Intakes in Netherlands 2026

The Intakes in Netherlands 2026 determine when international students can begin their studies at Dutch universities. The Netherlands has two main academic intakes: the September intake (Fall intake), which is the largest and offers the most programs, scholarship opportunities, and housing options, and the February intake (Spring intake), which is smaller and only available for select courses and universities.  

The September intake is the preferred choice for most students because it provides broader options and more time for visa processing and accommodation arrangements. For the September 2026 intake, applications opened on 1 October 2025 through the official Studielink portal, and most universities set deadlines between January and May 2026, depending on the programme and whether it has limited seats. 

Main Academic Intakes in the Netherlands for 2026 

The Netherlands offers two major intakes for international students in 2026: the September intake, which has the most programs, scholarships, and housing, and the February intake, which is smaller and limited to select master’s programs with fewer funding options. 

Applications for the September 2026 intake opened on 1 October 2025 via the official Studielink portal. Most universities set deadlines between January and May 2026, depending on the program. February 2026 intake applications are already open at some universities and usually close by late December 2025 or early January 2026. 

1. September Intake (Primary Intake) 

The September intake is the main entry point for most international students. It offers the largest variety of bachelor’s, master’s, and specialized programs, and aligns with most scholarship opportunities. This intake also provides sufficient time for visa processing, accommodation arrangements, and financial planning. 

Pros & Cons of September Intake:  

Pros	Cons
Largest selection of programs	High competition for seats
Most scholarships available	Early application required
Ample time for visa & housing	More students may increase accommodation demand
Full academic year alignment	Some programs may require pre-arrival tests

2. February Intake (Secondary Intake) 

The February intake is smaller and offered by select universities and programs, mostly at the master’s level. It is ideal for students who missed the September deadline or want a mid-year start, though options are limited. 

Pros & Cons of February Intake:  

Pros	Cons
Mid-year start for flexible planning	Limited programs and universities
Less competition for some programs	Fewer scholarships available
Useful for specialized master’s programs	Shorter preparation time for visa and housing
Option to start later in the academic year	Some courses may not accept February starters

Must check: Study in Netherlands: Courses, Costs & Eligibility  

Application Process for Netherlands Intakes 2026 

Applying to Dutch universities for the September and February 2026 intakes involves a few structured steps. Most applications are submitted through Studielink, the official national enrolment portal. Understanding the process early ensures you don’t miss deadlines or important requirements. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying via Studielink:  

1. Create a Studielink Account 

• Go to studielink.nl and register as an international student. 

• Select your desired programme and preferred intake (September or February). 

2. Submit Academic Records 

• Upload transcripts, diplomas, or certificates from previous education. 

• Ensure they are official and translated into English or Dutch if required. 

3. Language Proficiency Tests 

• Submit results of IELTS, TOEFL, or other accepted English proficiency tests. 

• Dutch-taught programmes may require NT2 or equivalent. 

4. Statement of Purpose & Recommendations 

• Prepare an SOP highlighting your motivation and career goals. 

• Upload letters of recommendation as required by your programme. 

5. Check Additional Requirements 

• Some programmes, especially Limited-seat programs like Medicine, Dentistry, Psychology, Teacher Education, may require entrance exams, portfolios, or interviews. 

• Verify each university’s specific requirements on its website. 

6. Submit Application & Pay Fees 

• Complete the application and pay any applicable application or processing fees. 

• Keep a copy of the confirmation for your records. 

Popular Universities and 2026 Intake Options 

The Netherlands has several well-known universities that accept international students for both September and February 2026 intakes. September offers the widest range of courses, while February is limited to select master’s programs. Here’s a quick look at how major universities structure their intake options. 

University Intake Overview 

Most universities admit students for the September intake across almost all programs. The February intake is smaller and mainly offered for a limited set of master’s programs.  

The table below shows which universities provide February entry and the types of programs available. 

