Study in Netherlands: Universities, Eligibility, Deadlines, and Application Guide

Study in Netherlands for Indian students is a direct pathway to quality education. The country now has over 15% international students—higher than USA or Germany. Dutch universities offer structured, industry-aligned programs taught in English, with flexible intake options.

Indian students can apply after Class 12 or graduation. Many public universities accept 3-year bachelor’s degrees for PG courses in Netherlands for Indian graduates. Others offer entry to English-taught bachelor programs in Netherlands without mandatory IELTS. Most institutions provide transparent Netherlands student visa requirements for Indian students, and scholarships are available based on merit and need.

This blogs explains how to study in Netherlands after 12th, top-ranked universities, eligibility, deadlines, and the full application process for 2025.

Exploring your study abroad options? These global programs and universities are often considered:

• Hybrid Programs for Bachelors Abroad
• UpGrad’s Study Abroad Programs

Also comparing universities outside Europe?

• Northeastern University, USA – Programs
• Australian National Institute of Management and Commerce

Considering alternative postgrad tracks?

• MBA in Taxation Abroad
• Masters in Arts Abroad

The international student population in Dutch universities more than doubled from 2011 to 2022. Their share of total enrollments rose from 5.5% in 2006 to 15% in 2022, outpacing domestic growth.

Understand your options:

• Top Universities in Netherlands

Study in Netherlands for Indian Students

Feature	Details
Academic Year	September intake; some courses start in February
Course Duration	Bachelor’s: 3 years, Master’s: 1–2 years
Language of Instruction	English
Top Student Cities	Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Groningen
Tuition Fees (per year)	€6,000–€20,000 (₹5.4L–₹18.3L)
Post-Study Visa	1-year Orientation Year visa

Check what courses you can apply to:

• Courses in Netherlands
• MS in Netherlands – Specialized Overview

Types of Programs to Study in Netherlands for International Students

Indian students can choose from a wide range of study options in Netherlands. These include English-taught bachelor programs, PG courses, and research pathways across top Dutch universities and applied sciences institutions. Programs are available in both English and Dutch, but most international students prefer English-medium courses.

Study in Netherlands: Program Options for International Students

Program Type	Duration	Who It’s For
Bachelor’s Degree	3 years	Students applying after Class 12
Master’s Degree	1–2 years	Indian graduates applying to PG programs
Pre-Master’s Program	6 months – 1 year	For students needing subject or academic bridging
PhD	4 years	Research-focused students with a master’s degree
University of Applied Sciences	3–4 years	Practical programs in business, tech, health, design
Pathway/Foundation Program	6 months – 1 year	For those who don’t meet direct entry or language criteria
Dutch-Taught Programs	Varies	Requires Dutch language proficiency
English-Taught Programs	Widely available	Over 2,000 programs at bachelor’s and master’s level

Most Indian students enrol in English taught bachelor programs in Netherlands or PG courses in Netherlands for Indian graduates. Pathway and pre-master’s options are also available for those who need to meet admission requirements or improve English scores.

Best Universities to Study in Netherlands

Indian students can choose from several top-ranked institutions for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The country has 13+ universities in the QS Top 400 (2025), with strong performance in STEM, business, and research. These universities also offer dedicated international student services, English-taught degrees, and transparent admission policies.

Top-Ranked Dutch Universities for International Students (2025)

University Name	QS Rank 2025	Known For
Delft University of Technology	49	Engineering, Architecture, Technology
University of Amsterdam	55	Social Sciences, Psychology, Law, Economics
Utrecht University	105	Public Health, Medicine, Life Sciences
Eindhoven University of Technology	136	Electrical Engineering, AI, Data Science
Leiden University	141	Law, Public Policy, Humanities
Wageningen University & Research	155	Agriculture, Food Science, Environmental Studies
Erasmus University Rotterdam	158	Business, Economics, Management
University of Groningen	159	Medicine, Economics, International Relations
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam	221	Neuroscience, Environmental Law, Psychology
Maastricht University	230	Law, Public Health, Liberal Arts

Most of these are public institutions and accept applicants for English-taught bachelor programs in Netherlands and PG courses in Netherlands for Indian graduates.

Popular Courses to Study in Netherlands

Courses in engineering, AI, agriculture, and international business offer clear post-study work pathways. Most degrees are English-taught and structured to meet EU employability standards. If you're exploring PG courses in Netherlands for Indian graduates, these subjects align with in-demand global roles.

