collageThe Netherlands offers international students a wide variety of degree courses, most of them available in English.
Check out universities in netherlands for international students bachelor, tuition fees in netherlands for international students, universities in netherlands with no application fee, universities in netherlands for masters and top universities in Netherlands on Collegelearners.
International students can adapt better and faster if they enrol in a university with a high level of internationality. As pompous as it may sound, some of the world’s universities and colleges are actually better at making students feel at home in terms of the academic environment, teaching methods and other important factors.
Studying at universities in the Netherlands is very popular for foreign students, especially for the great variety of English-taught Master’s degrees offered.
View Masters in the Netherlands
The following universities are the most international in the Netherlands, according to a list offered by Times Higher Education in 2021 and Student Satisfaction Awards by Studyportals.
Best universities in the Netherlands according to international rankings
The overall top universities in the Netherlands by Times Higher Education Ranking 2021 and Shanghai Ranking 2020 are more or less the same, which makes it easier for international students to choose their university.
The main factors by which these institutions are listed as most international are based on: number of international students, collaborations with other international universities or organisations and international staff within the university.
Here are the best Dutch universities according to World University Rankings 2021:
Wageningen University
University of Amsterdam
Leiden University
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Utrecht University
Delft University of Technology
University of Groningen
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Maastricht University
Radboud University Nijmegen
Study abroad at the best universities in the Netherlands
Top 9 universities in the Netherlands with the best international student satisfaction
Students’ considerations and experiences are probably the best and most trustful source when it comes to finding out whether a certain university actually meets the standards that international students expect. The Studyportals International Student Satisfaction Awards 2016 were based on 17,018 reviews from students all over the world.
Wageningen University was awarded the Outstanding International Student Satisfaction Award in 2016.
The following nine universities were awarded the title ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very Good’ in terms of student satisfaction in the Netherlands:
Radboud University – Excellent
University of Groningen – Excellent
VU University Amsterdam – Excellent
Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences – Very good
Leiden University – Very good
Maastricht University – Very good
TU Delft – Very good
University of Amsterdam – Very good
Wageningen University – Very good
The level of internationality that a university may have is important to any student who considers a degree abroad. On the other hand, it’s not necessary that you mark this factor in the top of our list when it comes to choosing your most suitable university. Include all important criteria based on your academic qualifications and future career plans as well.
And here’s what students think about some of these ranked universities:
University of Amsterdam
Delft University of Technology
Wageningen University
Leiden University
Utrecht University
7 Cheapest Universities in Netherlands for International Students
Known for its meandering canals, stunning fields of tulip flowers, calm sceneries studded with traditional windmills and iconic cities steeped in tradition, the Netherlands or Holland is a country that not many people in the world are unaware of. Located in the Northwestern region of Europe, the Netherlands is a relatively small landmass that consists of around twelve provinces.
It further comprises of three key cities that are home to the majority of the universities; the cities of Amsterdam (the capital of the Netherlands), Rotterdam and The Hague.
Despite its small area, the country is known for being densely populated as well, in addition to being one of the wealthiest and developed countries of Europe.
Numerous factors about this unique country make the Netherlands a very tempting and excellent option for prospective students. It has a reputation for its very liberal sense of ethos so students can have a flexible and diverse experience during their studies.
Its influential status in the continent, particularly in terms of international politics and governance, present students with numerous opportunities and exposure that would greatly benefit them during their studies.
Additionally, cities such as Amsterdam overflow with cultural experiences with numerous museums, galleries and sights that could enhance any student’s academic studies.
Dutch universities place a strong emphasis on support and attention to their students so a lot of interaction occurs between staff and the students. The focus on the practical applications of studies also greatly benefit any prospective student so as to ensure they have applied thinking.
In addition, the country is known for its diverse work experience at an international level so once again, this could greatly benefit a student’s future. In this article, we present a list of universities that offer the cheapest tuition fees for prospective students to pursue their studies in the Netherlands.
How Do I study in the Netherlands as an International Student?
Preparing your application and submitting it can seem very daunting. To help you with this whole process, we’ve prepared a guide on How to Study in the Netherlands for International Students Guide! If you don’t know where to start, reading this guide is a good place to start!
Are universities free in the Netherlands?