University	September 2026 Intake	February 2026 Intake (Available Programs)
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)	Yes	Master’s in Engineering, Computer Science
University of Amsterdam (UvA)	Yes	Master’s in Business, Law
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)	Yes	Master’s in Engineering, Artificial Intelligence
Utrecht University	Yes	Master’s in Life Sciences
Leiden University	Yes	Master’s in Law, International Relations
Maastricht University	Yes	Most Master’s Programs
Wageningen University	Yes	Master’s in Life Sciences, Environmental Studies

Note: February intake offerings can change each year. Always check the official university website for updated program lists. 

Scholarships Available for 2026 Intakes 

 Scholarships in Netherlands are stronger for September because most national and university-level awards open during the main cycle. The February intake has fewer choices, and availability depends on whether a specific program participates. 

University	September 2026 Scholarships	February 2026 Scholarships (If Program Eligible)
TU Delft	Holland Scholarship, Orange Tulip Scholarship	Holland Scholarship (only for participating master’s programs)
University of Amsterdam (UvA)	Amsterdam Merit Scholarship	Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (select master’s programs only)
TU Eindhoven (TU/e)	TU/e Excellence Scholarship	TU/e Excellence Scholarship (limited participating tracks)
Utrecht University	Utrecht Excellence Scholarship	Utrecht Excellence Scholarship (few Life Sciences programs)
Leiden University	Leiden Excellence Scholarship	LExS (only for eligible February-start master’s courses)
Maastricht University	Maastricht University NL Scholarship	MU Talent Scholarship (limited to select master’s programs)
Wageningen University	Excellence & Talent Scholarships	WUR Talent Scholarship (only for eligible February master’s programs)

Note: Universities in the Netherlands do not offer a separate set of scholarships for the February intake. Official university sites mention that February scholarships are program-specific or faculty-specific, meaning they are only available if a particular master’s program participates that year. Always check the program page for the latest eligibility updates. 

Application Deadlines, Documents, and Eligibility for Netherlands Intakes 2026 

Understanding deadlines, required documents, and eligibility is crucial for securing admission in September or February 2026 intakes. Meeting university-specific requirements on time ensures a smooth application process. 

Key Application Deadlines 

Deadlines vary depending on the university and program type. September intake generally has more programs and later deadlines, while February intake is limited and requires faster action. 

Intake	Application Open	Application Deadline
September 2026	1 Oct 2025	Jan – May 2026
February 2026	1 Sep 2025	Dec 2025 – Early Jan 2026

Required Documents for Application 

Most universities require a standard set of documents, which must be uploaded via Studielink or the university portal. 

• Academic transcripts and diplomas (official, translated if necessary) 

• Proof of English/Dutch proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, NT2 if applicable) 

• Statement of Purpose (SOP) 

• Letters of Recommendation 

• CV/Resume (for master’s or specialized programs) 

• Portfolio or entrance exam results (if program-specific) 

Eligibility Criteria for International Students 

Eligibility depends on academic qualifications, language proficiency, and program requirements. 

Criteria	Requirement
Academic Qualification	Relevant high school diploma (bachelor’s) or undergraduate degree (master’s)
Language Proficiency	IELTS, TOEFL, or other accepted test scores; Dutch programs may require NT2
Age / Other	No strict age limit: some programs may have prerequisites or work experience
Specific Program Requirements	Limited-seat programs like Medicine, Dentistry, Psychology, and Teacher Education may require entrance exams, portfolios, or interviews

Conclusion 

Understanding the Intakes in Netherlands 2026 is essential for planning your studies effectively. The September intake is the largest, offering more programs, scholarships, and preparation time, while the February intake is smaller and suited for students who want a mid-year start. 

To maximize your chances of admission, ensure you meet eligibility criteria, submit all required documents, and apply within the deadlines. Proper planning for applications, scholarships, and visa processing will help you start your Dutch education smoothly. 

For expert guidance on program selection, scholarships, and application support, you can book a free counseling session with upGrad to make your Intakes in Netherlands 2026 journey seamless and successful.