Study in Netherland
Study in the Netherlands for affordable, world-class education. Top universities like the University of Amsterdam and Delft University of Technology offer globally recognized degrees, innovative teaching, and a strong international student community, making the Netherlands a top destination in Europe for higher education.
A Guide for Indian Students Seeking Education in the Netherlands
Netherlands, the country that is informally known as Holland, has become one of the favorite destinations for numerous students from across the globe. In the past few years, the inclination of Indian students has also been witnessed a lot in studying in Netherlands. Netherlands has great career prospects, globally-ranked universities, highly esteemed colleges, well-equipped polytechnics, and a lot more, which makes this nation one of the most desired nations for international students, including Indian academics.
Every year, a huge number of Indian students are attracted to it due to the world-recognized education system. Here, students get research-based training, innovative courses, and a lot of other things, which make it a wonderful place for students coming to Netherlands.
In 2026, universities in Netherlands have specialization in STEM, business, and sustainability. It also has top-tier programs in social sciences, law, engineering, and agriculture. The key specializations in Netherlands are Sustainable Energy, AI, Data Science, Healthcare, and International Management.
Why Study in Netherlands?
There are 90,000 or more students in Netherlands currently, and there are the reasons behind it. Netherlands is considered a hub for business and commerce. As per the 2014 Global Connectedness Index, it is the most internationally connected country in the world. Besides, Netherlands is widely known as an open society. People from over 200 nationalities live in this nation. The national language of Netherlands is Dutch but it is the top non-native English-speaking country in the world. Netherlands provides education with Dutch teaching style.
Major Reasons to Study in Netherlands
Here are some of the major reasons why it will be good for you to study in Netherlands.
- The focus of Dutch education remains on teamwork, which proves to be very advantageous for students.
- Interaction in class is appreciated a lot in the universities in Netherlands.
- A large number of recruitment agencies are highly interested in offering employment to graduates from Dutch universities.
- The Netherlands has a thriving job market for international students.
- The Netherlands has some world-known employer firms such as ASML, Booking.com, Philips, Adyen, ING, Shell, Unilever, and Heineken.
- International graduates are offered a 1-year “Orientation Year” (zoekjaar) post-study work visa for finding a job or starting a business.
- The Netherlands has an amazing city life with a multicultural society. It has students from 160 nations. The major cities in the Netherlands are Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, all of which are close to Leiden and The Hague.
- The Netherlands is one of the safest countries for students from around the world.
- The Netherlands is a gateway to Europe and has links to the major countries in Europe.
Indian students in the Netherlands get a perfect blend of quality education, social life, long-term career development, and global employability.
Quick Facts About The Netherlands
Category | Details |
Capital | Amsterdam |
Top Cities to Study | Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven, Groningen |
Popular Fields | Engineering, Business, IT, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence |
Tuition Fees | ₹5.4–20 lakh/year |
Living Cost | ₹₹1.05 Lakh – ₹1.68 Lakh per month |
Intakes | Fall (September), Spring (February) |
Scholarships | Government & University-funded |
Education System in the Netherlands: Ideal for Indian Students
There is a global acceptance of the education system in the Netherlands. Dutch universities are so popular that a large number of recruitment agencies offer employment to students who have studied there. Here are some of the aspects about the Dutch education system.
Types of Institutions
Research Universities (WO): These are the universities that focus on academic research and theoretical, research-oriented degree programs.
Universities of Applied Sciences (HBO): Their focus remains on practical, career-oriented education, which also includes mandatory internships and real-world projects.
Institutes for International Education (IE): These are the specialized institutions that offer education to international students. The IHE Delft Institute for Water Education is a perfect example in this regard.
Apart from the above three, there are the Open University and University Colleges are also available in the Netherlands. The Open University offers distance learning programs and provides open access to higher education for everyone. University Colleges are specialized undergraduate colleges within or affiliated with research universities.
Here are some study levels in different types of universities in the Netherlands.
Degree Level | Research University (WO) | Universities of Applied Sciences (HBO) |
Associate Degree | Not Offered | 2 Years |
Bachelor’s Degree | 3 Years (180 ECTS) | 4 Years (240 ECTS) |
Master’s Degree | 1–3 Years (Most are 1–2 yrs) | 1–2 Years |
Doctorate (PhD) | 4 Years (Minimum) | Not Offered |
Below, you can know about the levels in the Institutes for International Education.
Degree Level | Duration |
Short Courses / Certificates | Few weeks to 6 months |
Diploma Programs | 6 months to 1 year |
Master’s Degree | 1 to 2 years |
Doctorate (PhD) | 4 years |
Intakes
Fall Intake: September (main intake)
Spring Intake: February (limited programs)
Best Degrees for Indian Students to Study in the Netherlands
The Netherlands provides a wide range of programs in distinct fields such as IT, Engineering, Business, Environmental Science, and more. Here are some of the best degrees for Indian students in the Netherlands.
- Computer Science & IT
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Cloud Computing.
- Engineering
Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, and Renewable Energy Engineering
- Business & Data Analytics
Business Analytics, Finance, Supply Chain Management, and International Business Administration.
- Environmental Science & Sustainability
Sustainable Development, Agriculture, and Water Resource Management.
Admission Requirements for Indian Students in Netherlands
Bachelor’s Programs
Eligibility:
- Class 12 with 60-75% aggregate.
- IELTS score should be 6.0–6.5.
- Motivation Letter & CV
- Academic transcripts
- SAT/ACT (only for highly competitive Bachelor’s programs)
Master’s Programs
- A valid undergraduate degree from any part of the world.
- IELTS score should be 6.5–7.0
- SOP, CV, and Letters of Recommendation (LORs).
