Intakes in Netherlands 2025 - Key Dates, Deadlines & How to Apply

Intakes in Netherlands are the months when universities in the country accept new students. If you want to study in Netherlands, it's very important to know about the main intakes, so you can apply on time and get admission without problems. Netherlands mostly has two intakes – September and February. The September intake in Netherlands is the biggest one, and most courses are offered in this intake. The February intake is smaller, and not all programs are available.

Many Indian and international students choose the September intake because it has more options and scholarships. But if you missed it, you can also try for the February intake in Netherlands. Students should check deadlines for both intakes because application deadlines in Netherlands come early, around 4 to 6 months before the course starts.

Some universities offer rolling intakes or start dates in other months for special courses, but it’s not very common. So, knowing which intake to choose in Netherlands depends on your course, university, and how fast you can prepare your documents and IELTS or TOEFL scores.

Study in Netherlands: Courses, Costs & Eligibility 

Types of Intakes in Netherlands

Every year, thousands of international students apply to top-ranked universities in the Netherlands to pursue higher education. Therefore, understanding the intakes in Netherlands and their timeline is very crucial. 

The Netherlands offers mainly two intakes:

• September Intake
• February Intake

September Intake (Main Intake)

The September intake is considered the biggest and most popular intake for international students in the Netherlands. Most of the top universities in Netherlands participate in this intake; therefore, it is known as the main intake for international students. 

The availability of courses and specialized programs is also comparatively higher than the February intake. 

February Intake (Minor Intake)

This is a smaller intake compared to September. Only a limited universities and fewer courses are available in this session. The February intake in Netherlands is good if your course is available and you don’t want to wait till next year.

Read More

• Educations System in Netherlands
• Accommodation in Netherlands
• SOP for Netherlands
   

 

Timeline for Netherlands Intakes

Category	September Intake	February Intake
Application Start	October (previous year)	June (previous year)
Application Deadline	January to May	September to November
Course Start	September	February
Availability of Courses	Wide range of programs	Limited number of programs
Best For	Most Indian and international students	Students who missed the September intake
Scholarship Options	More options available	Fewer scholarships
Part-Time Jobs	Higher availability	Slightly fewer openings
Visa Processing Time	More applicants, so apply early	Less crowded, quicker response possible
University Deadlines	Earlier deadlines, some close by March	Slightly relaxed deadlines till November
Admission Competition	High	Lower compared to September

 

September (Fall) Intake in Netherlands

The September intake in Netherlands is the main intake for international students. Almost all top Dutch universities offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programs during this time. This intake has more course options, more scholarship chances, and better housing availability for students. This is the best intake for students who are interested in fields like engineering, business, IT, arts, and science.

Fall Intake in Netherlands Key Points:

• Application Deadline: Between January to May
• Visa Deadline: By June or July
• Best For: Tech, business, science, and arts programs
• Advantages:
  • More courses and universities are available
  • Better chance to get scholarships
  • Easier to find student accommodation
  • Easier to make new friends and network

More Netherlands Related Articles:

• MS in Netherlands
• MBA in Netherlands
• BBS in Netherlands
• MBBS in Netherlands
• BBA in Netherlands

 

 

February (Spring) Intake in Netherlands

The February intake in Netherlands is the second most common intake for international students. It is a good option for students who missed the September intake or want to start their studies sooner without waiting for the next year.

 

Only some universities offer limited master's and a few bachelor’s courses (in English) during this intake, so students have fewer options compared to the fall intake.

Spring Intake in Netherlands Key Points:

• Application Deadline: From September to November
• Visa Deadline: Usually between December and January
• Best For:
  • Students who missed the September intake
  • Those who want quick admission without waiting longer
  • Candidates applying to courses with flexible deadlines

Top Universities’ Intakes in Netherlands

If you are planning to study in the Netherlands, it’s important to know when the top universities in Netherlands accept applications. Most universities offer two main intakes – September (Fall) and February (Spring). The September intake is the main intake, and almost all programs are available. The February intake has fewer options, mostly for master’s courses.

Below is a simple table showing which top universities in Netherlands offer which intakes.

