Study in the Netherlands from India

Studying in the Netherlands from India: 8 things to know

The Netherlands suits Indian students who can pay non-EU fees and want time to find a job: master’s cost about €12,000–30,000 a year, and graduates get a 1-year orientation year, free to work.

1. The university applies for the visa. Only an IND recognised sponsor (the institution) can apply for the study residence permit; the MVV entry visa and the permit are applied for together. Indian nationals need an MVV.
2. No low fees for Indian students. The €2,694 statutory fee (2026-27) is for EU/EEA students only. Non-EU students pay the institutional fee: e.g. TU Delft MSc €25,633 (2026-27), WUR €21,900, UvA master's €23,455–34,200 (2027-28).
3. Proof of funds: €1,130.77 a month for 12 months (€13,569.24, 2026), checked by the university, which sets its own rules: UvA does not accept fixed deposits or bank education loans (only government student loans); Maastricht asks for €15,000 deposited into its account.
4. 3-year degrees and research-university master's. Nuffic rates a 3-year Indian bachelor's as 2 years of a Dutch research-university bachelor's. Some universities ask for a 4-year degree (e.g. TU Delft: 4 years, 75% or First Class); others admit a 3-year Honours degree only with First Class from a top-rated institution (e.g. UvA economics: NAAC A+ or better), or through a pre-master's. Each university decides.
5. Non-EU deadlines can come early: 15 January for numerus fixus and selective programmes; some non-EU master's close on 1 April (TU Delft, UvA, Erasmus), others on 1 May (Maastricht, Groningen).
6. Plan on an English test. TU Delft: IELTS 7.0 (6.5 per part). Utrecht base level: IELTS 6.0. Indian degrees are not exempt. TOEFL iBT moved to a new 1–6 scale on 21 Jan 2026.
7. Work: 16 hours a week, or full-time in June–August, only with an employer work permit (TWV). Internships that are part of the programme need no TWV.
8. After graduating: the orientation year (zoekjaar), 1 year, free to work. Then a highly skilled migrant permit from €3,122 a month (recent graduates, 2026).

How do Dutch universities and master’s degrees work?

A research-university master’s takes 1–2 years (60–120 EC). Most applied-sciences master’s are part-time, and part-time master’s do not qualify for the study residence permit, which requires full-time study.

• Types: research universities (WO: academic, research-oriented; 18 listed) · universities of applied sciences (HBO: professional, internships; 40+ with international programmes). Only institutions that signed the Code of Conduct may recruit international students.
• Degrees: bachelor's 3 years / 180 EC (research university) or 4 years / 240 EC (applied sciences). Master's 1–2 years at research universities (60–120 EC; some longer); most applied-sciences master's are part-time.
• Part-time master's (most of them at universities of applied sciences) do not qualify for the study residence permit, which requires full-time study.
• Admission: open programmes; numerus fixus bachelor's (apply by 15 January, at most 2 a year, ranking numbers on 15 April, 2 weeks to accept); selective master's (grades plus at least two other criteria).
• Grading: 1–10, 6 is a pass, 8 is excellent, 9–10 are very rare.
• Language: English-taught programmes are listed on Studyfinder (no official share published); Dutch helps with jobs and internships. Proposed (5 Oct 2026, not law): programmes "in principle" in Dutch unless another language has a societal benefit, and institutions may cap international intake.
• Intake: September is the main start; a few programmes start in February (e.g. Maastricht).

Can I apply with an Indian degree, and is a 3-year bachelor’s accepted?

Each university decides. Nuffic rates a 3-year Indian bachelor’s as 2 years of a Dutch research-university bachelor’s; TU Delft asks for a 4-year degree with 75% or First Class, and some universities offer a pre-master’s.

• Nuffic comparison: state-board Class XII = HAVO; CBSE = VWO with A1/A2/B1 in 5 relevant subjects; ISC = VWO with a 75%+ average in 5 relevant subjects. Research-university bachelor's ask for VWO level.
• Bachelor's degrees: BA/BSc (Pass) = 2 years of a Dutch research bachelor's; Honours or BE/BTech count as a full bachelor's only with First Class from a "top institution" (BE/BTech: otherwise an applied-sciences bachelor's). Indian master's = an applied-sciences or 1-year research master's.
• "Top institution" (Nuffic): Institute of National Importance, Institute of Eminence, or the highest NAAC level (A++ since July 2016).
• Recognition: the institution should be on the UGC list (or AICTE); otherwise probably not recognised. Distance-learning programmes must be DEB-accredited.
• The university decides, free of charge, using Nuffic's advice. No official Indian-to-Dutch grade formula is published.
• Examples: TU Delft: 4-year bachelor's, 75% CGPA or First Class. UvA economics: Honours BA/BSc with First Class from a NAAC A+ or better university; general BA/BSc, BCom, BE and BTech most likely not direct entry. Leiden, Erasmus, Groningen, Utrecht: level judged against a Dutch research-university bachelor's, no India-specific rule published. Maastricht (business intelligence): any university or applied-sciences bachelor's, with GMAT/GRE if the school is not AACSB/EQUIS accredited.
• Short of the requirements: some universities offer a pre-master's (WUR: €365 per credit for non-EU).
• English: IELTS 6.5 at Leiden and Erasmus, 7.0 at TU Delft, 6.0 base at Utrecht. A degree taught in English does not exempt Indian applicants.

How do I apply to a Dutch university?

You register on Studielink, then complete the university’s own portal (application fee about €75–100). Non-EU deadlines can come early: 15 January for selective programmes, 1 April at TU Delft, UvA and Erasmus.

