Why should I choose the September intake for Dutch universities?
30 Sept 2026 · Answered by Sweety Shah · 1 min read
Quick Answer
verified
September is the biggest intake in the Netherlands and suits most international students because it offers nearly every programme, scholarship rounds timed around it, housing priority, and cohort orientation events. Studielink typically opens on 1 October, with a general deadline around 1 May, though dates vary by institution.
Unless you have a specific reason to wait for February, September is usually the safer choice for you. It gives you the widest programme choice and the best chance of funding and housing.
September Intake at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Start month | September |
| Studielink opens | 1 October, varying by institution |
| General application deadline | Around 1 May, varying slightly by university |
| Course availability | Widest range across undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes |
| Scholarships | Most funding options are tied to this intake, though scholarship links and rounds vary by institution |
Why It Works Better
- You get access to nearly every programme the university offers.
- Scholarship rounds at many institutions are timed around this intake, which improves your odds.
- Housing offices at many institutions prioritise September arrivals, which matters in cities such as Amsterdam.
- Orientation weeks, buddy programmes and induction events are built around this cohort.
My Advice
Studielink typically opens on 1 October even for regular programmes, so do not wait until December just because that is when many students finish shortlisting. Start early to keep housing and funding options open.
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