Skip to content
Admission Mantra
Flag of Netherlands

Study in the Netherlands

Many English-taught degrees and an interactive, problem-based teaching style

A guide for Indian students and parents · Updated 22 Oct 2026

Talk to our counsellorUniversities in NetherlandsCall us

Capital

Amsterdam (government in The Hague)

Currency

Euro (€, EUR)

Student work hours

Up to 16 hrs/week

Dialing code

+31

Introduction

At a glance

Typical figures from this guide, checked 22 Oct 2026. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ. Tap any box for the details and official sources.

Quick read

  • Non-EU tuition is usually around €9,000–€20,000 a year for a bachelor's and €12,000–€30,000 for a master's, depending on the university and subject.
  • For 2026 the IND expects students at university level to have at least €1,130.77 a month for living costs, which is about €13,570 a year.
  • Your Dutch university applies for your entry visa (MVV) and residence permit for you; the 2026 fee is €254.
  • You can work up to 16 hours a week during the year, or full-time in June, July and August, and your employer needs a work permit (TWV) for you.
  • After graduating you can apply once for a one-year orientation year permit to look for work, with no work permit needed.
  • Finding a room is the hardest part for most students, so arrange housing before you travel.

The Netherlands is a small country with a large number of degree programmes taught fully in English. It has two kinds of higher education institution: research universities, which focus on academic and research-based study, and universities of applied sciences (hogescholen), which teach in a more practical, job-focused way. Both award recognised bachelor's and master's degrees.

Teaching is usually interactive. Expect small groups, group projects, presentations and a lot of independent reading rather than long lectures alone. Students are expected to speak up and plan their own work, which can feel very different from a typical Indian classroom at first.

Costs are often lower than in the UK or Ireland for a similar programme, but they are not low. Housing is scarce in the big student cities, and Dutch politics is currently debating how many international students the country should take. This guide sets out the current rules, the real costs and the honest trade-offs.

Why Indian students choose Netherlands

Indian students mainly come to the Netherlands for master's degrees in engineering, computer science, data science, business and the life sciences. The technology cluster around Eindhoven, the port and logistics sector in Rotterdam and the many international companies in the Amsterdam area are a big part of the appeal.

Numbers are still modest compared with the UK or Germany, but they are rising. In 2025–26, total international student numbers in the Netherlands fell slightly for the first time in about 20 years, yet the number of new Indian master's students grew strongly. The orientation year permit, which lets graduates stay a year to look for work, is another reason families shortlist the country.

Key figures for Indian students in Netherlands
WhatFigureSource
Indian students at Dutch universities (as on 1 January 2025)3,512MEA, Data on Indian Students Abroad, Dec 2025
Indian nationals who left for the Netherlands to study, 20241,940MEA, Rajya Sabha reply, Jul 2025
International degree students in Dutch higher education, 2025–26129,764The PIE News (Nuffic data), Jun 2026
Change in new Indian master's students, 2025–26+16.5%The PIE News (Nuffic data), Jun 2026
Change in total Indian students, 2025–26+3.5%The PIE News (Nuffic data), Jun 2026

Top universities in Netherlands

Universities Indian students often ask us about. Being listed here doesn't mean Admission Mantra represents the university; we'll tell you plainly how we can help with each application.

See all 74 universities and colleges in the Netherlands

Benefits of studying in Netherlands

  1. 01

    Wide choice of English-taught degrees

    Many bachelor's and most master's programmes at Dutch institutions can be studied fully in English, and English is widely spoken in daily life.

  2. 02

    Short master's degrees

    Many master's programmes take one year. Engineering, technical and research master's usually take two years, which gives more time for a thesis and an internship.

  3. 03

    Practical option at applied sciences universities

    Universities of applied sciences often charge lower fees than research universities and build internships into their degrees.

  4. 04

    Orientation year after graduation

    Graduates can apply for a one-year permit to look for work or start a business, and can work freely during that year without a work permit.