- GMAT/GRE (for MBA and STEM-related Master’s programs)
Common Documents
- Passport-size photographs
- The scores you got in the English language test
- LORs and SOP
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Valid passport
Tip: Submit these documents at least 6-9 months before intake.
Cost of Studying in Netherlands for Indian Students
Programs | Annual Costs |
Bachelor’s Degree | ₹5.4–13.5 lakhs at public universities. |
Master’s Degree | ₹7.2–18 lakhs |
MBAs | ₹27+ lakhs per year |
In the private universities, the annual costs may reach ₹27+ lakhs per year for multiple programs.
Cost of Living for Indian Students in the Netherlands (Monthly Living Expenses)
Expense Category | Monthly Cost (EUR) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
Accommodation | €350 – €1,000+ | ₹31,500 – ₹90,000+ |
Food & Groceries | €150 – €300 | ₹13,500 – ₹27,000 |
Health Insurance | €142 – €166 | ₹12,780 – ₹14,940 |
Transportation | €35 – €100 | ₹3,150 – ₹9,000 |
Utilities & Internet | €150 – €260 | ₹13,500 – ₹23,400 |
Miscellaneous | €100 – €250 | ₹9,000 – ₹22,500 |
Total Estimated | €927 – €2,076 | ₹83,430 – ₹1,86,840 |
Best Universities in the Netherlands for Indian Students
- Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
- University of Amsterdam (UvA)
- Utrecht University (UU)
- Leiden University
- University of Groningen (RUG)
- Wageningen University & Research (WUR)
2026 QS Rankings of Dutch Universities
University | QS Global Rank 2026 | Popular Subject Areas |
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) | #47 | Engineering, Architecture, Computer Science |
University of Amsterdam (UvA) | #53 | Social Sciences, Media, Business |
Utrecht University (UU) | #103 | Life Sciences, Geosciences, Law |
Leiden University | #119 | Law, Politics, Humanities, International Law |
University of Groningen (RUG) | #147 | Economics, Medicine, Science |
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) | #153 | Agriculture (Ranked #1 globally), Food Science |
Scholarships for Indian Students in the Netherlands
Government and Multi-Country Scholarships
- NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship)
- Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS) India
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM)
University-Specific Scholarships
University | Scholarship Name | Award Value |
Maastricht University | NL-High Potential Scholarship | €34,000 (Full tuition + living stipend) |
TU Delft | Justus & Louise van Effen | Full tuition + monthly living allowance |
Leiden University | Excellence Scholarship (LExS) | €10,000 – €19,000 towards tuition fees |
Radboud University | Radboud Scholarship Programme | Tuition reduced to €2,695 + visa & insurance costs |
University of Twente | University of Twente Scholarship | €3,000 – €22,000 for one year |
VU Amsterdam | Fellowship Programme (VUFP) | Full or partial tuition fee waiver |
Benefits of Scholarships
- Waiver or reduction of tuition fees
- Availability of living allowance
- Financial support for accommodation
Career Opportunities for Indian Students in the Netherlands
During Studies
- Students can work part-time up to 16 hours a week.
- They can work full-time during vacations
Opportunities After Studies
- Orientation visa (stay-back visa) is valid for 1 year. However, students can apply for a long-term visa.
- Students can do jobs in distinct areas, and the major areas are Tech & IT, Engineering, Life Sciences & Healthcare, and Finance & Business.
- On an average, students can earn from €46,500 to €75,000.
Accommodation for Indian Students in the Netherlands
Residence Options
There are numerous accommodations available for Indian students going to study abroad in Netherlands, among which they can choose as per their requirements. Students can select among studios, apartments, ensuite rooms, non-ensuite rooms, and shared rooms. There are university-owned as well as private accommodations available here. In private accommodations, students can find a place in student complexes or in private rental apartments. Learners can also choose to live with families in the Netherlands in homestays.
Facilities
However, there are different facilities available in distinct types of accommodations, among which the major ones are laundry services, study desks and chairs, Wi-Fi, study rooms, televisions, and more. Some accommodations also provide high-end features such as games rooms, sports courts, games rooms, cinemas, and a lot more.
Student Life in the Netherlands
“Study in Netherlands for Indian students” is not just a study for Indian students, but it is an opportunity to enjoy the best part of their lives. The Netherlands provides them with a multicultural society plus offers a variety of places to visit during their studies. Students celebrate various festivals and visit varied tourist places. There are excellent opportunities for sports and recreational activities in the Netherlands.
Final Note
Dutch universities in the Netherlands open several new paths for international students, including Indian students. It has a good academic status, post-study working prospects, and a welcoming culture. It is one of the best places, which allows students to get a long-time success.
Cost of Living in Netherlands
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Frequently Asked Questions
There are numerous reasons for studying in the Netherlands including excellent education, employment prospects after studies, post-study employment prospects, English-speaking atmosphere, and excellent education.
The Netherlands is expensive, but still, it is less expensive compared to nations like the USA and the UK.
Tuition fees in the Netherlands are between 5.4 lakhs and 18 lakhs in public universities, but the fees of MBA may exceed ₹27 lakhs plus. Private universities also offer courses at 27 lakhs plus. The cost of living is ₹83,430 to ₹1,86,840.
Yes, 16 hours per week during semesters and full-time during vacations.
Yes, the Netherlands is one of the safest countries.
Yes, IELTS is compulsory in most of the programs
Yes, there are government scholarships, multi-country scholarships, and university-specific scholarships available.
Computer Science & IT, Engineering, Business & Data Analytics, and Environmental Science & Sustainability are the most popular in the Netherlands.
Yes, they can stay here for one more year using an oriental visa and can apply for a long-term visa to study here.