Study in Netherlands: Your Complete 2026 Guide for Indian Students

Secure your global career: The Netherlands offers Indian students a top-tier, English-taught education with a clear post-study work pathway in Europe’s most innovative economy. The Netherlands continues to be a top destination for international students, including those from India, seeking quality education in Europe. In the 2024–2025 academic year, Dutch higher education institutions welcomed 51,796 new international students, marking a modest 0.4% increase from the previous year (Nuffic). This trend underscores the country’s global appeal, despite a slight slowdown in growth. For Indian students, the Netherlands offers a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and a welcoming environment.

According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, several Dutch institutions are among the world’s top universities. Delft University of Technology and the University of Amsterdam are particularly notable, ranking 47th and 53rd globally, respectively (Top Universities). These rankings reflect the Netherlands’ commitment to providing high-quality education and research opportunities. With a significant number of programs available in English, the Netherlands is an attractive option for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad.

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The Netherlands is home to several world-class universities that attract international students, including those from India, due to their high academic standards, diverse programs, and welcoming environment. According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, eight Dutch universities are ranked among the top 200 globally, offering a wide range of English-taught programs. 

These institutions emphasise academic research and theoretical education, offering Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs:

Universities offer a variety of programs in the following disciplines:

• Engineering & Technology: Programs in civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.
• Business & Management: Courses in international business, finance, and marketing.
• Computer Science & Data Science: Specialisations in AI, machine learning, and data analytics.
• Life Sciences & Agriculture: Studies in biology, biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture.
• Social Sciences & Humanities: Programs in psychology, sociology, law, and international relations.

Many of these programs are offered in English, making them accessible to international students. The Netherlands' commitment to academic excellence and international collaboration makes it an attractive destination for higher education.

The Netherlands offers high-quality English-taught programs with moderate tuition, cultural diversity, and post-study work opportunities. Below are 5 top master's programs and 5 top Bachelor’s programs in the Netherlands, along with the universities offering them, duration, and Netherlands fees for Indian students.

Top 5 Bachelor’s Programs in the Netherlands for Indian Students

Why These Programs are Ideal for Indian Students:

• English-taught programs make study in Netherlands for Indian students accessible.
• Competitive Master's in Netherlands fees for Indian students compared to the UK and USA.
• Graduates can benefit from the Orientation Year Visa, allowing 12 months of work post-graduation.
• Offered by top Netherlands colleges for international students, ensuring international recognition and strong career prospects.

Applying to universities in the Netherlands is straightforward if you follow the right steps. Most universities use the national application portal, Studielink, to process applications.

• Recognised Diploma: Your previous qualification (high school for Bachelor’s or Bachelor’s for Master’s) must be equivalent to Dutch standards. Most universities provide online tools to check equivalency.
• English Language Proficiency: English-taught programs require IELTS 6.0-7.0 or TOEFL iBT 80-100. Some competitive programs may ask for higher scores.
• Valid Passport: Essential for both admission and visa processing.

For Bachelor’s Programs:

• High school transcripts with a minimum GPA (generally B average or 3.0/4.0).
• Motivation letter and, occasionally, letters of recommendation.
• Certain programs, known as Numerus Fixus, have limited seats; deadlines are usually strict (January 15th for September intake).

For Master’s Programs:

• Relevant Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Competitive programs may require a high GPA (e.g., 7.5/10 in the Dutch system) and sometimes GRE or GMAT scores.
• A strong CV, motivation letter, and recommendation letters are mandatory.

1. Choose Your Program: Shortlist the course you want to study and the Universities.
2. Check University-Specific Requirements: Each program may have unique prerequisites.
3. Register on Studielink: Submit applications for up to four programs.
4. Complete University Portal Application: After Studielink, universities provide instructions to upload supporting documents.
5. Submit Certified Documents: If conditionally admitted, you may need to send certified copies of diplomas or transcripts.
6. Visa Application: Once admitted, your university applies for your student visa (MVV) and residence permit (VVR) on your behalf.

Key Deadlines for Indian Students

• Non-EU/EEA Students: Apply by April-May 2025 for the September intake to ensure sufficient visa processing time.
• EU/EEA Students: Deadlines are usually in May 2025, but always confirm with your university.

Studying in the Netherlands requires a proper visa and residence permits for non-EU/EEA students. The process is straightforward when you know the steps.

As a non-EU/EEA student, you will need two main permits:

1. MVV (Provisional Residence Permit) – This is your entry visa to the Netherlands. Your university applies for it on your behalf once you are admitted.
2. VVR (Residence Permit) – This allows you to stay in the Netherlands for the duration of your studies. You will collect it after arriving in the country.