Higher education in the Netherlands is generally not offered on a tuition-free basis. However, the advantage is that the government of the country has subsidised the tuition fee rates which makes it a comparatively affordable option to study in as opposed to other countries.
This also applies to international students as well so they are benefited from subsidised fees in the same way. So, you should take advantage of these cheap universities in the Netherlands!
What are the language requirements for studying in a Dutch university?
The primary language of instruction in a Dutch university is naturally in the Dutch language. International students are usually offered intensive training courses to study this language.
However, several universities in the country offer courses that are taught in English as well, in both an undergraduate and postgraduate level. However, to study in the Netherlands in English, the universities require you to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores to be eligible.
How expensive is it to study in the Netherlands?
As mentioned before, tuition fees are relatively cheap. In general, students can expect to pay between EUR 1900 up to EUR 15,000 on an annual basis, depending on the university and the course.
In terms of cost of living (which includes accommodation and other basic living expenses), students, on average, can spend between EUR 800 to 1200 per month which depends on the student and the location as well.
How can I afford my studies in the Netherlands?
There are thousands of international students studying in the Netherlands, and the fact is, some of them come from financially difficult circumstances. But how do they study in the Netherlands? They can do so in a variety of ways, and we cover them in How to Study in the Netherlands for Free (Complete Guide). If you are interested, check out this great resource!
What are some of the top degrees in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands offers a variety of choices when it comes to degrees. The most popular degrees in the Netherlands were the following:
Law
Business
Computer Science
Medicine
Nursing
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Cheap Universities in the Netherlands
- Utrecht University
Tuition fees: From EUR 2000
Link to university website
Located in the fourth largest city of the Netherlands, Utrecht, this university is a public institution of higher education that was founded in 1636. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education in the country. As of 2019, the university has a student enrolment of over 30,000.
Utrecht University has been consistently ranked among the top most universities in the world; it is regarded as the best university in the Netherlands and is placed among the top 100 universities of the world (based on the Shanghai Ranking of World Universities).
The university is academically comprised of 7 main faculties of study which range across humanities, social sciences, law/economics, medicine, geosciences, veterinary medicine and natural sciences. Collectively, this elite institution offers over 120 courses and degrees of study for its students.
All programs are exclusively offered, taught and administered in English which is a major advantage for international students. Luckily, tuition fees are not as expensive as one would think so prospective students can have access to studying at one of the cheapest universities in the Netherlands.
- University of Twente
Tuition fees: From EUR 10,000
Link to university website
The University of Twente is a public research institution of higher education based in the city of Enschede in the eastern region of the Netherlands. Founded in 1961, the university currently has a student population of over 11,000.
Despite its recent inception, the university has evolved into an internationally recognised institution of study and has been constantly ranked among the top 400 universities in the world.
Five faculties constitute the academics of the university, of which numerous sub-departments are organised. Through this academic profile, the university offers well over 80 degrees at an undergraduate and postgraduate level.
This cheap university in the Netherlands further maintains strong collaborations with other universities in the country such as the Eindhoven and the Delft Institutes of Technology.
Of the large student body, the university is also home to over 3000 international students who come from 80 different nationalities. Research is a focal point of the university and it is one of the few institutions in the country to offer a strong input in nanotechnology.
- Radboud University
Tuition fees: From EUR 6000
Link to university website
Based in the city of Nijmegen, the Radboud University is another public institution of higher education that was first established in 1923. This university is located in one of the oldest cities in the country but has a dominant focus on research.
Currently, the university has a student body of over 20,000 with approximately 20% comprising of international students from across the world. The majority of programs offered by the university are for graduates (around 35 Masters programs) while around 15 Bachelors programs are also offered. The main language of instruction is in English as well.
Research in the university varies from business and law research to brain sciences and physics. Its well-rounded academic and research expertise has enabled the university to be ranked among the best universities in the country as well as among the top 150 universities in the world.
It further maintains strong ties with other prestigious universities in the world such as the University of Oxford (the UK) and the University of Bologna (Italy).
- Delft University of Technology
Tuition fees: From EUR 10,000
Link to university website
The Delft University of Technology (commonly known as TU Delft) is a public institution of higher education with a focus on technological education. Established in 1842, this cheap university in the Netherlands is based in the city of Delft in the southern region of the Netherlands.
