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Study in the Netherlands from India

A guide to Dutch universities for Indian students: English-taught degrees, costs, the application process and the orientation-year permit.

Typical tuition€9,000–€20,000 per year (non-EU)
Living costs€11,000–€15,000 per year
Main intakesSeptember, February
Post-study workOrientation-year permit, typically 1 year

Country guide · Reviewed October 2026 · By the MyEdBuddy counselling team. Immigration rules, fees and requirements change; always confirm on official websites.

Why study in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands offers hundreds of English-taught degrees in an international classroom, with a strong tradition of problem-based, collaborative learning. It is popular for engineering, data science, business, sustainability and life sciences.

Housing is the biggest practical challenge in cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht and Delft, so planning accommodation early is essential.

  • Large choice of English-taught programmes
  • International, collaborative learning style
  • Strong in engineering, agriculture, water management and design
  • Orientation-year permit after graduation
  • Central location with excellent travel links

Popular courses in the Netherlands

Engineering and technologyTechnical universities such as those in Delft and Eindhoven are well known.
Data science and AIGrowing master's options.
Business and economicsInternational business and finance programmes.
Sustainability and agricultureGlobal strength, especially in food and water.
Life sciencesResearch-led programmes.
Architecture and designPortfolio often required.

Admission requirements

Undergraduate

  • Class 12 results and subject prerequisites; some universities require extra qualifications
  • English test
  • Studielink registration
  • Motivation letter for selective programmes

Postgraduate

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject
  • English test
  • Motivation letter, CV and references
  • Some programmes require GRE/GMAT
  • Application through the university and Studielink

English tests and exams

IELTS 6.0–7.0 or TOEFL equivalent is typical for English-taught programmes. See our test guide.

Application timeline

  1. Now – Dec Research and prepare tests
  2. Dec – Apr Apply; non-EU deadlines are often earlier than for EU students
  3. Apr – Jun Accept an offer and pay tuition deposit
  4. Jun – Jul University applies for your residence permit; arrange funds
  5. Jul – Aug Arrange housing and travel

Cost of studying in the Netherlands

Indicative ranges only. Fees, exchange rates and requirements change, so verify current figures with each university and official sources.

ItemTypical rangeNotes
Tuition: bachelor's (non-EU)€9,000–€15,000 per yearVaries
Tuition: master's (non-EU)€12,000–€20,000 per yearSome programmes cost more
Living costs€11,000–€15,000 per yearAmsterdam is higher
Residence permit feesVariesCheck IND
Health insuranceRequiredCompare options
Flights and extrasVariesHousing deposits

Planning your budget? Try our cost calculator.

Scholarships and funding

  • Holland Scholarship: For students from outside the EEA; offered by selected institutions.
  • Orange Tulip Scholarship: Offered by specific institutions; availability varies.
  • University merit awards: Several universities offer partial scholarships.
  • Erasmus Mundus: EU-funded joint master's programmes.

See our full scholarships guide and education loan guide. Availability, amounts and deadlines change each year.

Student visa for the Netherlands

The university typically sponsors your residence permit application. You will need proof of funds, admission and a valid passport. Check the Dutch immigration authority (IND) for current rules.

Read our student visa guidance for a document checklist and interview tips.

Work during and after your studies

While studying

Students can usually work limited hours per week or full-time in summer with proper authorisation.

After graduation

Graduates may apply for an orientation-year residence permit, typically one year, to look for work or start a business. Conditions apply.

Post-study work rules are one of the fastest-changing parts of immigration policy. Check official sources before you decide, and do not rely on anyone who promises a particular outcome.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Looking for housing too late
  • Missing earlier non-EU deadlines
  • Not checking selective programme requirements
  • Underestimating living costs
  • Ignoring Dutch language basics

How MyEdBuddy helps you study in the Netherlands

Our counsellors build a shortlist of universities and courses in the Netherlands that match your grades, budget and goals, then support you through SOPs, applications, scholarships, education loans and the visa process. Initial counselling and documentation guidance are free. We give honest advice, including when a different country might suit you better, but we cannot guarantee admission, scholarships or visas, which are decided by universities and governments.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, many bachelor's and master's programmes are fully taught in English.

Yes. Start searching as soon as you receive an offer.

A permit allowing eligible graduates to look for work or start a business, typically for one year.

Non-EU tuition is roughly €9,000–€20,000 per year plus €11,000–€15,000 for living.

Talk to a counsellor about studying in the Netherlands

Free, no-obligation counselling. We will look at your grades, budget and goals and give you honest options.

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