Key Documents Required:

• An admission letter from a recognised Dutch university
• Proof of financial means (€1,250/month, excluding tuition fees ≈ INR 1,61,475 at 1€ = 102.58 INR)
• Valid health insurance covering your stay in the Netherlands
• Passport valid for the duration of your studies

• For Studies: English proficiency via IELTS (6.5+) or TOEFL iBT (90+) is required for English-taught programs.
• For Daily Life: Dutch is not mandatory; English is widely spoken. However, learning basic Dutch can enhance cultural integration and improve job prospects after graduation.

During Studies (Non-EU/EEA Students):

• Part-time: Up to 16 hours per week during academic sessions
• Full-time: Only allowed during summer holidays (June–August) with a work permit obtained by your employer

After Graduation – Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) Visa:

• Stay for one year post-graduation to search for employment
• Work full-time without a work permit
• If you secure a job, you can transition to a Highly Skilled Migrant Visa, allowing long-term career opportunities in the Netherlands

Planning your budget is a crucial step before deciding to study in Netherlands for Indian students. Tuition fees vary depending on your nationality, course level, and university type, while living costs depend on lifestyle and city.

• Student Dormitories: €245 – €490 per month (INR 25K – INR 50K)
• Private Apartments: €390 – €780 per month (INR 40K – INR 80K)
• Shared Housing: €340 – €650 per month (INR 35K – INR 65K)

• Groceries: €120 – €195 per month (INR 12K – INR 20K)
• Dining Out: €8 – €16 per meal (INR 800 – INR 1.6K)

• Public Transport Pass: €68 per month (INR 7K)
• Bicycle (used): €40 – €155 one-time (INR 4K – INR 16K)

Amsterdam and Utrecht are on the higher end for accommodation, while cities like Groningen or Wageningen offer more affordable options. Cycling is a convenient and popular choice, saving both time and money.

• Compared to countries like the UK or the USA, the Netherlands offers competitive tuition fees and reasonable living costs.
• Many universities provide scholarships, financial aid, and part-time work opportunities to help manage expenses.
• Cities like Amsterdam are more expensive, while smaller cities such as Groningen, Tilburg, or Wageningen offer a more budget-friendly lifestyle.

This detailed overview allows you to plan realistically for tuition and living expenses while considering top-ranked universities in Netherlands for masters and career opportunities post-graduation.

Studying in the Netherlands can be financially manageable with scholarships, grants, and other funding options. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the opportunities available for Indian students looking to study in Netherlands for masters or bachelor’s programs.

1. Bank Loans
   • Nationalised Banks (India): State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, and Punjab National Bank offer education loans for overseas study with interest rates starting from 8–9% and repayment flexibility.
   • International Banks: Banks like HSBC, Citibank, and BNP Paribas provide education loans with deferred repayment options and competitive rates.
2. Family Support & Sponsorships
   • Family contributions remain a common source of funding.
   • Some organisations, corporates, or government bodies offer sponsorships to cover part or all of tuition fees and living expenses.

Combining scholarships, part-time work, and financial aid can significantly reduce the cost of studying in Netherlands for Indian students, making it a realistic and rewarding investment.

The Netherlands offers excellent value for international students, especially compared to other popular study destinations. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

For Indian students, the Netherlands provides a balanced mix of affordability, quality education, abundant English-taught programs, and a clear pathway to post-study employment. Compared to the UK or USA, tuition and living costs are lower, while Germany may be cheaper but offers fewer English-taught options and a shorter post-study work period.

Studying in the Netherlands offers high ROI due to affordable tuition, moderate living costs, and strong post-study employment opportunities. Indian students benefit from quality education that is internationally recognised, with a pathway to gain work experience in Europe after graduation.

Compared to countries like the UK and USA, the Netherlands provides a cost-effective education with high employability, making it one of the best destinations for Indian students seeking masters programs in Europe. Students can combine affordable Netherlands master's fees, scholarships, and post-study work opportunities to maximise the return on investment.

You can get a blend of high-quality education, cultural experience, and career opportunities while you study in Netherlands. With a well-structured educational system, diverse options to study in the Netherlands, and an inclusive international community, the country is an excellent choice for students worldwide. You can be assured of a rewarding educational journey, from affordable tuition fees to extensive job opportunities.

If you're considering studying in the Netherlands, explore the various scholarships in the Netherlands that are available, prepare your documents, and get ready for an enriching experience. The Netherlands welcomes you with open arms and endless opportunities.

For more detailed information, visit official resources such as the Dutch Ministry of Education and NUFFIC, the Dutch organisation for internationalisation in education.