High-Demand Courses for Indian Students in Netherlands

Field of Study	Popular Universities	Language of Instruction
Engineering & Technology	TU Delft, Eindhoven, Twente	English
Data Science & AI	Utrecht, Leiden, Amsterdam	English
Agriculture & Environment	Wageningen, Groningen	English
International Business	Erasmus, Maastricht, Amsterdam	English
Law & Public Policy	Leiden, Maastricht, Tilburg	English or Bilingual
Economics & Finance	Erasmus, Tilburg, Vrije Universiteit	English
Psychology	University of Amsterdam, Groningen	English
Design & Creative Studies	TU Delft, HKU Utrecht, ArtEZ	English or Dutch

Most courses are available through best universities in Netherlands for international students, with options to study in Netherlands without IELTS in select cases using MOI or alternate scores.

Eligibility Requirements to Study in Netherlands

Eligibility for Indian students depends on the course level, academic background, and language readiness. Most English-taught bachelor programs in Netherlands accept students directly after Class 12. PG courses in Netherlands for Indian graduates usually require a 3-year or 4-year bachelor's degree. IELTS or TOEFL is required for most programs unless the university waives it based on previous education in English.

Eligibility Criteria to Study in Netherlands

Requirement Type	Undergraduate Courses	Postgraduate Courses
Academic Qualification	Class 12 (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards) with 60%+	Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) with minimum 6.5 CGPA
Subject Prerequisites	Science, Commerce, or Humanities (as per program)	UG in relevant field (e.g., CS for MSc Computer Science)
English Proficiency	IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80+	IELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL iBT 90+
Dutch Language	Not required for English-taught programs	Only needed for Dutch-taught degrees
Age Limit	Minimum 17 years by course start	No official upper limit

Some universities may accept students for study in Netherlands without IELTS, but only if you provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate or meet other criteria.

Admission Process to Study in Netherlands

The admission process for Indian students involves choosing the right course, submitting documents through the official Dutch application portal (Studielink), and following university-specific timelines. Students applying for the 2025 intake should track Netherlands application deadlines and start early to improve their chances.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Indian Students

Step	What to Do
Select Programs & Courses	Choose from UG or PG programs at top Dutch universities
Check Eligibility	Confirm subject background, GPA, and English score requirements
Create Studielink Account	Register on www.studielink.nl
Upload Required Documents	Passport, transcripts, SOP, resume, LORs, English test score
Pay Application Fees	€50–€100 per university (approx. ₹4,500–₹9,000)
Wait for Conditional Offer	Review decision timeline (usually 4–6 weeks)
Confirm Admission	Accept offer, pay deposit, and prepare for visa process

For how to study in Netherlands after 12th, students should shortlist English-taught UG programs that match their academic stream. PG courses in Netherlands for Indian graduates often open early for Fall intake and may close by March–May 2025.

Figure out your application timeline and financial planning:

• Netherlands Intake Seasons and Deadlines
• Scholarships Available in Netherlands

Intakes for Studying in Netherlands

Dutch universities follow two major admission cycles. The September intake is the primary session, open for most English-taught bachelor programs in Netherlands and postgraduate courses. The February intake is limited to select programs at a few universities. Indian students should apply at least 10–12 months in advance, especially if they’re planning to apply for scholarships or need time for visa processing.

Netherlands Application Deadlines for 2025

Intake	Application Window	Courses Available
September 2025	October 2024 – May 2025	UG and PG across all major disciplines
February 2025	June – October 2024	Limited PG diplomas and Master’s programs

Deadlines vary across institutions. Some best universities in Netherlands for international students like Leiden, Utrecht, and Groningen close applications as early as January. Always check the university’s official Studielink page for course-specific dates.

Cost of Studying in Netherlands

The cost of studying in Netherlands for Indian students depends on tuition, city, and lifestyle. Public universities charge lower fees compared to private ones. Amsterdam and Rotterdam have higher living costs than student towns like Groningen or Wageningen. Most international students spend €10,000–€15,000 (₹9.2L–₹13.8L) annually on living expenses. Working part-time can help recover some costs.

Estimated Yearly Cost for Indian Students

Expense Category	Cost Range (EUR)	INR Equivalent (Approx.)
Tuition – Public Univ.	€6,000–€12,000	₹5.4L – ₹11L
Tuition – Private Univ.	€15,000–€20,000	₹13.8L – ₹18.3L
Living Costs	€800–€1,200/month	₹73K – ₹1.1L/month
Health Insurance	€500–€700/year	₹46K – ₹64K
Study Materials	€300–€500/year	₹27K – ₹45K
Total Annual Cost	€12,000–€25,000	₹11L – ₹22.9L

Part-Time Work Income

Work Option	Hours/Week	Avg. Monthly Earning (EUR)
On-Campus/Off-Campus	16	€600–€800 (₹55K–₹73K)

Part-time jobs help students manage personal expenses but may not fully cover tuition. Many PG courses in Netherlands for Indian graduates also include internships, reducing the cost of final semesters.

