Study in Netherlands

About Netherlands

The Netherlands is a small, highly international country where almost everyone speaks English. It was the first non-English-speaking country to offer degrees taught in English, and it is home to many global companies such as Philips, ASML, Shell and Booking.com. The main intake is September, with some February starts. The currency is the euro (EUR).

Why study in Netherlands

• 2,000+ English-taught programs
• Research universities and universities of applied sciences ranked among Europe's best
• 1-year orientation year after graduation to find a job
• A lower salary threshold for graduates on the Highly Skilled Migrant permit
• Central location in Europe and an excellent quality of life

Popular fields of study

Data science and AI, computer science, engineering (semiconductors, water management and civil), business and economics, logistics and supply chain, agriculture and food technology, and design. Top universities include TU Delft, University of Amsterdam, Leiden, Utrecht, Eindhoven and Wageningen.

Student visa, step by step

Student visa: MVV + residence permit.

1. Get admission from a recognised institution that is an IND-recognised sponsor.
2. Show living costs of €1,130.77 a month (€13,569.24 a year), plus tuition. You often pay these to the university.
3. Your university applies to the IND for you, so you don't apply directly.
4. Once the IND approves, collect your MVV (entry visa) at the Dutch embassy or VFS centre in India.
5. Travel to the Netherlands and collect your residence permit card.

After you get your visa

• Register with your city (BSN number) and open a Dutch bank account.
• Work up to 16 hours a week during studies, or full-time in June–August. Your employer needs a work permit (TWV) for you.
• If you take paid work, you must take out Dutch basic health insurance.
• Earn at least 50% of your credits each year, or you can lose your permit.

Work and staying on

Working while you study

Work up to 16 hours a week during studies, or full-time in June–August. Your employer needs a work permit (TWV) for you. If you take paid work, you must take out Dutch basic health insurance.

After you graduate

1-year Orientation Year The Orientation Year (zoekjaar) gives you 1 year to look for a job or start a business. You can work in any job with no work permit needed. It can't be extended. You can apply up to 3 years after graduating.

Settling long term

Highly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant): within 3 years of graduating, the salary needed is only €3,122 a month gross (2026). EU Blue Card: for higher-paid graduate jobs. Permanent residence: possible after 5 years of continuous residence.

Rules change. Please confirm the latest position with your guide.

Visa expenses

Average salary

Graduates typically start at about €38,000–€45,000 a year (approximate). Tech roles pay more.

Good to know

• Student housing is very scarce. Start looking 4–5 months before you arrive.
• Living costs are about €1,000–€1,400 a month, and are highest in Amsterdam.