Best Universities In Netherlands: Courses, Scholarships & Admissions Criteria

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.

Why Study At Universities In the Netherlands?

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.

• The top universities in Netherlands are ranked among the top 100 universities in the world.
• The public universities in Netherlands for international students are among the leading research universities in Europe, 85 percent of programs taught here provide the best research experience.
• More than 2900 programs in MBA universities in Netherlands with 95% of Dutch teaching staff who are fluent in English which makes it easier for international students to adapt.
• Tuition fees of public universities in Netherlands are relatively low, ranging between €8,000 and €15,000 per year for non-EU learners, with several scholarship options.
• Netherlands is ranked 4th for Innovation (2024), Dutch universities collaborate with more than 450 global companies for research and training. These top companies are Philips, ASML, Unilever, KPN and many more.
• According to a recent study, 90% of the international graduates from the best universities in Netherlands find relevant jobs in their fields within six months of their graduation.

Figure 1: Top 5 Countries of International Students Admitted At Top Universities of Netherland

List Of Universities In Netherlands For International Students

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.

Course-wise Best Universities In Netherlands

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.

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Eligibility Criteria For Admission In Top Universities In Netherlands For International Students

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.

• Bachelor's Program: Secondary education, with a certain set of subjects depending on the type of course, equivalent to the Dutch VWO.
• Master's Program: A relevant bachelor's degree, and should have a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) (3.0/ on a scale of 4 or as per the University/program requirement).
• Common Tests Accepted: English language test results such as IELTS with a minimum score of 6.0-6.5, TOEFL with a minimum score of 80-90 or Cambridge English are acceptable.
• Exemptions: Some universities may exempt students who have completed their respective education from English-speaking countries.
• Additional Admission Tests GRE or GMAT: These tests may be necessary for courses such as MBA, Economics, or Data Science. However, these requirements are set by the specific university and might differ from one university to another.
• Portfolio Requirement: A portfolio is a collection of your life's work so far. It is generally asked of the applicants who are interested in artistic disciplines, for instance, Arts or Architecture.
• Visa: Students must obtain a student visa and a residence permit to study in Netherlands, which are often arranged after approval from the university is received by the students.

Figure 2: Cheap Universities in Netherlands For International Students in 2025-26

How To Get Admission In Netherlands Universities?

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:

• Research Programs and Universities: Search for programs that suit your academic and professional interests.
• Meet Academic Requirements: Make sure that the previous year's diploma level or degree level certificate that you hold is accepted by the best universities in Netherlands.
• Prove English Language Proficiency: Students who come from non-native English-speaking countries are advised to complete the IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English tests, if required.
• Prepare Required Documents: SOP, LORs, transcript, and portfolio where necessary should be provided.
• Submit Application on University Portal: Generally, all the applications are submitted on the official University portal. However, paying attention to the deadlines of the universities in Netherlands is very important.
• Attend an Admissions Interview: In some of the programs, there is a possibility that an interview will be conducted to determine whether one will fit.
• Apply for Student Visa: After receiving your conditional offer letter, you must apply for a student visa as soon as possible.

Admission Intake In Best Universities in Netherlands

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.

Scholarships Offered By Universities In The Netherlands

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.

Suggested: How To Get Scholarship to Study Abroad?

Get Admission To The Top 10 Best Universities In Netherlands

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.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Best Universities in Netherlands

How Many Universities In 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.

How To Apply To Universities In Netherlands?

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.

How Many Universities Are There In Netherlands?

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.

How Many Universities Can I Apply To In The Netherlands?

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.

When Will Universities Reopen In Netherlands?

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.

Which Are The Top 5 Universities In Netherlands?

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.

How To Get Admission To Netherlands Universities?

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.

Which Are The Best Medical Universities In The Netherlands?

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.

How To Apply To Universities In Netherlands?

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.