University Name	September Intake	February Intake
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)	Yes (Main intake)	No
University of Amsterdam (UvA)	Yes	Yes (Few programs)
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)	Yes	No
Leiden University	Yes	Yes (Limited master's)
Utrecht University	Yes	Yes (Some master’s)
Erasmus University Rotterdam	Yes	Yes (Few programs)
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)	Yes	Yes (Limited courses)
Wageningen University & Research	Yes	Yes (Few master’s)
University of Groningen	Yes	Yes (Some programs)
Radboud University	Yes	Yes (Few courses only)

Eligibility Criteria for Intakes in Netherlands 

Here are the usual eligibility criteria for the Netherlands intakes. 

• Candidates should meet the minimum diploma and English proficiency requirements. 
• They should have a Dutch high school diploma at VWO level/foreign equivalent while meeting grade entry requirements. 
• Another application route is completing a year of university with a grade average of 70% at a 3-year university or 80%/3.5 GPA at a 4,5- or 6-year university program. 

Some accepted English proficiency tests include IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency, and others.

How to Apply for Universities in Netherlands 

Here are the steps to apply for the Netherlands intake 2025 at leading universities. 

• Check the entry requirements and application deadlines. 
• Apply online on the university's student portal. 
• Upload all documents while applying, including transcripts, English language proficiency proof, statement of motivation (if needed), contact details, financial aid documents, and more. 
• Some institutions may require Studielink applications. Login details should be obtained for OSIRIS online applications as well. Applications for financial aid can also be done from this portal.

Scholarships for Intakes in Netherlands

If you are planning to study in the Netherlands, there are many scholarships available for both September and February intakes. These Scholarships in Netherlands help students cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both. Some are offered by the Dutch government, and some by universities or private groups.

These scholarships are mostly for international students, including Indian students. They are given based on things like academic marks, financial need, or course type.

Popular Scholarships in Netherlands

Scholarship Name	Offered by	Coverage	Intake
Holland Scholarship	Dutch Government	€5,000 for the first year	September (main)
Orange Tulip Scholarship	Nuffic + Dutch universities	Tuition fee (partial/full)	Mostly September
Erasmus+ Scholarships	European Commission	Tuition + living + travel	Both intakes (check the course)
University-specific Scholarships	Individual universities	Depends on university	Mostly September, a few in February
NN Future Matters Scholarship	NN Group + partner universities	€5,000 + mentorship	Mostly September
TU Delft Excellence Scholarship	TU Delft University	Full fees + living	September only
VU Fellowship Programme	Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam	Tuition fees	Mostly September

Tips to Apply for Scholarships in Netherlands

• Apply early: Most scholarships have deadlines between December and May for the September intake
• Check the official website of the scholarship and your university
• Prepare a strong SOP (Statement of Purpose)
• Keep your academic records and English test scores ready
• Some scholarships may need recommendation letters or proof of income

These scholarships are very helpful for students who want to study in Netherlands at a low cost or even study for free. So, if you plan well and apply on time, you can save a lot of money on your education in the Netherlands.

How to Choose the Right Intake in Netherlands

Choosing the right intake in Netherlands is very important when you are planning to study abroad. Netherlands offers two main intakes – September (Fall) and February (Spring). Both are good, but your choice depends on many things like your course availability, application preparation, and visa timelines.

Here are some simple tips to help you pick the best intake:

1. Check Course Availability: Not all courses are offered in both intakes. Most bachelor’s programs are only available in the September intake. Some master’s programs are open in both, but still more options are there in September.

2. Application Deadlines: If you missed the September deadline, don’t worry. Some universities open again for the February intake. But remember, the February intake has less number of seats, so apply early.

3. Scholarships & Funding: More scholarships in Netherlands are available for the September intake. So, if you are looking for financial help, it’s better to apply for Fall.

4. Visa & Document Readiness: The Visa process takes time. If you are not ready with your IELTS/TOEFL scores, LORs, SOP, or documents, it’s better to wait and apply for the next intake. No need to rush.

5. Personal Situation: Some students wait for their final exam results, or they may need more time for money arrangements or other reasons. In that case, Spring intake gives some extra months to prepare.

Conclusion 

The Netherlands offers two main intakes for international students: September (Fall) and February (Spring). September is the primary intake with the most program options, while February offers select courses. 

Application deadlines vary by university and program, so it’s essential to plan ahead and check requirements early. 

For personalized support with choosing the right intake and preparing your application, connect with upGrad experts, who will guide you through every step of studying in the Netherlands.