Your guide to studying in the Netherlands

Study in the Netherlands

2,100+ English-taught programs, world-class research and applied-science universities, and a 1-year orientation year to work after you graduate. Here's everything you need — and how Zeta Education handles it for you.

Book a consultation How it works

Tuition

≈ €8k–€15k/yr (non-EU)

Scholarship

Holland Scholarship €5,000

Intakes

September (main) & February

Language

2,100+ English-taught programs

Work

~16 hrs/wk + 1-yr orientation year

Degrees

EU-recognised (Bologna)

Study pathways

From research universities to applied sciences, there's a route in.

Bachelor's degrees

3-year research (WO) or 4-year applied-science (HBO) bachelor's, with a large choice taught fully in English.

Master's degrees

1–2 year master's — 2,100+ in English, especially strong in business, engineering, data and design.

PhD (salaried)

Dutch PhD candidates are usually employees on a salary with benefits, at world-class research universities.

Applied sciences (HBO)

Career-focused universities of applied sciences with internships built into the programme.

Why the Netherlands works for international students

English everywhere

One of the widest ranges of English-taught degrees in Europe — and nearly everyone speaks English day to day.

Holland & Orange Tulip

The Holland Scholarship and Orange Tulip Scholarship help non-EU students, including from India.

Orientation year

After graduating you get a 1-year 'zoekjaar' residence permit to find work, in a strong, open economy.

Innovation hubs

Brainport Eindhoven for high-tech, Amsterdam for finance & tech, Delft & Wageningen for engineering & agri-science.

Great value

Lower tuition than the UK or US with strong graduate outcomes and globally ranked universities.

Central & connected

A safe, bike-friendly country at the heart of Europe with an excellent quality of life.

Costs & funding

Figures are indicative and vary by city, university and programme.

Public tuition (non-EU)≈ €8,000 – €15,000 / year

Public tuition (EU/EEA)≈ €2,530 / year (statutory)

Living costs€900 – €1,200 / month

Proof of funds (visa)≈ €13,800 / year (indicative)

What you'll need

Applications via Studielink & university portals
Nuffic diploma evaluation of your qualifications
English test (IELTS/TOEFL), SOP, CV & references
Proof of funds and tuition deposit
Passport → MVV entry visa + residence permit (VVR)

We manage the applications, diploma evaluation, funds and the university-sponsored visa so nothing is missed.

Scholarships

Grants that lower your tuition and living costs.

Holland Scholarship

A €5,000 first-year grant funded by the Dutch government and participating universities for non-EU students.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Run by Nuffic Neso for selected countries including India — partial to full tuition awards at partner universities.

University & Erasmus+ awards

Institution merit scholarships and EU Erasmus+ grants that further reduce your costs.

How the process works

Six stages — we handle the paperwork at every step.

Step 1

Profile review & shortlist

We weigh research (WO) vs applied (HBO) universities against your grades, budget and goals.

Step 2

Apply via Studielink & portals

We prepare and submit your applications through Studielink and each university's portal.

Step 3

Diploma check & English test

We arrange your Nuffic diploma evaluation and IELTS/TOEFL, plus SOP, CV and references.

Step 4

Offer, tuition & funds

On your offer we handle the tuition deposit and proof of funds for the visa.

Step 5

Entry visa (MVV) & permit

Your university sponsors your MVV entry visa and residence permit (VVR) — we prepare the file.

Step 6

Arrive, register & enrol

We guide your municipal registration (BSN) and university enrolment after you land.

Tuition, fees and visa rules are set by the authorities and change over time — figures here are indicative. We confirm the current requirements for your intake.

Frequently asked questions

Let's plan your move to the Netherlands

Book a consultation and our advisors will shortlist universities, run your Studielink applications and visa, and map out your exact timeline — start to finish.

Book a consultation

Prefer email? Reach us at hello@zetaeducation.com.