Study in the Netherlands
Your Path to World-Class Education
Why Study in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands has quickly become one of Europe’s most sought-after study destinations, offering globally recognised degrees and an outstanding quality of life for international students. Whether you're aiming to study engineering, business, agriculture, or social sciences, Dutch universities deliver academic excellence within an inclusive, innovation-driven environment. With nine institutions ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2026 Top 200, the Netherlands offers a powerful combination of research excellence, practical learning, and international accessibility — all with over 2,000 programmes taught entirely in English.
Overview of Top-Ranked Dutch Universities in the QS Rankings
Discover Dutch universities ranked among the top 200 in the QS World University Rankings 2026:
| University | QS Ranking 2026 | Fields of Excellence |
|---|---|---|
| Delft University of Technology | #47 | Engineering, Design, Architecture |
| University of Amsterdam (UvA) | #53 | Social Sciences, Humanities, Law |
| Utrecht University | #103 | Life Sciences, Education, Environmental Science |
| Leiden University | #119 | Law, Medicine, Politics, Philosophy |
| Eindhoven University of Technology | #140 | Engineering, AI, Technology Management |
| Erasmus University Rotterdam | #140 | Business, Economics, Global Health |
| University of Groningen | #147 | Psychology, Sustainability, Energy Studies |
| Wageningen University & Research | #153 | Agriculture, Food Science, Environmental Policy |
| Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam | #194 | Liberal Arts, Health Sciences, Business |
What Makes Study in the Netherlands Stand Out?
English-Taught Degrees
Over 2,000 bachelor’s and master’s programmes available in English
Global Recognition
9 universities in the QS Top 200 for 2026
Innovation-Focused
Strong ties with industry, internships, and applied research
Affordability
Lower tuition compared to the UK or US
Post-Graduation Opportunities
1-year residence permit for job seeking (Orientation Year Visa)
Safe & Open Society
Liberal, tolerant, and English-friendly environment
Entry Requirements for Non-JUPAS Applicants (IB, GCE A-Level)
Dutch universities welcome applications from students with HKDSE, IB, and GCE A-Levels. While requirements vary by programme and institution, the typical entry standards include:
| Qualification | Typical Requirements |
|---|---|
| HKDSE | 3 – 5 subjects at Level 4 or above; some courses require Level 5* or 5** |
| IB Diploma | 28 – 36 points, including specific HL subjects if required |
| GCE A-level | AAB – CCC depending on subject and university |
Need help understanding if your grades meet the entry threshold?
Cost
Studying in the Netherlands offers excellent value for money:
- Bachelor degree tuition: €12,000 – 17,500 per year
- Master degree tuition: €10,000–€20,000 per year
- Living costs: €800–€1,200 per month (including rent, food, transport)
Student Life in the Netherlands
From historic cities to innovative campuses, the Netherlands offers students a rich and diverse living experience:
Student-Centred Cities
Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, and Groningen are consistently rated among the most student-friendly in Europe
Bike Culture
Safe, sustainable transport is part of daily life
International Community
100,000+ international students call the Netherlands home
Explore Europe Easily
As a Schengen country, travel across Europe is convenient and affordable
Application Timeline & Deadlines
There is no centralised admissions system, you apply directly to each university. Key dates include:
| Intake | Application Period |
|---|---|
| September (Main intake) | Applications typically open October–January. Deadlines range from January to April, depending on the university and programme. |
| Rolling Deadlines | Some institutions offer flexible or extended deadlines |
Early application is strongly recommended for selective programmes.
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