Estimate your living and academic expenses:

• Cost of Living in Netherlands

Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Netherlands

Several government and university-level scholarships help Indian students reduce the cost of studying in Netherlands. These scholarships support both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across public institutions. Awards are typically merit-based and cover tuition waivers, monthly stipends, or partial living costs. Students applying early have higher chances of receiving funding.

Scholarships for Indian Students in Netherlands

Scholarship Name	What It Covers	Key Eligibility Criteria
Holland Scholarship	€5,000 for the first year	For non-EEA students applying to bachelor’s/master’s
Orange Tulip Scholarship	Partial/Full tuition waiver	Indian students with academic merit and program fit
Erasmus+	Tuition + monthly stipend for exchange/study	For PG students enrolled in joint or dual degree programs
University Merit Awards	10–50% fee waivers	Offered by top public universities based on GPA and SOP
Research Assistantships	Tuition offset + stipend (PG only)	For students joining research-led PG courses in Netherlands

Some best universities in Netherlands for international students, like TU Delft, Leiden, and Maastricht, offer course-specific scholarships. These must be applied for separately, often before university admission is confirmed.

Wondering what comes after your degree?

• Jobs in Netherlands for Indian Students

Netherlands Student Visa Process for Indian Students

Students accepted into a full-time academic program must apply for both the MVV (long-stay entry visa) and residence permit. Universities usually apply for the visa on your behalf through the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). You’ll need to show financial proof, valid health insurance, and academic admission to qualify.

Netherlands Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students

Step	What You Need to Do
Receive Admission Offer	Confirm admission to a DLI (Designated Learning Institution)
University Applies to IND	University submits MVV + residence permit request on your behalf
Submit Visa Documents	Passport, photos, offer letter, birth certificate, academic docs
Financial Proof	Show funds of €12,000+ (approx. ₹11 lakhs) for 1 year stay
Health Insurance	Mandatory policy covering entire stay
Biometric Appointment	Attend biometrics at VFS Netherlands
Visa Fees	€210 (approx. ₹19,000), non-refundable
Processing Time	2–4 weeks after IND receives complete application

Students applying for the September 2025 intake should begin visa preparation by April–May 2025. All documents must be in English or Dutch, and certified as per IND rules.

Part-Time Work Opportunities While Studying in Netherlands

Indian students can work part-time for up to 16 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during June, July, and August. To work legally, your Dutch employer must apply for a work permit (TWV) on your behalf. This is mandatory even for basic student jobs. Registration with the Dutch tax office (BSN) is also required before starting work.

Overview of Part-Time Jobs in Netherlands for Indian Students

Work Rule/Category	Details
Allowed Weekly Hours	16 hrs (term); full-time in summer
Work Permit Requirement	Employer must obtain TWV before hiring
Common Jobs	Supermarkets, cafes, delivery, research assistant roles
Average Hourly Wage	€8–€12/hour (₹730–₹1,100)
BSN Registration	Mandatory for income tax and salary processing
Tax Refund Eligibility	Yes, if income falls below the taxable threshold

Students enrolled in English taught bachelor programs in Netherlands or PG courses in Netherlands for Indian graduates can legally work if enrolled full-time at a DLI (Designated Learning Institution).

Job and PR Options After Studying in Netherlands

Graduates can stay back in Netherlands under the Orientation Year Visa (zoekjaar) for 12 months to look for full-time work. After receiving a job offer, you can switch to the Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) Visa if your employer meets IND salary criteria. Most Indian graduates from STEM and business programs find jobs in tech, engineering, analytics, and logistics.

Post-Study Work and PR Pathways in Netherlands

Stage	Option and Duration	Notes
After Graduation	1-year Orientation Visa (zoekjaar)	No employer sponsorship needed
Work Permit	Highly Skilled Migrant Visa	Employer must be IND-recognised sponsor
PR Eligibility	After 5 years of legal stay	Includes study + work years
High-Demand Sectors	IT, Data, Engineering, Logistics, Business Management	Strong hiring post-COVID, especially in Amsterdam hub

Netherlands student visa requirements for Indian students support a clear transition from study to full-time work. After five continuous years (study + work), you can apply for Permanent Residence or long-term EU residency.

Is Studying in Netherlands Worth It for Indian Students?

Yes. Netherlands offers quality education, affordable tuition, and strong job prospects. Degrees are recognised across Europe, and most courses are in English. Indian students can work part-time and stay for a year after graduation to find a job. With scholarships and clear visa rules, it’s a smart and practical choice.

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