🇳🇱Netherlands
More than 2,100 programs taught entirely in English and a zoekjaar visa year to work freely after graduation.
Thirteen Dutch universities in the world top 300, more than 2,100 programs taught entirely in English and a full year of unrestricted work after graduation: the Netherlands is the English-speaking gateway to continental Europe.
Why the Netherlands?
- English everywhere2,100+ bachelor’s and master’s programs taught entirely in English: no other non-English-speaking country offers as many.
- Top-tier universitiesTU Delft for engineering, Leiden, Erasmus Rotterdam for economics: thirteen institutions in the world top 300.
- The zoekjaar after graduation12 months of residence with full work rights, no sponsor needed: the clearest springboard in Europe to a skilled job.
- Student cities built for bikesAmsterdam, Delft, Utrecht, Groningen: compact, safe, international, where a bicycle replaces your transport budget.
Admission requirements
- Baccalaureate (bachelor’s) or bachelor’s degree (master’s), translated and certified transcripts
- Application via the Studielink platform (bachelor’s) or directly to the university (master’s)
- Credential evaluation of your diplomas (IDW / Nuffic)
- Proof of English: IELTS 6.0 to 7.0 depending on the program
- Motivation letter and references for selective programs
- Proof of funds of around €1,100/month for the residence permit
The MVV visa and residence permit are applied for by the university through the immigration service (IND): allow 4 to 8 weeks and around €250 in fees. One warning about housing: the shortage is real, so the search starts as soon as you are admitted.
Your monthly budget at a glance
| Expense (outside Amsterdam) | Range |
|---|---|
| Student room | €400 – 650 |
| Shared apartment | €500 – 800 |
| Food | €220 – 300 |
| Transport (a bike does it all) | €30 – 70 |
| Health insurance | €110 – 160 |
| Going out & leisure | €120 – 200 |
| Estimated total | €1,000 – 1,400 /month |
Expect €1,300 to €1,800 per month in Amsterdam. Groningen, Maastricht or Enschede are far more affordable, for the same degrees.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work during my studies?
Yes: 16 hrs/week during the academic year (with a TWV permit requested by the employer, free of charge) or full time in June, July and August.
What is the zoekjaar?
A one-year post-graduation permit with unrestricted work rights: any job, freelancing or starting a business, no sponsor needed. You can apply for it up to 3 years after graduating.
Is housing really that hard to find?
Yes, the shortage is serious: the country is short of more than 20,000 student rooms. We launch the search as soon as you are admitted, 6 to 9 months before the intake.
Which scholarships can I aim for?
The Holland Scholarship (€5,000 in the first year), the excellence scholarships at Amsterdam, TU Delft and Utrecht, and each university’s own aid schemes.
Do I need to speak Dutch?
No: English-taught programs cover almost every field, and daily life works perfectly well in English. A few basics of Dutch help for student jobs.
Figures and rules verified at the time of publication: fees, scholarships and visa conditions change regularly. Every detail is confirmed with you, up to date, during the consultation.
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