Studying at university in the Netherlands

How Dutch higher education is organized

The Netherlands has a binary system. Research universities (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO) offer academic bachelor's degrees that normally take three years and lead naturally to a master's. Universities of applied sciences (hoger beroepsonderwijs, HBO, often called hogescholen) offer four-year professional bachelor's degrees with internships and project work. Both award bachelor's degrees, but entry requirements differ, with research universities generally asking for a higher level of secondary education.

Several research universities also run university colleges, small liberal arts and sciences programs taught in English with residential campuses. They feel closer to a North American liberal arts college and often have their own application steps, including essays and interviews.

Grades run from 1 to 10. A 5.5 or 6 passes, an 8 is very good, and 9s and 10s are rare. A student with mostly 7s is doing well.

Applying through Studielink, and when

Every bachelor's application starts in Studielink, the national enrolment system. After you register a program there, the institution contacts you, usually through its own portal, to collect documents.

Numerus fixus programs have a fixed number of places. Medicine and a number of other high-demand programs use it. Each institution runs its own selection, which can include online tests, assignments, a motivation questionnaire or an on-campus day. According to Study in NL, you can apply to at most two numerus fixus programs per academic year, and for medicine, dentistry, dental hygiene and physiotherapy only once per program (so not, for example, to medicine at two universities). Ranking numbers are sent through Studielink on 15 April.

Applicants from outside the EU often face an earlier deadline set by the institution, because it applies for the residence permit on their behalf. Some programs with their own selection, such as university colleges, also run their own rounds and deadlines.

Entry requirements for North American graduates

Dutch institutions compare foreign diplomas with the Dutch VWO (for research universities) and HAVO (for universities of applied sciences). Because a North American diploma covers a broader range of subjects at a different depth, research universities usually ask US applicants for something extra, such as a set number of AP exams with minimum scores, SAT or ACT results, or college credit. The exact combination differs by institution and sometimes by program.

Canadian applicants are usually assessed on their provincial diploma and final-year course grades, with prerequisites in mathematics or sciences for many programs. The IB Diploma is widely accepted, again with subject requirements. Universities of applied sciences are more likely to admit holders of a standard diploma directly, with subject conditions for technical programs.

Mathematics is a frequent stumbling block. Programs in economics, business, psychology and the sciences often require a specific level of math, and some offer an entrance exam or summer course if you are short. Check this before choosing your senior year courses.

Costs and funding

For 2026-27, the Dutch government sets the full-time statutory tuition fee at EUR 2,694 for students who qualify for it, mainly EU, EEA and Swiss nationals. Students who do not qualify, including most Canadian and US citizens, pay an institutional fee. The government states only that the institutional fee is never lower than the statutory fee; the actual amount is set by each institution and varies by program, often by a large margin.

Housing is the main practical challenge, especially in Amsterdam, Utrecht, Leiden and other university cities, where rooms for students are scarce. Apply for university housing the moment it opens. Scholarships for non-EU bachelor's students exist at individual institutions and through the NL Scholarship (formerly the Holland Scholarship), funded by the Dutch education ministry and participating institutions. It is a one-time partial award for the first year, not a full-tuition scholarship; each institution sets its own conditions and deadlines.

Binding study advice and the first year

Many Dutch programs use a binding study advice (bindend studieadvies, BSA). At the end of your first year, you must have earned a minimum number of credits (ECTS) set by your program. If you fall short without accepted personal circumstances, you must leave that program and cannot re-enrol in it for several years. Thresholds differ between programs and have been under political discussion, so read the rules for your program and year.

This makes the first year count in a way North American students may not expect. Regular attendance, spreading exam preparation over the term and using resits wisely all matter. The study skills for university flashcards and our high school to university guide cover the habits that help most.

Language and residence permit

Many bachelor's programs are taught in English, especially at research universities and university colleges. If you did not complete secondary school in English, you will usually need an IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge result. Dutch-taught programs require proof of Dutch, typically the NT2 state exam. Even in English programs, learning basic Dutch helps with part-time work and daily life.

Canadian and US citizens do not need an entry visa (MVV) for the Netherlands but do need a residence permit for study. As a recognized sponsor, the institution applies to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) on your behalf once you have sent the documents it asks for, which usually include proof of funds. Read the IND study pages for current requirements. This guide is not immigration advice.

Settling in: registration, insurance and housing

Once you arrive, you register with the municipality where you live and receive a citizen service number (BSN), which you need for a bank account, a job and many everyday services. Your institution usually helps with an appointment during introduction week. If you take a part-time job, Dutch law generally requires you to take out Dutch basic health insurance, so check your situation before you start work.

Housing deserves early attention. Some institutions reserve rooms for first-year international students through partner housing providers, but they rarely have enough for everyone. Be cautious with private listings that ask for payment before you have seen a contract, and use the housing information your institution provides.

Tips for applicants from Canada and the US

1. Choose between a research university, a university college and a university of applied sciences.
2. Check each program's math requirement and AP or SAT expectations before grade 12.
3. Register in Studielink early; aim for 15 January for selective programs and the institution's non-EU deadline for others.
4. Prepare for selection tasks or interviews; the interview and MMI flashcards cover the basics of structured interviews.
5. Apply for housing the day it opens, then complete residence permit steps with your institution.

Want to compare? See our guides to Belgium and Germany, or the full list on the universities hub.