  5. 05

    Lower salary threshold for recent graduates

    Employers can sponsor a recent graduate as a highly skilled migrant at a lower salary threshold, set at €3,122 gross a month in 2026.

  6. 06

    Base for travel in Europe

    A Dutch residence permit lets you travel within the Schengen area for short trips, and trains connect quickly to Belgium, Germany and France.

Eligibility and English tests

Typical entry requirements
RequirementBachelor'sMaster's
Academic backgroundClass 12 (CBSE, ISC or state board). Universities of applied sciences often accept Class 12 directly; research universities may ask for high marks or an extra year of study first.A bachelor's degree in a related subject. Research universities look closely at your CGPA, course content and university; some ask you to do a pre-master's first.
Subject requirementsMathematics is often required for business, economics, data and engineering degrees; physics or chemistry for science and engineering.You usually need enough credits in core subjects, such as mathematics and programming for computer science or data science.
English testIELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT are the most widely accepted. Many programmes ask for IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall.IELTS 6.5 overall is common; some programmes ask for 7.0. Check whether PTE or Duolingo is accepted for your course.
How to applyRegister in Studielink, the national system, and then complete the university's own application.Register in Studielink and upload your documents to the university portal.
SelectionSome popular programmes have a fixed number of places (numerus fixus) with an early deadline of 15 January and a selection process.Motivation letter, CV and references are common. Some business programmes ask for GMAT or GRE.
Typical length3 years at a research university; 4 years at a university of applied sciences.1 year for many programmes; 2 years for most engineering, technical and research master's.
Money for the permitProof of at least €1,130.77 a month for living costs (2026 amount), plus your tuition fee.The same: at least €1,130.77 a month for living costs (2026 amount), plus your tuition fee.

English tests commonly accepted

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL iBT
  • PTE Academic (accepted by some universities)
  • Duolingo English Test (accepted by some universities)
  • Each university sets its own entry rules, so always check the programme page for exact grades, tests and deadlines.
  • Non-EU deadlines are often earlier than EU deadlines, because the university needs time to apply for your visa.
  • Official Indian documents used in the Netherlands, such as your birth certificate, usually need an apostille and may need a certified translation.
  • In the first year of a bachelor's, many universities give a binding study advice: if you do not earn enough credits, you may have to leave the programme.

Prepare with our IELTS and PTE classes

Intakes and application timeline

Main intakes: September, February (limited courses).

  1. Shortlist programmes and check deadlines

    10–12 months before intake

  2. Take an English test

    8–10 months before intake

  3. Apply through Studielink and the university

    6–9 months before intake

  4. Accept an offer and pay fees or deposits as required

    4–5 months before intake

  5. University submits the residence permit application

    3–4 months before intake

Upcoming intakes and deadlines

Cost of studying in Netherlands

EU students pay a statutory fee of €2,694 for 2026–27, but Indian students pay the higher institutional fee. This varies by university and subject. Universities of applied sciences are usually cheaper than research universities, and business, engineering and medical programmes cost the most.

Tuition fees
TuitionIn EURApprox. in rupees
Bachelor's at a university of applied sciencesExample: Fontys charges €10,210, or €13,080 for engineering, ICT and some other programmes (2026–27).€10,000–13,500per year≈ ₹10.6 lakh – ₹14.3 lakh
Bachelor's at a research universityExample: most Erasmus University Rotterdam bachelor's cost €13,500 for non-EEA students (2026–27).€13,500–20,000per year≈ ₹14.3 lakh – ₹21.2 lakh
Master's at a university of applied sciencesExample: Fontys charges €10,210 for most full-time master's (2026–27).€9,000–13,000per year≈ ₹9.5 lakh – ₹13.8 lakh
Master's at a research universityExamples for 2026–27: University of Twente €18,200–€21,700; most Erasmus University master's €21,000.€18,000–25,000per year≈ ₹19.1 lakh – ₹26.5 lakh
Business school or specialist master'sExample: Rotterdam School of Management charges €25,800 for non-EEA master's students (2026–27).€25,000–30,000per year≈ ₹26.5 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh

Other costs before you fly

Upfront costs
ItemIn EURApprox. in rupees
Residence permit fee (paid via your university)IND fee for 2026. Fees change on 1 January each year.€254one-off≈ ₹26,924
Proof of living fundsBased on €1,130.77 a month for university or applied sciences students in 2026. Many universities ask you to transfer this to them before they apply for your permit.€13,570per year≈ ₹14.4 lakh
Rent depositUsually about one month's rent, paid when you sign a rental contract.€500–1,000one-off≈ ₹53,000 – ₹1.1 lakh
Furnishing and setting up a roomThe University of Twente estimates around €750 for furnishings.€500–750one-off≈ ₹53,000 – ₹79,500
Second-hand bicycleEstimate from the University of Groningen. Most students cycle every day.€80–110one-off≈ ₹8,480 – ₹11,660

Tuition fees are set each academic year and usually rise a little every year. Always check the fee for your exact programme and start year on the university website before you plan your budget. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.

Plan my monthly living costs

Cost of living in Netherlands

Most students spend around €1,000–€1,400 a month, excluding tuition. Nibud, the Dutch budgeting institute, puts a typical student budget at about €1,300 a month. Rent is the biggest cost and the most variable: a room in Amsterdam or Utrecht costs far more than one in Enschede or Groningen.

Monthly living costs
Per monthIn EURApprox. in rupees
Rent for a student roomNibud's average for students is about €561. The University of Groningen quotes €250–€650. Amsterdam and Utrecht are usually much higher.€450–900per month≈ ₹47,700 – ₹95,400
Groceries and meals€200–300per month≈ ₹21,200 – ₹31,800
Health and liability insuranceIf you take a paid job you must switch to Dutch basic health insurance, which costs more, though you may qualify for a healthcare allowance.€80–120per month≈ ₹8,480 – ₹12,720
Public transportLower if you cycle most days.€50–70per month≈ ₹5,300 – ₹7,420
Phone and internet€15–30per month≈ ₹1,590 – ₹3,180
Books and study materials€40–80per month≈ ₹4,240 – ₹8,480
Clothes, leisure and other costs€150–300per month≈ ₹15,900 – ₹31,800
Rough monthly total€985–1,800≈ ₹1 lakh – ₹1.9 lakh

These are averages from Nibud (via the University of Twente) and the University of Groningen. The IND minimum of €1,130.77 a month is what you must show for the permit, not a full budget, so plan for more if you will live in Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam or Delft.

Not sure what your budget covers?A counsellor can match universities and cities to your budget.

Talk to our counsellorCall us

Scholarships

Some Dutch universities offer scholarships for non-EU students, and the NL Scholarship has been offered with participating institutions. Check the Study in NL website and university pages for current schemes.

  • NL Scholarship

    Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science with participating Dutch institutions

    Value: €5,000, paid once in the first year (not a full scholarship)

    Who it's for: Non-EEA students starting a full-time bachelor's or master's at one of the participating institutions, who have not studied in the Netherlands before.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)

  • Amsterdam Merit Scholarship

    University of Amsterdam

    Value: Varies by faculty; for example €26,125 for the MSc Artificial Intelligence, paid in monthly instalments over two years

    Who it's for: Non-EU master's applicants in roughly the top 10% of their class. The deadline is usually 15 January for September entry.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)

  • Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)

    Leiden University

    Value: €10,000, €15,000, €17,500, €18,500 or €19,000 off the tuition fee, for the whole programme

    Who it's for: Non-EEA students applying to a full-time master's starting in September, with results around the top 10%. The deadline for September 2027 entry is 1 December 2026.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)

  • Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship

    Delft University of Technology

    Value: Full tuition plus a contribution to living costs; around 16 awards a year

    Who it's for: Excellent international applicants to a two-year TU Delft MSc. The deadline for 2027 entry is 1 December 2026.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)

  • Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarships

    European Union (Erasmus+)

    Value: Covers programme costs, travel and visa costs, and a monthly living allowance

    Who it's for: Top applicants from any country to joint master's run by groups of European universities, many with Dutch partners. Applications usually open between October and January.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
All scholarships for Netherlands

Student visa: Entry visa (MVV) and residence permit for study

Indian students need both an MVV entry visa and a residence permit. You do not apply yourself: your Dutch university, as a recognised sponsor of the IND, submits one combined application for you once you have been admitted and have met its conditions, such as paying fees and showing funds.

Student visa key facts
Key factDetails
Application fee€254 (2026), paid via your university
Funds required€1,130.77 a month for university or applied sciences students (2026)
Decision timeUsually about 2 weeks after the university applies; legal limit 90 days
Permit lengthLength of your course plus 3 months, up to 5 years
Study progressYou must earn at least 50% of the credits for each study year
Health coverHealth insurance is required; Dutch basic insurance is required if you take a paid job

How to apply

  1. Accept your offer and meet the university's conditions, such as final transcripts and English test scores.
  2. Pay your tuition fee (or deposit) and show proof of living funds, often by transferring the amount to the university.
  3. Send the university your visa documents, including a signed declaration about your criminal record (antecedents certificate).
  4. The university applies to the IND for your MVV and residence permit together and pays the fee, which it usually charges to you.
  5. The IND usually decides within about two weeks of a complete application; the legal limit is 90 days.
  6. Book an appointment at the Dutch embassy or a consulate in India to give fingerprints and collect your MVV sticker within 3 months of approval.
  7. Travel to the Netherlands, register at your city hall and collect your residence permit card from the IND.
  8. Take the tuberculosis (TB) test at the local health service (GGD) within 3 months if your university has told you that you need one.

Documents checklist

  • Valid passport
  • Admission letter from the Dutch university
  • Proof of funds of at least €1,130.77 a month (2026), or proof of a transfer to the university
  • Proof of tuition fee payment
  • Signed antecedents certificate (statement about any criminal record)
  • Recent passport photo in the required format
  • Academic certificates and transcripts
  • English test score report
  • Birth certificate with an apostille, needed to register at your city hall
  • Proof of health insurance from your arrival date

Working while you study

Non-EU students can work, but the rules are stricter than in the UK or Ireland. You can choose either part-time work during the year or full-time work in the summer months, and your employer must get a work permit (TWV) from the UWV for you. In practice many part-time jobs need Dutch, so do not count on work income to pay your fees.

Work rules for students
RuleWhat it means
Hours allowedUp to 16 hours a week, or full-time in June, July and August only (not both)
Work permitYour employer must apply to the UWV for a work permit (TWV) before you start; self-employment needs registration with the Chamber of Commerce instead
InternshipsAn internship that is part of your study programme does not need a TWV
Minimum wage€14.99 an hour gross for workers aged 21 and over, from 1 July 2026 (€14.71 from 1 January 2026)
Health insuranceOnce you take a paid job, you must take out Dutch basic health insurance

Post-study work visa: Orientation year for highly educated persons (zoekjaar)

After you graduate, you can apply for a one-year residence permit to look for a job or start a company. During that year you can work in any job without a work permit. If an employer then hires you as a highly skilled migrant, a lower salary threshold applies to recent graduates.

