English Taught Education, Practical Learning and Globally Recognised European Qualifications
Looking for a European study destination with a wide choice of English taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes?
The Netherlands can be a strong option.
Indian students can explore programmes in:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Business
- Finance
- Logistics
- Agriculture
- Life Sciences
- Sustainability
- Design
and many other fields.
The Netherlands has a distinctive higher education system with both research universities and universities of applied sciences, so students can choose between a more academic or a more professionally focused learning style.
Study in NL currently lists more than 1,500 international study programmes and courses across Dutch institutions.
Netherlands Study at a Glance
| What Students Want to Know | Netherlands |
|---|---|
| Research University Bachelor’s | Usually 3 years |
| University of Applied Sciences Bachelor’s | Usually 4 years |
| Master’s | Usually 1 to 3 years at research universities |
| Main Study Language for International Programmes | English |
| Main Application Portal | Studielink for many programmes |
| General Numerus Fixus Deadline | 15 January |
| General Other Programme Deadline | 1 May, but institution deadlines can differ |
| Average Non EU Bachelor’s Tuition | €9,000 to €20,000 per year |
| Average Non EU Master’s Tuition | €12,000 to €30,000 per year |
| Average Student Living Cost | Around €1,000 to €1,500 per month |
| 2026 Immigration Study Norm | €1,130.77 per month |
| Employee Work During Study | Up to 16 hours per week OR full time in June, July and August |
| Employer Work Permit | TWV generally required for employee work |
| Post Study Route | Orientation Year |
| Orientation Year Duration | 1 year |
| Student Residence Permit Application Fee 2026 | €254 |
Research university Bachelor’s programmes are normally three years, while Bachelor’s programmes at universities of applied sciences are generally four years. Research university Master’s programmes usually last one to three years.
Why Study in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands combines internationally oriented higher education with a large selection of programmes taught in English.
Wide Range of English Taught Programmes
Study in NL provides a dedicated database of international programmes across Dutch institutions, including hundreds of Bachelor's and more than a thousand Master's listings.
Two Different Styles of Higher Education
Students can choose between:
Research Universities
and
Universities of Applied Sciences
This allows you to select a programme based on whether you prefer:
Research and academic theory
or
Practical, profession focused learning.
International Environment
The Netherlands has a strong international outlook and high English proficiency, which can make daily communication easier for international students.
Strong Academic Areas
Students can find respected programmes across: Engineering, Technology, Business, Agriculture, Sustainability, Logistics, Life Sciences, Social Sciences, and research.
Is the Netherlands Right for You?
- Want a degree taught in English
- Prefer a European study destination
- Want to compare academic and practical university pathways
- Are interested in Engineering, Technology, Business, Logistics or Life Sciences
- Want a research focused Master's
- Prefer project based and applied education
- Can plan for relatively high housing costs
- Are comfortable applying early
Think Carefully If:
You assume all Dutch universities work the same way
- entry requirements
- programme duration
- teaching styles
- internships
You are choosing the Netherlands because you expect cheap accommodation
You expect to work unlimited hours during study
- up to 16 hours per week
- full time during June, July and August
You are choosing the country only for post study immigration
What Can You Study in the Netherlands?
Understanding the Dutch Higher Education System
The Netherlands has a binary higher education system.
This means there are two main categories.
Research Universities
Research universities focus mainly on:
- Academic education
- Scientific theory
- Research
- Analytical skills
and preparation for further academic study.
Study in NL lists research university degree lengths such as:
- Bachelor’s( 3 years
- Master’s ( 1 to 3 years )
- PhD ( 4 years.)
These institutions can be particularly suitable for students interested in:
- Research
- Academic Master’s programmes
- Scientific careers
or PhD study.
Universities of Applied Sciences
Universities of Applied Sciences, known in Dutch as hogescholen, focus more strongly on the practical application of knowledge.
Programmes commonly include:
- Projects
- Teamwork
- Industry assignments
and internships.
A typical Bachelor’s programme is:
- 4 Years
or around:
- 240 ECTS credits.
- Agastya Tip
Ask:
Do I want academic research or practical professional learning?
That answer can help determine the right institution type.
Universities Students Can Explore in the Netherlands
Depending on your course and eligibility, students may consider institutions such as:
- Delft University of Technology
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Erasmus University Rotterdam
- Leiden University
- and other institutions.
- Maastricht University
- Radboud University
- Tilburg University
- University of Amsterdam
- University of Groningen
- University of Twente
- Utrecht University
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Students looking for more professionally oriented programmes can also explore universities of applied sciences such as:
- Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
- Avans University of Applied Sciences
- Breda University of Applied Sciences
- Fontys University of Applied Sciences
and other recognised institutions.
Important
Always check whether:
- the institution is recognised
and
- the programme is accredited.
The Dutch government advises students to verify institutional recognition and programme accreditation before enrolling.
