NL · Last reviewed July 2026

Study in Netherlands

English-taught programs and a one-year orientation permit.

Best for

English-taught masters, engineering, business, research

Intakes

September primary · February for select programs

Popular courses

Engineering, Business, Life Sciences

Post-study

Orientation year (Zoekjaar) — up to 1 year

Overview

Why Indian students choose Netherlands

Dutch universities offer one of the widest English-taught masters catalogues in continental Europe. Programs are academically rigorous with strong industry integration.

Wide range of English-taught programs
Research-intensive universities with global rankings
Compact country with excellent public transport
Orientation year provides a clear post-study runway

How it works

Education system

Research universities (WO) and universities of applied sciences (HBO). Master's typically 1–2 years.

Bachelor's — 3 years

Master's — 1–2 years

PhD — 4 years (usually salaried)

What you need

Admission requirements

·Strong undergraduate GPA
·Motivation letter
·References
·Program-specific prerequisites (numerus fixus for some)

English requirements

IELTS 6.5+ (7.0+ for competitive programs).

Standardised tests

GRE/GMAT for some business masters. Otherwise not required.

Timeline

Application process

1Apply through Studielink or the university portal
2Submit documents by early deadlines (Jan–Apr)
3Receive conditional admission
4University acts as recognised sponsor for the residence permit
5Pay tuition deposit and complete IND paperwork

Required documents

· Passport
· Admission letter
· Financial proof
· Health insurance
· Academic records and English test

Cost planning

Tuition, living and scholarships

Tuition EUR 12,000–20,000/year for non-EU masters. Living EUR 1,000–1,300/month.

Scholarships & funding

Holland Scholarship, Orange Tulip Scholarship, university-specific grants.

Compliance first

Student visa & work rights

Visa overview

Study is sponsored by a recognised educational sponsor. The residence permit is applied for through the IND, usually via the university.

Work during study

Restricted student work: up to 16 hours per week during study or full-time in June, July and August. A work permit (TWV) is required from the employer.

Post-study work

Eligible graduates may apply for a one-year orientation year (Zoekjaar) to search for qualified work or start a business.

Compliance responsibilities

· Meet study progress requirements set by the sponsor
· Maintain valid health insurance
· Do not exceed permitted working hours

Visa information is general guidance, last reviewed July 2026. Rules can change without notice. Visa approval is solely determined by the relevant government authority. Always confirm on the official source before applying.

IND — Netherlands Immigration Study in NL — Nuffic

Where students commonly explore

University examples

Universities students commonly explore in Netherlands. Entry criteria and deadlines vary by course — always confirm directly on the university admissions page.

Delft University of Technology

Delft · Public research

Engineering · Architecture · CS

University of Amsterdam

Amsterdam · Public research

AI · Business · Humanities

Eindhoven University of Technology

Eindhoven · Public research

Engineering · Data Science · AI

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Rotterdam · Public research

Business (RSM) · Economics · Health