Study in Netherlands
The Netherlands pioneered English-taught higher education in continental Europe and still offers the widest choice. The system splits cleanly into research universities and universities of applied sciences, the latter built around placements and industry projects.
- Tuition
- US$11,200/yr
- Living
- US$11,600/yr
- Total
- US$22,800/yr
- Work rights
- 16 hours/week during term, full-time in summer
- Post-study
- Orientation year — 1 year
Current position
Policy for international students
- On 4 June 2025 the Dutch House of Representatives voted down the proposed foreign-language instruction test (TAO), which would have forced every English-taught bachelor's programme to justify why it could not be delivered in Dutch.
- Universities and universities of applied sciences opposed the measure, arguing it would have damaged the country's international position without solving the underlying capacity problem.
- English-taught provision therefore continues, though individual institutions have voluntarily reduced intake on some crowded programmes.
- Students from outside the EU may work 16 hours per week during term or full-time during June, July and August, with a work permit arranged by the employer.
Cost
What a year in Netherlands costs
Adjust the level, city and scholarship percentage to see the effect on your annual total.
Scholarships: Holland Scholarship gives 5,000 EUR in the first year; Orange Knowledge and institution-specific awards cover partial to full tuition.
Estimated annual cost
US dollars, indicative
Indicative US dollars per year. Actual fees depend on the institution and programme; confirm before you commit.
Admission
Entry requirements
- High school graduate, or
- Completion of the first year of a Vietnamese university degree, or
- A Dutch foundation programme
- IELTS 6.0 or above, or an equivalent certificate
- Bachelor's degree in a related field, or a Dutch pre-master's programme
- Work experience depending on the field and institution
- GMAT or GRE depending on the field and institution
- IELTS 6.5 or above, or an equivalent certificate
Funding
Scholarships & financial support
Holland Scholarship gives 5,000 EUR in the first year; Orange Knowledge and institution-specific awards cover partial to full tuition.
Awards are almost always decided at the point of admission rather than afterwards, and most pools are allocated on a rolling basis. Applying early in the cycle is the single biggest thing within your control.
At a glance
- Work during study
- 16 hours/week during term, full-time in summer
- After graduation
- Orientation year — 1 year
- Baseline tuition
- US$11,200/yr
- Baseline living
- US$11,600/yr
Subjects
What Netherlands is strong in
- Engineering & Applied Sciences
- Business & Management
- Hospitality
- Supply Chain & Logistics
- Communications & Media
- Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries
- Healthcare & Medicine
- Social Sciences & Humanities
- Creative Arts & Design
Institutions
Where to study in Netherlands
21 institutions in our directory, across 2 categories.
-
University of Twente Enschede
-
University of Groningen Groningen
-
Radboud University Nijmegen
-
Wageningen University & Research Wageningen
-
Erasmus University Rotterdam Rotterdam
-
Tilburg University Tilburg
-
Maastricht University Maastricht
-
University of Amsterdam Amsterdam
Immigration
The Netherlands student visa
- Vietnamese students need an MVV entry visa plus a residence permit, applied for together as a single package.
- The university acts as your sponsor and files the application with the Dutch immigration service (IND) on your behalf — you do not apply directly.
- Because the institution handles the filing, the process is unusually fast: two to four weeks is typical once the university has your documents and funds.
- You collect the MVV sticker from the embassy in Hanoi, then pick up the residence card in the Netherlands after arrival.
Questions
Frequently asked
Should I choose a research university or a university of applied sciences?
Research universities (WO) are academic and theoretical, and lead naturally into research master's programmes and PhDs. Universities of applied sciences (HBO) are longer at bachelor's level, include compulsory placements, and are built around professional practice. Choose HBO if you want to work straight after graduating, WO if you intend to continue academically.
Can I apply without IELTS?
Some institutions accept their own online English test or an equivalent certificate such as TOEFL or Cambridge, and a number offer a preparatory English year. IELTS remains the most widely accepted route.
How much does a year cost?
About US$22,800 per year including tuition and living, with Amsterdam at the upper end.
Can I work while studying?
Yes — 16 hours per week during term or full-time over the summer, with a work permit arranged by your employer.
What scholarships are available?
The Holland Scholarship (5,000 EUR, first year), Orange Knowledge Programme grants, and a wide range of institution-specific merit awards.
How does proof of funds work?
You transfer the required amount — tuition plus approximately 1,100 EUR per month of living costs — to the university, which holds it and confirms your solvency to immigration as part of the combined residence and visa application.
Planning Netherlands for 2026–27?
We will check your profile against the entry requirements, size the real budget and map the scholarship rounds worth applying to.