Post-study work options
Details
Length1 year; it cannot be extended
Who can applyGraduates of an accredited Dutch bachelor's or master's, within 3 years of graduating (graduates of some top-ranked foreign universities can also qualify)
Work rightsFree to work; no work permit (TWV) needed
Fee€254 (2026)
Next stepHighly skilled migrant permit through a recognised employer: €3,122 gross a month for recent graduates (reduced criterion), €4,357 if under 30, €5,942 if 30 or over (2026 amounts)
EU Blue CardAlso possible: €4,754 gross a month for graduates within 3 years of graduating, otherwise €5,942 (2026)

Announced changes

Proposed, not yet law: in July 2025 the Dutch cabinet announced plans to raise the highly skilled migrant salary thresholds, to allow the lower graduate threshold only within 3 years of graduating, and to tighten rules for sponsoring employers. Separately, the Internationalisation in Balance Act (bill 36555), which would add tests for new English-taught programmes and allow caps on international intake in some programmes, is still before parliament. Neither has a start date yet.

Jobs and career opportunities

The Dutch job market for graduates is strongest in technology, engineering, logistics, finance and agri-food. Many international companies use English at work, but Dutch is a real advantage, and in some sectors such as healthcare, law and the public sector it is usually essential. Start networking and applying for internships early, ideally during your studies.

Graduate jobs and salaries
SectorTypical rolesTypical salary
Semiconductors and high-tech manufacturingSoftware engineer, mechatronics engineer, process engineerAround €3,500–€4,800 a month gross (starting)
IT, software and dataSoftware developer, data analyst, data scientist, cloud engineerAround €3,300–€4,500 a month gross (starting)
Logistics and supply chainSupply chain analyst, logistics planner, operations traineeAround €3,200–€4,000 a month gross (starting)
Finance, banking and consultingFinancial analyst, risk analyst, junior consultantAround €3,300–€4,500 a month gross (starting)
Engineering, energy and waterCivil, mechanical or electrical engineer, energy analystAround €3,300–€4,300 a month gross (starting)
Agri-food and life sciencesResearch assistant, food technologist, quality specialistAround €3,100–€4,000 a month gross (starting)

Salary ranges are rough estimates of starting pay and vary by company, city and degree. Employers who sponsor a recent graduate as a highly skilled migrant must pay at least €3,122 gross a month in 2026 (IND), and many Dutch employers also pay an 8% holiday allowance on top.

Planning to study in Netherlands?Get a free shortlist of universities and courses that fit your marks, budget and timeline.

Talk to our counsellorCall us

Best student cities in Netherlands

  • Amsterdam

    The capital and the main hub for business, finance, technology start-ups and international companies.

    The most expensive and competitive city for rooms; expect rent well above the national student average of about €561 a month.

  • Rotterdam

    A large port city with strengths in business, logistics, maritime studies and architecture.

    Cheaper than Amsterdam, but rooms near the universities still go quickly before each September intake.

  • Delft and The Hague

    Delft is a compact engineering town; nearby The Hague is the seat of government and home to many international organisations.

    Housing in Delft is very tight, so many students look in The Hague or Rotterdam and commute by train or bike.

  • Eindhoven

    The centre of the Brainport technology region, with a strong high-tech and semiconductor industry.

    International student numbers rose by about 13% in 2025–26, so demand for rooms is growing.

  • Groningen

    A lively student city in the north with a large research university and a university of applied sciences.

    The University of Groningen estimates €250–€650 a month for a room, but shortages are common each autumn.

  • Enschede

    Home to the University of Twente, with a campus focus on technology, engineering and entrepreneurship.

    The University of Twente says housing is generally cheaper than in other Dutch student cities.

Netherlands vs other study destinations

Netherlands compared with other destinations
NetherlandsGermanyIrelandUK
Master's tuition (non-EU)Around €12,000–€30,000 a yearOften free or low at public universitiesAround €10,000–€35,000 a yearAround £15,000–£40,000 a year
Living cost (student)About €1,000–€1,400 a monthAbout €1,000 a month; blocked account neededHigh in Dublin; lower elsewhereHigh in London; lower elsewhere
Master's length1–2 yearsUsually 2 yearsUsually 1 yearUsually 1 year
Part-time work16 hrs/week, or full-time Jun–Aug140 full or 280 half days a year20 hrs/week; 40 in holidays20 hrs/week in term
Post-study work1-year orientation yearUp to 18 months to find a job1 year; up to 2 years after a master's2 years; 18 months from Jan 2027
Typical English testIELTS or TOEFL; IELTS 6.5 commonIELTS or TOEFL for English-taught coursesIELTS, TOEFL, PTE or DuolingoIELTS, PTE or TOEFL
Main intakesSeptember; some FebruaryOctober; some AprilSeptember; some JanuarySeptember; some January
Language for jobsEnglish often fine; Dutch helpsGerman usually neededEnglishEnglish