Currently, the university has a student enrolment of over 20,000 students. TU Delft has an academic profile comprising of 8 faculties that are predominantly focused on engineering and technical studies – these range across architecture and industrial engineering to technology/policy and applied sciences.
Collectively, a wide variety of courses are offered to the students and the system offers degrees at an undergraduate bachelors, masters and doctoral level. 16 BSc programs are offered which are typically taught in 3 years and exclusively managed in English. A higher number of Masters and doctoral programs are offered, many of which are managed in collaboration with the Erasmus exchange program.
TU Delft has a large and diverse campus with major areas such as Mekelpark and Aula so students have access to a wide range of facilities at a cutting edge and innovative level that would greatly influence their studies.
- University of Groningen
Tuition fees: From EUR 8000
Link to university website
One of the cheapest universities in the Netherlands for international students is the University of Groningen. It is a prestigious public research university that is based in the city of Groningen (located towards the northern region of the Netherlands).
Founded in 1614, the university is officially the second oldest institution of higher education in the country. It is home to a student enrolment of over 20,000 students.
Academically, the university is organised into 11 faculties of study which also contains multiple graduate schools and several elite research institutions. These cover a range of disciplines including the humanities, law, economics, business, social sciences, life sciences and the natural sciences as well as technological studies.
In addition to the availability of Bachelors, Masters and doctoral courses, the university also offers short term courses as well. Collectively, over 170 degrees of study are offered which are exclusively taught and administered in English as well.
In terms of the student population, the university is also home to over 6000 international students who come from over 12 different countries in the world. Groningen is further reputed for being a high profile student city.
It is also one of the safest and eco-friendly cities in the Netherlands. The university has been ranked among the top 100 universities in the world based on several league tables.
- University of Amsterdam
Tuition fees: From EUR 5000
Link to university website
Located in the capital of Amsterdam, this elite institution of higher education is the third oldest university in the country and was established in 1632. It is one of the principle universities of the capital as well as one of the largest research institutions in the continent with a current student population of over 30,000 students.
Of this body, nearly 3000 students are of foreign nationalities and come from over 100 countries across the world. The university’s main campus is spread across the city and is highly integrated within.
It is known for its rigorous academics and has been consistently ranked among the top 100 universities in the world. It is also connected to 6 Nobel laureates with its high research potential.
Academically, the university has a profile consisting of seven main faculties including science, humanities, economics/business, law, social/behavioural sciences, medicine and dentistry.
Collectively, the university offers around 59 Bachelors programs, 133 Masters programs and 10 Doctoral programs of study. The majority of these courses are taught in English.
It further maintains strong partnerships with multiple overseas universities including exchange programs that draw in several international students on an annual basis. Students also have access to several academic and extra-curricular organisations so as to enhance their student experience.
- Eindhoven Institute of Technology
Tuition fees: From EUR 10,000
Link to university website
The Eindhoven Institute of Technology (also called TU Eindhoven) is a technological university located in the city of Eindhoven in the southern region of the country. Founded in 1956, the university currently has a student population of over 10,000 students.
Despite its recent inception, this cheap university in the Netherlands has a strong academic and research prowess and has been ranked among the top 400 universities in the world. As the university is expected, it offers multiple departments that focus on specific fields of engineering, physical sciences and information technology.
It further maintains strong connections with other overseas institutions such as the National University of Singapore, Northwestern University (USA), RMIT University (Australia) and KU Leuven (Belgium).
Netherlands – or Holland?
Many people think that “Holland” and “Netherlands” mean the same thing. Even within the country, you may hear locals saying “Holland” when referring to the whole country. Technically, however, that is not correct. The country as a whole is called the Netherlands. It consists of twelve provinces; two of these provinces make up the Holland region, split into North and South Holland (Noord- and Zuid-Holland, respectively).
The widespread colloquial use of “Holland” as a term for the country as a whole originated in the 17th century, when Holland was the most influential of the Dutch provinces. The Holland region still represents a sizeable share of the population; the three largest cities in the Netherlands are located here – Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague (Den Haag). Therefore, “Holland” remains synonymous with “the Netherlands” for many people. And last, but not least: The official organisation that promotes the country as a study destination is also called “Study in Holland”.
