Study in Netherlands Consultants
The Netherlands is gaining popularity among Indian and other international students as one of the best places for higher education in Europe. With some of the best universities in the world and a majority of the people can speak English throughout the country, the Netherlands (also known as Holland) is a great choice for studying abroad.
This guide from AOEC India Study in Netherlands Consultants covers everything from costs to visas and post-graduation options.
Quick Facts for International Students
Universities: 14 research universities and over 40 universities of applied sciences with different specialties.
Budget: It typically costs around €800–1,100 per month (accommodation and meals, travel, etc.). The standard of living is comparable to other Western European countries.
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Tuition Fees (EU): Dutch higher education institutions €2,000–4,000 per degree, International Institute for Higher Education €6,000–15,000 per degree, and Tuition fees for professional degrees like MBA or Medicine may be higher.
Post-Study Work Permit: There is a 12-month orientation year visa which permits students to stay in the Netherlands and work without restriction for a year after completing their degree.
Language: Officially Dutch, with around 95% of people speaking English.
Take first step towards your Study Abroad Journey
Why Study in the Netherlands
World-Class Education: Dutch higher education institutions have an excellent reputation for the high quality of their education and research. This attracts students from all over the world, resulting in an international classroom and high-ranking universities. The two traditional universities, the University of Amsterdam and Delft University of Technology, are funded as public universities.
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English-Taught Programs: Hundreds of degree programs at bachelor’s and master’s levels are available in English, so you don’t have to study Dutch to get your degree.
Reasonable Tuition Fee: When it comes to tuition fees, it’s way more affordable in the Netherlands compared to USA and some other study abroad countries.
Culturally Diverse & Inclusive Environment: The Netherlands is recognized for its multiculturalism, attracting students from across the globe.
Good Location in Europe: Other European cities like Paris, London or Berlin are just a few hours away by train or plane, making weekend or holiday trips a breeze.
Good Career Prospects: There are a lot of multinational startups that are based in the Netherlands; Amsterdam (finance and tech), Eindhoven (tech and engineering), Rotterdam (logistics), and Wageningen (agri-food research) are some example cities. These hubs feature numerous internships and job opportunities.
Dutch Higher Education System
The Dutch system is transparent and in line with the Bologna process in Europe.
Higher education institution types include Research Universities (Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs, WO) which focus on theoretical learning, and Universities of Applied Sciences (HBO) which include applied, vocational and professional higher education and offer professional bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees.
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Academic Year: Bachelor’s degrees take 3 years (180 ECTS credits) at research universities and 4 years (240 ECTS credits including internship) in applied sciences university. Master level studies are 1–2 years (60–120 ECTS credits) and are offered in broad fields.
School Year & Classroom: Schooling is in the form of semesters or trimesters, like other schools in the United States. The teaching method is interactive, team-based and provides a platform for critical thinking, project-based and case-based learning. Dutch students are expected to speak their minds and disagree with instructors.
Applications: The easiest way to apply is by going through the Studielink system, an online enrolment procedure that allows you to apply for any course at a Dutch university with just one click. Certain programs are competitive and have limited seats with early deadlines (typically 15 January). Be sure to look through the university websites or ask an education consultant for specific needs.
Cost of Study in Netherland
Tuition Fees: Non-EU international students should expect to pay between €6,000 to €15,000 per year for a bachelor’s degree and between €9,000 to €20,000 per year for a master’s degree. Professional courses, such as those for MBA or Medicine, may be more expensive.
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Medical Insurance: Students are required to be adequately insured for medical treatment during their stay in the Netherlands. Private student insurance runs between €40 and €100 a month for those younger than 30 and not employed. Part-time employees will be moved to Dutch public health insurance.
Visa Financial Guarantee: You must show proof of at least one year of tuition and living expenses (roughly ~€11,000–€12,000) while you apply for visa in the form of bank statements, scholarships.
Currency: The currency is Euro (€). Having a local Dutch bank account can also help avoid foreign transaction fees. Some students mitigate costs using discounts and part-time work.
Cost of Living in the Netherlands
Monthly expenditures differ according to lifestyle and city.
Accommodation: €400–800 for a room in shared housing or student dormitories. Housing tends to be more expensive and competitive in bigger cities.
Food: €150-€250 if you can cook for yourself. There are also supermarkets such as Albert Heijn, Jumbo and Lidl. It’s affordable to eat out frequently (for example, campus cafeteria meals are ~€10).
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Transportation: €50–100. Bike is the cheapest & most used means of transport. Monthly student public transport passes are ~€40–70.
Other: €100-150 on books, mobile, leisure. Many museums have student discounts.
Part-Time Labor: Maximum of 16 hours weekly, at roughly €8–12 per hour, often in restaurants and retail or with university jobs. Students from outside the EU require employees to obtain work permits.
A monthly budget of €800–€1,100 typically covers most expenses.
Admission Requirements & Eligibility
Specific admission depends on the program and the institution to which one is applying, but generally consists of:
Academic: The equivalent of Dutch VWO (pre-university secondary education) is required for the bachelor’s program. Indian students normally need to pass Class 12, in some cases with a particular percentage.
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For master’s Programs:
Applicants must hold a relevant undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Some universities specifically require a four-year bachelor’s degree, while those with a three-year degree might need to complete a pre-master’s or bridging program to qualify.
English Score: Most courses demand an IELTS 6.0 for bachelor’s and 6.5 for master’s, with a minimum band score. TOEFL iBT equivalent scores are considered. Other programs ask for higher scores (e.g. IELTS 7.0). IELTS waivers might be considered if you have studied in English or under international boards, but this will be case to case and these conditions don’t apply to all students.
Scholarships to study in Sweden
| Scholarship | Coverage | Eligibility Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Swedish Institute Scholarships (SISGP) | Full tuition, SEK 11,000 monthly stipend, insurance, travel grant | Outstanding master’s applicants with leadership experience |
| Lund University Global Scholarship | 25–100 % tuition waiver | High academic merit |
| Uppsala University Global Scholarship | Full tuition waiver | High merit, non-EU nationality |
| KTH & Chalmers Tuition Waivers | 25–100 % tuition | Engineering & tech master’s |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Full programme cost + stipend | Specific joint programmes |
Apply for university admission first; then complete scholarship forms within set windows, often February–March.
How do Study in Sweden Consultants Help?
Profile Evaluation– matching of programs/ universities/ affordable universities in Sweden that fits your grades and goals.
Application Support – SOP drafts, resume touch ups, and doc list.
Scholarship search – Identifying Funding, waivers, Swedish scholarships and grants for Indian students.
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Visa filing – end-to-end Sweden Student Visa Guidance, Proof of fund templates, your mock finance tables and, VFS appointment booking.
Departure and arrival: accommodation leads, SIM cards, Opening a bank account.
Post-study career support– tips on networking, filing job-search permit, & advice on PR in Sweden after studies.
Thanks to its high-quality education, friendly and welcoming locals and generous post-study work rights, Sweden presents great value to Indian students. Working with the right Sweden Education Consultants will make difficult paperwork a straightforward checklist allowing you to concentrate on your future. Ready to get started? Get in touch with our experienced team of Sweden overseas education consultants and begin your journey to a Swedish degree with confidence.
Sridhar Kongara
