The Netherlands might not be the biggest country in Europe, but it still manages to accommodate more than 122,000 international students. Given its rich culture and impressive academic standards, it is no surprise that people around the world are keen to go Dutch. If you want to join them, one of the most important steps on the way is the university application process, which we know can feel like a big hurdle. So, to make things simpler, we’ve set out how to apply to university in the Netherlands.
How does university work in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands has a unique higher education system, so it is worth learning about this before applying to university in the country.
Types of institution
Degrees and other tertiary qualifications are awarded by two types of institution: WO and HBO.
WO institutions (short for scientific education in Dutch) are the more academically focused of the two, and are the only places permitted to call themselves universities in the Netherlands. These 13 institutions are known for their high quality of education – almost all of them rank inside the world's top 250 – and offer courses at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level.
HBO institutions (short for higher professional education in Dutch) are more vocationally focused. This means their courses are best for students with more interest in gaining practical experience than theoretical understanding. Indeed, one of their advantages is that their programmes all include compulsory internships. Entry requirements at the 43 HBOs in the country are generally lower than at WOs, but completing an undergraduate degree there will take four years rather than three. Moreover, you cannot study at a HBO up to doctoral level.
Explore both WOs and HBOs with our list of universities in the Netherlands.
Numerus Fixus
Another distinctive feature of the Dutch higher education system is Numerus Fixus. This is the term given to a limit – literally, a fixed number – on the amount of students who can enrol on certain courses. When one of these programmes has more eligible applicants than are able to join, a selection process takes place to narrow them down.
This can be done using additional criteria set by the institution running the course, a random draw, or a combination of the two. You may therefore be judged on your prior academic record, a personal statement, or the results of an additional test – or it may come down to luck.
Fortunately, most courses are not subject to Numerus Fixus, with only the most popular ones in need of it. Among English-taught courses, this can include medicine, psychology and business. However, the best way to find out if it affects the one you want to study is to check directly with the institution running it.
Still want to know more about study in the country? Read our clear guide to the higher education system in the Netherlands.
Where do I apply?
Prospective students usually need to apply through the Netherlands' centralised admissions system, Studielink. After registering and creating a profile on this online service, you can explore course details, submit applications, and monitor their status. This is the case for both bachelor's and master's degrees at HBO and WO institutions.
After completing an application on Studielink, your desired institutions may also require you to submit information to them elsewhere. Often, this will be on an application system of their own. It is also sometimes possible to apply directly to a university, but this is uncommon, and therefore something you would need to enquire about separately.
When do I apply?
Application deadlines vary between institutions and courses, and depend on other factors such as Numerus Fixus.
However, in many cases, the deadline for non-EU students to apply for a course beginning in September or October is April 1. For EU students, it is May 1. Applications typically open in the October before this, meaning that you have several months in which to apply.
In some cases, though, the window is shorter. Applications for courses which are subject to Numerus Fixus close at the end of January 15 each year. In addition, some courses close early for non-EU applicants who are seeking a scholarship. For instance, if you are applying for a master's course and a scholarship with Radboud University, your deadline will be January 31.
If you are applying for a course that begins in February, you will have a different deadline. The date of this is more likely to depend on the institution to which you are applying, but it will typically be somewhere between October 1 and December 1.
When applying to any course, the best way to be sure of the deadline is to check with the institution running it. They should always be able to give you the definitive date, offering you the opportunity to plan ahead in the best way that you can.
What do I need to apply?
To complete the university application process in the Netherlands, you will need to provide various pieces of information and documentation. These can include:
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Your passport, or a similar identity document
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Previous academic transcript or certificate (e.g. bachelor's degree or high school diploma)
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Proof of Dutch or English language proficiency
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CV
Copies of the above are submitted through Studielink, and sometimes also the application systems that are run separately by institutions.
If you are currently studying, and have not yet received the qualification with which you intend to apply, you can still complete the process. Universities will accept evidence of your attainment at a later date, although some may ask for your most recent academic transcript (e.g. exam results) instead. It is also worth noting that if your educational documents are in any language other than Dutch, English or German, they will need to be verified by an approved translator.
What else should I know?
In some cases, you will have to pay an application fee in order to be considered. Generally, this is around EUR 100, and must be paid when you submit your application, after which it will not be refunded. However, such fees only apply to some courses, and where they do, details vary. Check directly with the institution to which you are applying to make things clear.
At some institutions, such as Utrecht University, you may also be asked to take part in an admissions interview. Often, this will not be the case, but when it is, you should not worry too much – it will be an opportunity for you to firmly set out why you want to study your subject. For some early advice, read our guide to how to prepare for an admissions interview.
On a similar point, your personal statement could have particular importance. As the standard of English in the Netherlands and its universities is high, being able to display your command of the language could go a long way towards a successful application. Even if you are not submitting a written statement, a good IELTS score will be a big advantage.
Tips for applying to study in the Netherlands
If you're still wondering how to maximise your chances with the Netherlands' university application process, we have three top tips:
- Start planning early. Applying to study abroad is a big step, so you will want to give it due consideration. Try to put together any necessary documents and written statements as far in advance of the deadline as you can. It may approach faster than you expect.
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Contact institutions' international offices. They should be able to help with any questions you have about their application process.
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Apply to more than one university. The more applications you make, the better your chances of success, and the more choice you may end up having.
Now that we've introduced you to the application process, you may want to consider some of the other crucial steps towards studying abroad. You could get to grips with Dutch tuition fees, the country's student cost of living, or applying for a Netherlands student visa.
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