Universities in the Netherlands
In Europe, the Netherlands was very early to adopt the Bachelor/Master system and offer degree programmes in English. This has lead to one of the largest selections of courses on the continent. You can choose between plenty of Bachelor and Master degrees at around 70 institutions of higher education.
You can also expect a large community of international students: More than 112,000 students from around the world. Around 16% of all students come from abroad – one of the highest ratios anywhere in Europe.
As in other European countries, universities in Holland are commonly classified as either “research universities”, offering more research-oriented academic programmes, or “universities of applied sciences”, offering more practice-oriented study programmes.
Tuition fees in the Netherlands
The tuition fees in Holland are roughly on par with other countries in Europe.
If you are a student from the European Union, you should expect to pay around 2,000 euros per year for your studies.
The tuition fees for non-EU students vary from school to school and from programme to programme. Bachelor’s programmes typically cost between 6,000 and 15,000 euros per year; Master’s programmes in Holland usually cost between 8,000 and 20,000 euros per year.
Job opportunities for graduates
One stereotype about Dutch people is that they have negotiation in their blood. The Netherlands with its seafaring history has long since been an important nation for international trade. It was here that the concept of a joint stock company was invented.
Some of the world’s largest companies are Dutch, and many global groups have their European headquarters in the Netherlands. Paired with the country’s international mindset, you find a workforce that is highly proficient in English and very welcoming towards foreign employees. Those are pristine conditions for international students. If you graduate with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a Dutch university, you will stand a good chance at also finding a job and staying for a longer time.
Getting there and around
The country’s most important airport by far is Amsterdam-Schiphol; as one of Europe’s busiest hubs, you can reach it easily from almost anywhere in the world.
The Netherlands is a relatively small, but densely populated country. With numerous connections it is fairly easy to explore other cities and the countryside. If the weather allows, you might even consider an extended bike tour. After all, like virtually everyone else who studies in Holland, you should acquire a bike soon after arrival.
Best Universities in the Netherlands for International Students
Wageningen University & Research (Wageningen UR)
Admissions Page
Tuition Fee
The Wageningen University & Research is a public research university specializing in life and social sciences. Wageningen University & Research has been the best university in the Netherlands for the past 15 years and is leading worldwide in agricultural sciences, plant sciences, food science, and environment and ecology. Wageningen UR carries out field-based research in over ten institutes in food safety, livestock, dairy farming, economic analysis, and more. They collaborate with the government, non-profit organizations, and international institutes.
Wageningen UR achieved its goal of becoming carbon neutral in 2015. The university’s dedication to the living environment extends to its whole community, and students will surely experience a holistic perspective of education.
- University of Amsterdam (UvA)
Admissions Page
Tuition Fee
The University of Amsterdam is a public research university and the largest in the Netherlands in terms of enrollment. This top university in the Netherlands for international students comprises seven faculties: social and behavioral science, humanities, economics and business, law, science, medicine, and dentistry. It is the highest-ranking European institution in Social Sciences. International students in UvA have over 200 English-taught programs to choose from, one of the broadest offers in Europe.
UvA stands for cutting-edge research in European studies, Brain and Cognition, Global Digital Cultures, and Humane AI, to mention a few. Aside from academic excellence, UvA’s extensive library and museums contain special collections on the history of Europe and the world. UvA’s location in the beautiful city of Amsterdam caps a rewarding academic experience.
- Leiden University (LEI)
Admissions Page
Tuition Fee
Leiden University is the oldest higher education institution in the Netherlands. LEI is best known for its dedication to the social sciences and is high-ranking in history, arts & humanities linguistics, pharmacology, archaeology, public policy, and several others. LEI’s research leads in many fields, including life sciences, natural sciences, international law, and astronomy.
LEI was established in 1575 to reward the town of Leiden with their resistance against Spanish invaders. It lives by the motto ‘bastion of freedom’, which stands for diversity and inclusiveness in the modern-day. Indeed, the university promotes liberty of knowledge and welcomes international students from over 120 countries every year.
- Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)
Admissions Page
Tuition Fee
Erasmus University Rotterdam is a leading university in the Netherlands, especially with clinical medicine and social sciences. Its Medical Center is the largest university medical center in the country. Business & economics courses are also renowned in the university. Financial Times ranked EUR among the top business schools in Europe. Furthermore, the university has seven faculties offering quality education in the health sciences, health policy, economics, law, behavioral science, history, and philosophy.
