How to Study in the Netherlands: Complete Guide

Two types of Dutch higher education: WO and HBO

Dutch higher education is divided into two clear tracks, and choosing the right one is the first step. Research universities (in Dutch, WO — wetenschappelijk onderwijs) focus on academic, theory-led study and research; universities of applied sciences (HBO — hoger beroepsonderwijs) focus on professional, practice-oriented programmes with strong industry links.

Neither track is "better" — they suit different goals. A WO bachelor's is typically the route towards research-focused master's study, while an HBO programme leans towards applied, profession-ready skills. Check which track each programme sits in before you apply, and confirm the details on the official Study in NL portal.

• WO — research universities, academic and theory-led
• HBO — universities of applied sciences, professional and practice-led
• Both award internationally recognised bachelor's and master's degrees

Studielink: the central application portal

Most applications to Dutch higher education go through Studielink, the official national registration and application portal. You create an account, add the programme(s) you want, and submit your enrolment request there. Some institutions ask international applicants to also apply or upload documents through their own systems, so always read each programme's admissions page first.

The Study in NL portal (an initiative of Nuffic) is the official starting point for understanding admission requirements and the application steps. Entry requirements, language-test levels, and document lists are set by each university and vary by programme — verify them on the official source.

Numerus fixus: capped programmes and the fixed deadline

Some popular programmes have a numerus fixus — a fixed, limited number of places. These programmes have an earlier, strict application deadline (the official deadline for numerus fixus programmes is 15 January), and admission is decided through a selection procedure rather than first-come-first-served. Most other programmes have a later deadline.

Because exact deadlines, the list of numerus fixus programmes, and selection criteria change each year, confirm the current dates and rules on the official Study in NL and university websites before you apply.

• Numerus fixus programmes — fixed places, selection-based, 15 January deadline
• Most other programmes — a later application deadline
• Always confirm the current-year deadline on the official source

English-taught programmes and language tests

The Netherlands offers a wide range of English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes, which is one reason it is popular with international students. Most English-taught programmes ask for proof of English proficiency through a recognised test such as IELTS or TOEFL, with the required score set by each programme.

Do not assume a single threshold applies everywhere — required scores and accepted tests differ by university and programme. Check each programme's official admission page for the exact requirement.

Student visa and residence permit

Whether you need an entry visa and a residence permit depends on your nationality. For many non-EU/EEA students, the Dutch university acts as the official sponsor and applies for the entry visa (MVV, where required) and the study residence permit on your behalf through the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

This is general information, not immigration advice. Immigration rules, fees, and required proof of funds change and depend on your situation, so verify everything on the official IND website before making plans.

• Your university is usually the official IND sponsor for the permit
• EU/EEA students do not need a study residence permit
• Verify entry-visa and permit rules on the official government source