The Netherlands is recognised as one of the best countries in the world, providing the best education services at its universities for international students. From research-oriented universities to course-specific specialized universities, the top universities in the Netherlands are open to international students. Whether you are interested in an undergraduate or postgraduate program, there are many opportunities for students in universities in the Netherlands.
If you are interested in starting your education journey in one of the fine Dutch institutions, here is what you should know. For your convenience, The Student Helpline's expert team is always with you starting from the selection of the best universities in Netherlands for international students till the very moment you land in the Netherlands. Let us assist you in making your dream of studying at the universities in Netherlands come true.
The Netherlands boasts of a very competitive education system that is well-developed to accommodate international students. Furthermore, the universities in Netherlands offer quality education with research facilities and thus become the most preferred institutions for learners from all over the world.
Figure 1: Top 5 Countries of International Students Admitted At Top Universities of Netherland
The Netherlands has some of the world's leading universities including the University of Amsterdam, TU Delft, Utrecht University and Erasmus University Rotterdam. These universities provide various English taught programs, up-to-date modern facilities and have good support system for international students.
Here is the list of top universities in Netherlands for international students for various degree levels.
Top Universities in Netherlands For Bachelors | Best Universities in Netherlands for Masters | Leading Universities in Netherlands for PhD |
University of Amsterdam | Utrecht University | Radboud University Nijmegen |
Leiden University | Wageningen University & Research | Eindhoven University of Technology |
Erasmus University Rotterdam | Tilburg University | Maastricht University |
Delft University of Technology | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam | University of Twente |
Utrecht University | University of Groningen | Nyenrode Business University |
Tilburg University | Radboud University Nijmegen | Amsterdam University of the Arts |
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam | Eindhoven University of Technology | Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences |
University of Groningen | Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences | The Hague University of Applied Sciences |
HAN University of Applied Sciences | Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University | Breda University of Applied Sciences |
Students interested in various courses to study at the universities in the Netherlands must search for top universities based on their career-specific interests. The table furnished below presents the popular courses with the names of the best universities as per the course. Students can go through this and apply accordingly.
Top-notch Courses In Universities In The Netherlands | Best Universities In Netherlands For International Students |
Universities In Netherlands For Masters In Computer Science | University Of Amsterdam, Delft University Of Technology, Leiden University |
Universities In Netherlands For Economics | Erasmus University Rotterdam, University Of Groningen, Tilburg University |
Top Medical Universities In Netherlands | Maastricht University, Radboud University Nijmegen, University Of Amsterdam |
Mechanical Engineering Universities In Netherlands | Eindhoven University Of Technology, University Of Twente, Tu Delft |
Best Universities In Netherlands For Computer Science | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Utrecht University, Radboud University Nijmegen |
Top Universities In Netherlands For MBA | Rotterdam School Of Management (Erasmus University), Nyenrode Business University, Maastricht School Of Management |
Engineering Universities In Netherlands For International Students | Wageningen University & Research, Tu Delft, Hanze University Of Applied Sciences |
Agricultural Universities In Netherlands | Wageningen University & Research, Van Hall Larenstein University Of Applied Sciences, Has University Of Applied Sciences |
Hospitality Management Universities In Netherlands | Hotel school The Hague, Breda University Of Applied Sciences, Nhl Stenden University Of Applied Sciences |
Universities In Netherlands For Masters In Data Science | Tilburg University, Eindhoven University Of Technology, University Of Twente |
Best Universities In Netherlands For Psychology | Leiden University, Utrecht University, Radboud University Nijmegen |
Suggested: Best Courses To Study Abroad
The education system in the Netherlands is highly acclaimed for its quality and features innovative courses for students from all over the world. Below are the general eligibility criteria required for admission in Netherlands universities.
Figure 2: Cheap Universities in Netherlands For International Students in 2025-26
In order to get admission to the best universities in Netherlands, students are required to pay attention to certain pointers such as the eligibility criteria and document collection. One must also be attentive regarding the application deadlines since all the applications submitted after the deadline are automatically declined.
Listed below are the key steps that will guide you through the overall application process:
The top universities in Netherlands, generally have two primary intakes for international students which are Fall (September) and Spring (February). The main intake is the Fall intake, providing the most comprehensive choice of programs, as for the Spring intake, there are fewer options available. The application deadlines generally depend on the university and the specific program, usually ranging from January to May for Fall and September to November for Spring.
Thankfully majority of the top universities in Netherlands offer various scholarship programs for international students, such as University of Twente Scholarships (UTS), Eric Bleumink Fund and other University-specific scholarships. These scholarships mostly cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs for international students.
Listed below are some of the best study-abroad scholarships offered by the best universities in Netherlands.
Best Universities in Netherlands Scholarships | Universities in Netherlands Scholarship Benefits |
Utrecht Excellence Scholarship | Covers tuition fees and cost of living |
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LexS) | Full tuition fee waiver |
University of Twente Scholarships (UTS): | Financial assistance of €3,000 to €22,000 |
NL Scholarship | Financial assistance of €5,000 |
Eric Bleumink Fund | Covers tuition fees and cost of living |
Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships | Financial assistance up to €30,000 |
Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship | Covers tuition fees and cost of living |
VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme (VUFP) | Full waiver of tuition fees |
Orange Knowledge Programme | Orange Knowledge Programme |
Radboud Scholarship Programme | Waiver in tuition fees of €2,530 |
Suggested: How To Get Scholarship to Study Abroad?
In conclusion, the high academic quality, rich research experience, and diversity of the populace make the best universities in Netherlands perfect for international learners. Universities in Netherlands for international students provide not only quality education but an unforgettable experience in the European Union.
If you are looking forward to starting your academic journey at the best universities of Netherlands? Our dedicated team at The Student Helpline is ready to help you. We will guide you throughout the admissions process, managing your applications, writing SOPs, LORs and Resume for you, and provide you with all the information that you need to get yourself placed into the best University of your choice in the Netherlands.
There are around 14 public research universities and about 41 applied sciences colleges in the Netherlands. If you have to choose between these options, The Student Helpline can help you choose the leading universities in Netherlands for international students to make sure that you've chosen the right career path.
Application entails the selection of programs, sending of documents online, and language tests. The Student Helpline is involved in providing guidance as well as the preparation of the documents required for best universities in Netherlands application.
There are 55 universities of which 14 are research universities and 41 are universities of applied sciences. Allow The Student Helpline to assist you in making the right choice and get your desired academic programs in the top universities in Netherlands for international students.
Students can apply to several universities in the Netherlands at once. The experts at The Student Helpline can assist in fine-tuning applications for different institutions to increase the probability of acceptance.
The universities in Netherlands follow two main intakes which are September and February. The Student Helpline ensures that you are aware of admission deadlines and the applications are prepared way ahead of time.
TU Delft, University of Amsterdam, Utrecht University, Wageningen University, and Leiden University are the best universities in Netherlands. For these specific universities, The Student Helpline provides specialized help for the application process.
Comply with academic standards, language level, and submit applications on the official websites of top universities in Netherlands. The Student Helpline covers all admission processes including document preparation, interview and final acceptance.
Erasmus MC, UMC Utrecht and Leiden University Medical Centre are the top medical Universities in Netherlands. The Student Helpline has particular expertise in application to medical school, which can be helpful in this highly competitive area.
To start the application process at the universities in Netherlands, students are required to research for the best courses and institutes. After that, they are required to gather documents, and be aware of the deadlines and submit the form accordingly. The consultants of The Student Helpline help with the application procedures and make the process easy for admission.