Studying in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has one of the largest English-taught course catalogues in continental Europe, with world-class research universities and applied-sciences institutes. This is the complete guide: the entry visa (MVV) and residence permit, the orientation year (zoekjaar), cities, costs, and how admissions work.
Explore the Netherlands
Visas
The entry visa (MVV) and residence permit, the TEV procedure, and proof of funds.
Cities
Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, Eindhoven, and Groningen.
Courses
Research universities (WO) and universities of applied sciences (HBO), and how you apply.
Institutes
UvA, TU Delft, Utrecht, Leiden, Groningen, Erasmus, Wageningen, and TU/e.
Working
Term-time hour limits, summer full-time work, and the employer work permit (TWV).
Cost of living
Tuition, proof of funds, and living costs across the Netherlands.
Accommodation
Student housing, renting, and the tight Dutch housing market.
Healthcare
Private insurance while studying and when you must switch to Dutch basic insurance.
Culture
What life as an international student in the Netherlands is really like.
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Frequently asked questions
How does the Dutch student visa (MVV) and residence permit application work?
Non-EU students do not apply for their own visa in the Netherlands. If your institution is a recognised sponsor with the IND, it applies on your behalf for the entry visa (the MVV) and the residence permit together under the TEV procedure. You collect the MVV sticker before travelling, then collect your residence permit and register locally once you arrive. See our Netherlands student visa guide for each step.
How much money do I need to study in the Netherlands?
You need to budget for both proof of funds and tuition. For your residence permit you must show you can support yourself with €1,130.77 per month (roughly €13,569 per year) for 2026. Tuition is separate — non-EU students pay institutional fees typically ranging from €9,000–€20,000 per year for a bachelor's and €12,000–€30,000 for a master's, while the statutory fee for those who qualify is €2,694 for 2025–26. See the full breakdown in our cost of living in the Netherlands guide.
Can international students work in the Netherlands?
Yes, but non-EU students must pick one of two options and cannot combine them: work a maximum of 16 hours per week year-round, or work full-time only in June, July and August. Before you start, your employer — not you — must obtain a free work permit (a TWV) from the UWV. Full rules are in our working in the Netherlands guide.
What is the orientation year (zoekjaar) in the Netherlands?
The orientation year (zoekjaar) is a one-year residence permit with free access to the labour market, so no TWV work permit is needed during that year. You can apply for it within three years of graduating, and it is the main route from studying to skilled work in the Netherlands. See how it fits with other permits in our Netherlands visas guide.
Do I need health insurance as a student in the Netherlands?
Yes, health insurance is compulsory, and which type you need depends on whether you work. If you are only studying you need private international health insurance; the moment you take paid work, including a paid internship, you are legally required to switch to Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering). See our healthcare in the Netherlands guide for how the switch works.
Are there English-taught degree programmes in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands has traditionally offered one of Europe's largest selections of English-taught degrees, across research universities (WO) and universities of applied sciences (HBO). This is changing: the Internationalisation in Balance Act (WIB) is curbing English-taught programmes, in many cases requiring at least two-thirds of bachelor's curricula to be taught in Dutch. Check the current language of instruction before you apply — see our courses and degrees guide and our universities and institutes guide.
Which Dutch cities are best for international students, and is housing hard to find?
Popular student cities include Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, Eindhoven and Groningen, with costs generally higher in Amsterdam and Utrecht than in cities such as Groningen. Housing is competitive nationwide, so start looking early — our accommodation in the Netherlands guide covers student halls, renting, and the tight Dutch housing market, and our Dutch student cities guide compares the cities themselves.
Last reviewed . Rules and figures change — always confirm with the official source before applying.