Peer-country figures are broad and change often. See each country's own guide for current, sourced details before you compare.

Challenges to plan for

  • Housing shortageRooms are scarce in most student cities, especially Amsterdam, Utrecht and Delft. Apply for university-linked housing as soon as you can, never pay a deposit before seeing a contract, and watch out for rental scams.
  • Policy uncertaintyThe government is debating limits on English-taught programmes and international intake, and budget cuts have already ended some schemes, such as Utrecht University's Excellence Scholarship. Rules for future intakes may change.
  • Limited part-time workThe 16-hour limit and the work permit your employer must get make part-time jobs harder to find than in the UK or Ireland. Many shop and café jobs also expect Dutch.
  • Dutch language for many careersEnglish is enough to study, but many graduate jobs outside technology and international firms ask for Dutch. Learning Dutch from your first year improves your chances.
  • Strict study progress rulesBachelor's students often face a binding study advice in the first year, and every student must earn at least half the credits each year to keep the residence permit.

Is Netherlands right for you?

A good fit if you…

  • You want a one- or two-year master's in engineering, computer science, data science or business taught fully in English.
  • You like discussion, group projects and working independently.
  • Your family can show at least about €13,570 a year for living costs plus tuition, without relying on part-time work.
  • You want a year after graduation to look for work in Europe.
  • You are willing to learn some Dutch to widen your job options.

Think twice if you…

  • You need to earn a lot from part-time work to pay your fees or rent.
  • You need to study in Amsterdam or Utrecht but cannot secure housing before arriving.
  • You prefer exam-focused teaching with fewer group assignments.
  • You want a career in healthcare, law or the public sector without learning Dutch.
  • You need full certainty about rules for future intakes, as policy on international students is under review.

About Netherlands

The Netherlands is a small, densely populated country in north-western Europe with one of the largest choices of English-taught degrees outside the English-speaking world. It has two kinds of higher education institution: research universities, which focus on academic study, and universities of applied sciences, which offer more practical, career-focused degrees. Amsterdam is the capital, while the government sits in The Hague.

Most people speak good English, cycling is the normal way to get around, and cities are close together and linked by frequent trains. The country has a well-established Indian community, including many IT professionals around Amsterdam and Eindhoven, and a large community of Surinamese-Hindustani origin.

Netherlands at a glance
NetherlandsAt a glance
Official language(s)Dutch (Frisian is also official in the province of Friesland); English is very widely spoken
Populationabout 18.1 million (1 January 2026, CBS)
CurrencyEuro (EUR, €)
ClimateMild maritime climate: cool summers, fairly mild winters with occasional frost, frequent wind and rain throughout the year
Time difference with IndiaIST is 3 hrs 30 min ahead in summer (late March to late October) and 4 hrs 30 min ahead in winter
Flight time from Delhiabout 9 hours direct to Amsterdam (approximate)
Largest citiesAmsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven
Indian communityabout 89,000 residents of Indian origin (CBS, 2024), with the largest numbers in Amsterdam and Amstelveen; Indian arrivals are mainly skilled workers and students

Studying in Netherlands: FAQs

How much money do I need to show for a Dutch student visa?

For 2026 the IND requires at least €1,130.77 a month for university or applied sciences students, which is about €13,570 for a year, on top of your tuition fee. Many universities ask you to transfer this amount to them and pay it back to you after you arrive; your university will explain its own method.

