How many intakes does the Netherlands have for international students, and which is the main one?
There are two main intakes in the Netherlands for international students. September is the biggest, with the widest course choice, while February is smaller with fewer programmes. Studielink opens on 1 October, Numerus Fixus deadlines close on 15 January, and general programmes run until April or May, varying by institution.
You have two main intakes in the Netherlands, and September is the big one with the widest course choice. February is smaller with far fewer programmes, so it suits you mainly if you missed September or your course follows that cycle.
The Two Intakes Compared
| Feature | September intake | February intake |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Biggest intake | Smaller intake |
| Course choice | Widest range | Far fewer programmes |
| Scholarships and options | Best scholarships and course options | More limited |
Key Dates for Applying
- Studielink usually opens on 1 October for the cycle, though this varies by institution.
- Numerus Fixus deadlines close around 15 January, depending on the institution.
- General programmes run until April or May, with 1 May a general guide that varies by institution.
My Advice
Most Indian students choose September because scholarships and course options are strongest then. If your preferred course runs on the February cycle, plan documents and funds early because the timeline is tighter.
Netherlands Feb or Sep 2027: Which Intake Can You Still Apply For?
Get a personalised timeline before deadlines close.
More Universities & admissions questions
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- What are some effective online German language classes for Indian students preparing to study in Germany?
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- If I apply to two courses at the same university, do I need separate letters of recommendation for each course or can I use the same letter for both?
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Is January 2027 intake possible for masters in business analytics in UK/UAE?
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?
- Can I pursue an MBA abroad after completing a Bachelor of Science degree?
More Netherlands questions
- Other than Canada and Netherlands, are there better countries to study science and technology in Germany/Singapore?
- Can I target Germany, Italy, or the Netherlands for a master's in computer science without a computer science background?
- Which university is more suitable for a Master's in Food Science and Technology: Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands or University College Cork in Ireland, and what career opportunities do graduates typically pursue?
- What documents are required for university applications and scholarships in Netherlands/Spain for a Master's/Bachelor's?
- What are the top five countries offering one-year master's programs in finance or investment banking with strong industry opportunities?
- Should I apply directly for a master's program in the Netherlands, given my relevant bachelor's degree and 12 months of work experience, or should I first prepare more in India?
- Which countries besides UK, Ireland, Canada, and Germany are good for computer science and AI masters programs in France/Netherlands for a Master's?
- Are you open to guidance for countries other than the UK, such as France, Netherlands, or Germany for a Master's?