EUR is a multicultural environment with international students comprising 20% of the student population. Its overall initiatives include international collaborations, smarter choices for better health, and increased contribution to cities.
- Utrecht University (UU)
Admissions Page (Bachelor’s)
Admissions Page (Master’s)
Tuition Fee
Utrecht University, one of the best universities in the Netherlands for international students, is a research university known for its innovative approach to teaching and research. It is the most influential institution worldwide in climate and ecosystem research. Furthermore, UU aced subject rankings where it placed in the top 10 worldwide. These subjects are Veterinary Science, Pharmacology, Reproductive Biology, Public Administration, and Geography. Research in UU focuses on open societies, dynamics of youth, sustainability, and life sciences.
From 1636 to this day, UU stands by its motto gleaned from Malachi 4:2. The verse means to be enlightened by the sun. Indeed, the university moves towards horizons through curiosity, optimism, and determination to contribute to the world.
- Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
Admissions Page (Bachelor’s)
Admissions Page (Master’s)
Tuition Fee
The Delft University of Technology is the Netherlands’ largest technological university. It began as the Royal Academy for engineering education of civil servants. Presently, it has over 40 technical-scientific disciplines organized into eight faculties. The subject areas of Civil & Structural Engineering, Architecture, and Mechanical Engineering rank among the top 5 in the world. The university’s research is characterized by its Delft approach, which means an interplay between teaching, research, and application disciplines.
TU Delft has one of the largest campuses in the world with an integrated bike network, parks, a flight simulator, a botanical garden, and more. This vibrant academic community is home to nearly 5000 international students.
- University of Groningen (UG)
Admissions Page
Tuition Fee
The University of Groningen is the second-oldest university in the Netherlands and voted the best in the country, as reported by the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). This time-honored university has been providing quality education in a broad scope of disciplines. Humanities, economics, spatial science, natural science, and technology are some of its high-regarded study areas. Furthermore, the university delivers vital research in chemistry, astronomy, ecology, and material science.
This top university in the Netherlands blends its longstanding academic tradition with an innovative and global outlook. UG has one of the largest international communities with 6000 students from 120 nationalities.
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)
Admissions Page
Tuition Fee (Bachelor’s)
Tuition Fee (Master’s)
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam literally translates to “Free University,” which pertains to its independence from the State and the Dutch Reformed Church. Moreover, it also denotes the university’s open organization and substantial relationship to society. VU is organized into nine faculties of the traditional academic disciplines while outstanding in Clinical Health, Social Science, Life and Agricultural Science, and Business and Economics.
VU follows an interdisciplinary approach in its research, focusing on sustainability, information technology, and corporate social responsibility. The university offers 150 English-taught programs, including Computer Science, Business Analytics, and International Business Administration.
- Maastricht University (UM)
Admissions Page
Tuition Fee
Maastricht University is the youngest among Dutch universities yet has established an international standing. It has been awarded ‘Distinctive Quality Feature for Internationalisation’ and placed 4th in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings. Financial Times also included UM in the top 25 best business programs in the world. In specific subject areas, the university excels in Clinical, Pre-clinical & Health, and Business and Economics.
The university was established in 1976 primarily for medical training. Today, in addition to medicine, UM provides first-class teaching in psychology and neuroscience, arts and social science, economics, engineering, and law. Furthermore, research at UM focuses on innovation, quality of life, and issues of a globalizing world.
- Radboud University (RU)
Admissions Page (Bachelor’s)
Tuition Fee (Bachelor’s)
Admissions Page (Master’s)
Tuition Fee (Masters)
Radboud University Nijmegen is recognized as the best comprehensive university in the Netherlands for many years. It is also known for its prolific research output and scientific contributions. The first picture of a black hole was an accomplishment of this prestigious university. Physics is undeniably the university’s strong suit. Nonetheless, RU is also excellent in law, business, political science, sociology, and theology.
Radboud University provides full English Bachelor’s programs in many subjects. Some of them are Artificial Intelligence, Computing Science, Chemistry, Biology, American Studies, Language and Culture, and International Economics. In RU, you are guaranteed high-quality teaching and outstanding research opportunities.
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