Who applies for my visa, and how long does it take?

Your Dutch university applies to the IND for your MVV entry visa and residence permit together. If the application is complete, the IND usually decides within about two weeks; the legal limit is 90 days. You then collect the MVV sticker at the Dutch embassy or a consulate in India.

Can I work while studying in the Netherlands?

Yes, for up to 16 hours a week during the year, or full-time in June, July and August, but not both. Your employer must get a work permit (TWV) for you. The minimum wage for workers aged 21 and over is €14.99 an hour gross from 1 July 2026.

Can I stay in the Netherlands after my degree?

You can apply once for the one-year orientation year permit within 3 years of graduating. During that year you can work without a work permit. To stay longer you usually need a job with a recognised employer that pays at least €3,122 gross a month in 2026 for recent graduates.

Is a three-year Indian bachelor's degree accepted for a Dutch master's?

Often yes, but it depends on the programme. Universities assess your degree content, grades and university. Some research universities may ask for a pre-master's or extra courses if your background does not match, so check each programme's admission page.

Do I need to learn Dutch?

Not to study on an English-taught programme. But Dutch helps with part-time jobs, daily life and many graduate jobs, especially outside technology and international companies.

Is the Netherlands cutting English-taught courses?

A bill called the Internationalisation in Balance Act is still before parliament and is not yet law. As revised, it would mainly test new English-taught programmes and allow caps on international intake in some programmes. Some universities have already moved a few bachelor's programmes to Dutch, so check the language of your chosen course.

Is studying in the Netherlands cheaper than in the UK?

Often, but not always. Dutch master's fees are usually around €12,000–€30,000 a year and many master's last one year. The UK's one-year master's can cost a similar amount in total, while two-year Dutch technical master's cost more overall. Compare the full cost of your exact programme, including living costs.

Sources

  1. IND: Student residence permit for university or higher professional education (opens in a new tab)
  2. IND: Required amounts and income requirements (2026) (opens in a new tab)
  3. IND: Fees for applications (opens in a new tab)
  4. IND: Residence permit for orientation year (opens in a new tab)
  5. IND: Coming to study in the Netherlands (brochure) (opens in a new tab)
  6. Rijksoverheid: Minimum wage amounts 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  7. Study in NL (Nuffic): Tuition fees (opens in a new tab)
  8. Nuffic: Incoming degree mobility 2025-26 (opens in a new tab)
  9. MEA: Data on Indian Students Abroad (as on 1 January 2025) (opens in a new tab)
  10. MEA: Indian nationals going abroad for study, 2020–2024 (Rajya Sabha) (opens in a new tab)
  11. Eerste Kamer: Internationalisation in Balance Act (bill 36555) (opens in a new tab)
  12. Erasmus University Rotterdam: Tuition fee 2026-2027 (opens in a new tab)
  13. University of Twente: Tuition fees and living costs (opens in a new tab)
  14. University of Groningen: Living expenses (opens in a new tab)
  15. The PIE News: The Netherlands records first-ever international student drop (Jun 2026) (opens in a new tab)

Rules and fees change

We researched this guide on 22 Oct 2026 using the sources above. Visa decisions, work rights and fees are set by the government of Netherlands and each university, so check the official pages before you pay or apply. Rupee amounts use approximate exchange rates.

Related articles

Compare all 13 study abroad destinations

Talk to our counsellor

Share your profile and we'll suggest universities and courses that suit your marks, budget and timeline.

IELTS / PTE status
Best way to reach you

#YouInspireUs

Stories from our students and parents

#StudyAbroadSample
ft. Student nameMSc Data Science · United Kingdom

#1 Student name

MSc Data Science, United Kingdom · Study Abroad

Sample text. A short story in the student's own words: how the counsellor helped them shortlist universities, understand the full cost and prepare their visa file.

Design preview: sample cards show where real stories will appear. They are replaced by real students' stories (with written consent) before launch.

All student stories