• Register on Studielink, then complete the university's own portal.
• Application fee about €75–100 (TU Delft and UvA €100, non-refundable).
• GMAT/GRE at some business programmes (UvA Accountancy and Control: GMAT Focus 535+ or GRE Quant 152+; Maastricht business intelligence for non-accredited schools).
• Usual documents: passport, transcripts and degree (or proof it will be completed), grading-system information, English test, CV, motivation letter, plus programme-specific items.
• Decisions: TU Delft within 12 weeks; selective programmes by end of March. Offers can be conditional on the final degree (TU Delft: proof by 31 August).

How much does it cost, and how much money must I show?

Non-EU students pay the institutional fee: master’s about €12,000–30,000 a year. For the permit you show €13,569.24 for 12 months (2026), and UvA refuses fixed deposits and bank education loans.

• Tuition (non-EU): bachelor's about €9,000–20,000, master's about €12,000–30,000 a year, with some higher (UvA science €34,200, medicine €37,200). Visa students usually pay the first year before the permit is filed (TU Delft: by 1 July).
• Funds for the permit: €13,569.24 for 12 months (2026), shown to the university: own bank account, a deposit into the university's account, a scholarship, or a sponsor. Documents no older than 3 months (UvA: 2 months).
• University rules: UvA wants tuition plus €13,572 and refuses fixed deposits, mutual funds, bank loans (government student loans only), salary slips and company sponsors. Maastricht wants the full tuition in one payment plus €15,000 deposited into its account before it applies for the permit.
• Living costs: about €1,000–1,500 a month; a room €450–1,000 (average about €550).
• Scholarships: NL Scholarship, €5,000 in the first year (non-EEA, at participating institutions); university scholarships.

How do I get a Dutch student visa from India?

The university files the MVV entry visa and residence permit with the IND (fee €254, decision within 60 days); you then collect the MVV sticker at VFS within 3 months of approval.

• The university files the MVV + residence permit with the IND. Fee €254; decision within 60 days.
• After approval, apply for the MVV sticker within 3 months at VFS (Embassy New Delhi, Consulates-General Bengaluru or Mumbai, any of the three). Bring your passport (6+ months valid), a photo and the IND approval letter. Ready in up to 10 working days.
• Apostille from the MEA on Indian documents (e.g. birth certificate, degree): authentication first (e-Sanad or the state), then an MEA outsourced agency; ₹50 per apostille plus agency ₹84 per document and ₹3 per page. Antecedents (criminal record) declaration.
• TB test: required for Indian nationals, within 3 months of arrival.
• Full-time study only.
• Partner and children: a partner (both 21+, or 18+ if married before moving) and minor children can apply (partner €254, child €85; MVV needed). The student may count savings, a grant or third-party financing as income for them; no separate amount is published. A student's partner and children may not work. During the orientation year, whether the partner may work is not stated: confirm with the IND before applying; once the graduate holds a highly skilled migrant or Blue Card permit, the partner may work freely.
• Refusal: file an objection within the deadline in the decision letter; then go to court.

When should I start preparing?

Start about 12 months before a September intake: applications open around 15 October, and selective and numerus fixus programmes close on 15 January.

Can I work while studying, and what happens on arrival?

You can work 16 hours a week, or full-time in June–August, only with your employer’s work permit (TWV). Within 5 days of arrival you register at the municipality to get your BSN.

• Register at the municipality within 5 days (staying over 4 months). The BSN is needed for a bank account, insurance and a job.
• Housing: there is not enough student housing, so arrange it before arrival. Deposit at most two months' rent; written contract. Never pay or sign before seeing the room.
• Health insurance: private or international insurance while only studying; Dutch public insurance once working.
• Work: 16 hours a week or full-time in June–August, with the employer's TWV. Self-employment is allowed without a TWV. Minimum wage €14.99/hour (21+, from 1 Jul 2026).
• Keep the permit: earn at least 50% of each year's credits, or the university reports it to the IND. The permit lasts for the study plus 3 months; transferring to another institution is allowed.

Can I stay and work in the Netherlands after graduating?

Yes: the orientation year (zoekjaar) gives you 1 year, free to work, if you apply within 3 years of graduating. A highly skilled migrant permit then needs a salary from €3,122 a month (recent graduates, 2026).

• Orientation year: apply within 3 years of graduating, valid 1 year, not extendable, free to work. India was the 2nd-largest group of holders in 2025.
• Highly skilled migrant (2026): €3,122 a month for recent graduates, €4,357 under 30, €5,942 at 30+; the employer must be a recognised sponsor. EU Blue Card: €4,754 for recent graduates.
• Permanent residence: study years do not count for the national permanent permit; they count half for EU long-term residence (5 years). Civic integration exam at A2.
• Citizenship: after 5 years, usually renouncing Indian nationality; under Indian law, taking another citizenship ends Indian citizenship. A former Indian citizen can hold an OCI card (lifelong multiple-entry visa; no voting or public posts).
• Regulated professions (e.g. healthcare) need professional recognition from the competent authority. Back in India: degree equivalence from AIU.

Common mistakes Indian students make

The costliest mistakes: expecting EU-level fees, applying with a 3-year degree where a 4-year degree is asked, and missing the earlier non-EU deadline (1 April or 15 January).

1. Expecting EU-level fees.
2. Applying with a 3-year degree, or below the CGPA rule, where a 4-year degree is asked.
3. Missing the earlier non-EU deadline (1 April / 15 January).
4. Wrong English test (IELTS Online, old TOEFL scale, test over 2 years old).
5. Choosing a part-time programme (not eligible for the study permit); showing a fixed deposit or bank loan where the university refuses it.
6. Paying fees or funds late, which delays the permit.
7. Missing the 3-month MVV sticker window.
8. No apostille on the birth certificate.
9. Arriving without housing; housing scams.
10. Working without a TWV or over 16 hours in term; falling below 50% of credits.