Master's in Netherlands for Indian Students
Indian graduates can explore Master’s programmes across research universities and universities of applied sciences.
Admission may depend on:
- Bachelor's qualification
- institution
- academic percentage or CGPA
- previous subjects
- research background
- work experience
and English proficiency.
Nuffic currently compares Indian qualifications differently depending on degree type and academic performance.
For example, a Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Technology may be compared with an HBO Bachelor’s degree, or in certain cases an HBO or WO Bachelor’s degree where additional conditions are met.
What Is Numerus Fixus?
Some Dutch programmes have a fixed number of available places.
These are known as:
Numerus Fixus Programmes
Students may need to participate in a selection process.
The general Studielink deadline is:
15 January.
Examples of competitive programmes can include certain:
Medicine
Psychology
Business
Netherlands Student Visa Process
How Much Does It Cost to Study in the Netherlands?
Indian students are normally treated as non EU/EEA students for tuition purposes.
Study in NL currently gives average annual tuition ranges of:
Bachelor's Programmes
€9,000 to €20,000 Per Year
Master's Programmes
€12,000 to €30,000 Per Year.
Health Insurance for Indian Students
Your Netherlands Study Journey With Agastya Global
Before Choosing a Dutch University, Ask These 5 Questions
Is it a research university or university of applied sciences?
This can significantly affect:
- Teaching style
- Entry requirements
- Programme duration
and your learning experience.
Does my Indian qualification meet the entry requirement?
Use Nuffic comparisons as a useful reference, but always check the institution’s own admission decision.
Can I realistically arrange accommodation?
Housing is a major issue in the Netherlands.
Do not ignore this until the final month.
What is my complete annual budget?
Include:
- Tuition
- Housing
- Food
- Transport
- Insurance
and immigration financial requirements.
Would I still choose this programme without the Orientation Year?
If yes, your decision is likely based on stronger academic value rather than only immigration benefits.
Not Sure Whether the Netherlands Is Right for You?
The Netherlands can be attractive for students looking for:
- English taught education
- Research universities
- Universities of applied sciences
- Engineering
- Technology
- Business
- Logistics
- Agriculture
- Sustainability
- Life Sciences
- Practical learning
But students also need to plan carefully for:
- Different institution types
- Qualification recognition
- Tuition
- Housing
- Financial proof
- Student work restrictions
and residence requirements.
At Agastya Global, we help students compare all of these factors before making a decision.
faq's
Study in Netherlands for Indian Students: Your Questions Answered
The Netherlands can be a strong choice for Indian students interested in English taught programmes across Engineering, Technology, Business, Logistics, Agriculture, Life Sciences and other disciplines. The right decision depends on your academic profile, budget and preferred learning style.
Research universities focus more on academic theory and research, while universities of applied sciences focus more heavily on practical professional education, projects and internships. Research Bachelor's degrees generally last three years, while applied sciences Bachelor's programmes generally last four years.
Yes, provided they meet the selected institution's entry requirements. Nuffic compares Indian CBSE, CISCE and State Board Class 12 qualifications differently depending on marks and subjects. The university makes the final admission decision.
Possibly if your university accepts another recognised English test or grants an exemption under its own admission policy. There is no universal IELTS waiver. Study in NL lists tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson and Cambridge among commonly accepted forms of English evidence.
For non EU students, average annual tuition is currently around €9,000 to €20,000 for Bachelor's programmes and €12,000 to €30,000 for Master's programmes, although exact fees vary significantly.
The IND study norm for university and higher professional education students is €1,130.77 per month in 2026. Students normally need to show enough funds for 12 months, and tuition fees are separate.
Yes. As an employee, a non EU student can generally work up to 16 hours per week or work full time during June, July and August, provided the employer obtains the required TWV work permit.
It can be. Study in NL estimates that student rooms often cost around €450 to €1,000 per month and warns of a severe housing shortage. Students should arrange accommodation early.
The Orientation Year is a one year residence permit that allows eligible graduates to remain in the Netherlands to look for work or pursue qualifying professional opportunities. During this period, graduates may work without an employer TWV.
The Orientation Year itself lasts one year and cannot be extended. Eligible graduates may later move to another residence route if they meet the relevant requirements.
Yes. Eligible Indian students can explore the NL Scholarship, which currently provides €5,000 in the first year at participating institutions, as well as institution specific scholarships. The NL Scholarship is not a full tuition scholarship.
No. Studielink is used for many Dutch programmes, but some institutions follow a different or additional application process. Students should always follow the instructions of the exact university.
General reference deadlines are 15 January for numerus fixus programmes and 1 May for other programmes, but universities can set different or earlier deadlines, especially for international students.
No. The Netherlands provides eligible graduates with the Orientation Year route, but employment depends on your skills, course, experience, language ability and employer demand.
