How to apply to a Dutch university: a realistic route

The Netherlands: what to know before applying

The Netherlands is one of the most accessible options for English-taught higher education in Europe. Tuition for international students ranges from €8,000–20,000 per year depending on the university and programme.

Two types of universities

WO (Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs) — research universities, comparable to classical universities. Examples: University of Amsterdam, Delft, Leiden. 3-year bachelor's.

HBO (Hoger Beroepsonderwijs) — universities of applied sciences. Examples: HAN, Inholland, Rotterdam University. 4-year bachelor's. Easier admission with a CIS school diploma.

What you need to apply

Secondary school diploma with translation and apostille
IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 80+ (depends on the programme)
Motivation letter
For some programmes: portfolio or entrance test

When you need the Foundation route

If you finished grades 9–11 and direct entry is uncertain, a one-year Foundation programme (e.g. in Maastricht or via NCOI) levels you up and guarantees admission to a bachelor.

Typical annual budget in the Netherlands:

Tuition: €9,000–14,000
Housing: €400–700/month
Food and transport: €300–400/month
Total: about €18,000–25,000 per year

Sanctions risks

Students from Russia and Belarus must check the payment route before paying any deposit: many Dutch universities only accept SEPA transfers from the EU. Clarify with admissions or your agency before applying.

Next step

Take our free matching quiz — the system will check your profile, budget and risks and tell you whether the Dutch route fits you.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to study in the Netherlands?

For non-EU students, tuition is typically €8,000–20,000 per year depending on the university and programme. With living costs, a realistic total annual budget is around €18,000–25,000. These are indicative figures for the 2026-27 academic year — always confirm the exact fee on the programme page before you apply.

What is the difference between WO and HBO universities in the Netherlands?

WO (research universities such as Amsterdam, Delft, Leiden) offer academic three-year bachelor's degrees and are more selective. HBO (universities of applied sciences such as HAN, Inholland, Rotterdam) offer practice-oriented four-year programmes and are generally easier to enter with a CIS school diploma. HBO is often the more realistic entry point if your grades or academic background are borderline for WO.

What level of English do I need to study in the Netherlands?

Most English-taught programmes require IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80+, with the exact threshold set by each programme. Check the language requirement on the specific course page, because selective WO programmes can ask for more than applied-sciences HBO ones.

Do I need a Foundation year to study in the Netherlands?

If you finished grades 9–11 and direct entry to a bachelor's is uncertain, a one-year Foundation programme (for example at Maastricht or NCOI) levels up your academic profile and typically guarantees progression into a bachelor's degree. If your diploma already meets direct-entry requirements, you can skip Foundation and apply straight to a WO or HBO programme.

Can students from Russia or Belarus pay tuition to Dutch universities?

Payment is the practical bottleneck: due to sanctions, many Dutch universities accept only SEPA transfers from EU bank accounts and will not process payments from Russian or Belarusian banks. Confirm the accepted payment route with the university before paying any deposit. StudyRoute does not promise visa approval — it maps the realistic route and the risks on it.