a common choice for international students who do not speak Dutch. The Netherlands section of Universities DB lists institutions and programmes.
Two kinds of university
Research universities (universiteiten) offer academic bachelor's and master's degrees. Universities of applied sciences (hogescholen) offer professionally oriented degrees with more practical work and placements. A bachelor's at a research university usually takes three years, while at a university of applied sciences it usually takes four.
Applying
Most applications start in Studielink, the national enrolment system, and then continue with the university. Programmes with a fixed number of places (numerus fixus) run a selection procedure with an earlier deadline. Others admit everyone who meets the entry requirements.
Fees
Students from the EU and EEA pay the statutory tuition fee set by the government. Students from outside the EU and EEA usually pay a higher institutional fee set by each university.
Editor's notes
- Housing near the larger university cities is in short supply. Start looking as soon as you accept a place.
- Students who take a paid job in the Netherlands generally have to take out Dutch basic health insurance.
Entry last checked: October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Use the contact page.