The amount of experience you need before starting can depend on the study programme or the University of Applied Sciences. If you found a programme that you are interested in, consult the information about that specific study.
Universities of Applied Sciences are known for their practical approach in teaching, which means working on various projects with different stakeholders. Your client could be a company, a research group or a hypothetical case. The kind of projects depends on your field of interest. An example of a project for Mechatronics is that students helped to design collaborative robots to use in hospitals and factories. These robots can safely work next to people, assisting with tasks such as lifting heavy equipment.
We understand that it can be difficult to know what fields suit you. To help you get a better understanding, you can fill in this short quiz.
This depends on the study programme; to know the exact requirements, consult the study programme and the university of applied sciences of your interest.
In the Netherlands, you can follow a bachelor’s or master’s degree at a University of Applied Sciences or a Research University.
Universities of applied sciences are hands-on and prepare students for specific professions, with a 4-year bachelor's degree. A student may choose a University of Applied Sciences over a research university because they prioritise practical training and applied learning opportunities, which are emphasized in the curriculum of these institutions. You will gain a wide range of work experience during your studies, for example, through a required internship. This will make it easier for you to transition into working life after graduation.
This depends on the study programme you will choose. At a University of Applied Sciences, you can graduate with an internationally recognised bachelor’s or master’s degree. The study programmes are officially accredited by the NVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders), which guarantees quality and academic standards recognised throughout Europe. You can search for your programme of interest at the website of the NVAO to learn more about the specific accreditation.
No, you don’t have to speak Dutch. If you choose an English-speaking programme, you don’t have to speak Dutch. Still, many students choose to learn Dutch after arriving, as it helps in everyday life, when meeting locals, or if you want to stay in the Netherlands for work later on.
The costs of studying in the Netherlands can vary based on your nationality and programme of interest. The tuition fees for students from an EEA country, Switzerland or Suriname is €2,601 for the academic year 2025-2026.
For students with other nationalities, the average tuition fee for bachelor’s programmes is between € 9,000 and € 20,000, and for a master’s programme between € 12,000 and € 30,000.
To know what tuition fees apply to you, consult the specific programme.
Scholarships or grants depend on the University of Applied Sciences of your interest, the study programme and your nationality. Visit the site of Study in NL to learn more about finding a scholarship. If you require financial aid during your studies, you can check duo.nl for study loans or grants. Also, the NL Scholarship programme may offer partial scholarships, but only to non-EEA students.
Yes, many students work part-time while studying. For non-EU/EEA students, you can work up to 16 hours per week or full-time during summer (June to August), but your employer must obtain a work permit (TWV) for you. Good to know: plenty of businesses (cafés, shops, airport and warehouses) are looking for student workers.
Yes. Even if you did need a visa to study in the Netherlands, you can apply for an orientation year after graduation, which allows you to stay up to 12 months to find a job or start a business. During that time, you’re allowed to work without needing a separate work permit.
Yes. Universities of Applied Sciences typically provide career services: coaching, CV workshops, connections with companies, and internship support. These services help you bridge from study to the job market.
If you have an EU or EEA nationality, you do not need a visa to study in the Netherlands. For other nationalities, you can use the Residence Wizard on the website of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service.
The average cost of living for an international student in the Netherlands is around € 1000 - € 1500 a month. These costs include housing, groceries, transportation, leisure and health insurance. The costs can vary considerably depending on the city where you live and your lifestyle.
We partner with trusted housing agencies that reserve rooms especially for (first-year) students. However, places are limited; therefore, we recommend also searching on your own. Note that this search might take some time, so start early. To make things easier, most universities have websites listing reliable agencies and temporary stay options—helping you find a safe, welcoming home as you begin your journey.
No, knowledge of the Dutch language is not required. Most people in the Netherlands speak English as well, so as an international student, you’ll quickly feel at home and find your way around. There are also many companies looking for English-speaking interns and colleagues. However, if you want to integrate more in the Dutch society and the working field, it is highly recommended to learn Dutch. Often, universities of applied sciences offer Dutch courses on various levels.
The Netherlands is considered to be one of the safest countries in the world, according to the Global Peace Index. It is a country known for its openness and diversity, you will meet people from many cultures, religions and backgrounds, and everyone has the freedom to live and express themselves as they wish.
At an applied science university, you don’t just sit in classrooms; you learn by doing. From day one, you’ll apply theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on research to real-life projects, often working directly with companies and organisations. This practical approach gives you the experience employers look for and helps you build confidence, skills, and a strong professional network.
So, an applied science university is more focused on practice and is strongly career-oriented. A research university is more theoretical with focus on research and innovation.
As an EU student, you pay the same tuition as Dutch students. Non-EU students pay a different rate. Read more about tuition fees and other financial issues on the websites of your chosen university. You may also have a look at Nuffic’s website Study in the Netherlands for more information.
Unfortunately, most universities in the Netherlands do not have any scholarship programmes; however, if you require financial aid during your studies, you can check duo.nl for study loans or grants. Also, the NL Scholarship programme may offer partial scholarships, but only to non-EEA students.
Most universities in the Netherlands have no dormitories, we partner with trusted housing agencies that reserve rooms especially for (first-year) students. As places are limited, we recommend also searching on your own. To make things easier, most universities have websites listing reliable agencies and temporary stay options—helping you find a safe, welcoming home as you begin your journey.
No, knowledge of the Dutch language is not required! Most Dutch universities offer English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes. There are also many companies looking for English-speaking interns and colleagues. Most people in the Netherlands speak English as well, so as an international student, you’ll quickly feel at home and find your way around.