How to apply to a Dutch university: a realistic route
Universities of applied sciences (HBO), research universities (WO), direct bachelor or preparatory year before the degree (Foundation) — choose the right path based on your diploma, English level and budget.
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The Netherlands: what to know before applying
The Netherlands is one of the most accessible options for English-taught higher education in Europe. Tuition for international students ranges from €8,000–20,000 per year depending on the university and programme.
Two types of universities
Research universities (WO, Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs) — comparable to classical universities. Examples: University of Amsterdam, Delft, Leiden. 3-year bachelor's.
Universities of applied sciences (HBO, Hoger Beroepsonderwijs). Examples: HAN, Inholland, Rotterdam University. 4-year bachelor's. Easier admission with a CIS school diploma.
What you need to apply
Secondary school diploma with translation and apostille
IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 80+ (depends on the programme)
Motivation letter
For some programmes: portfolio or entrance test
When you need the preparatory year before the degree (Foundation) route
If you finished grades 9–11 and direct entry is uncertain, a one-year preparatory course before the degree (Foundation programme, e.g. in Maastricht or via NCOI) levels you up and guarantees admission.
Typical annual budget in the Netherlands:
Tuition: €9,000–14,000
Housing: about €550/month nationally; Amsterdam university housing is often €700 average and private-market rooms often start around €750/month
Food and transport: €300–400/month
Total: about €22,000–28,000 per year if Amsterdam housing is part of the route
If you have already been admitted, start with your university housing office immediately. Then register on ROOM.nl / DUWO and Studentenwoningweb; for Amsterdam also check Student Experience, OurCampus, The Social Hub, Hospi Housing, HousingAnywhere and Kamernet. Do not send a large deposit before a contract and a live viewing/video tour, and check that registration at the address is allowed.
Sanctions risks
Students from Russia and Belarus must check the payment route before paying any deposit: many Dutch universities only accept SEPA transfers from the EU. Clarify with admissions or your agency before applying.
Next step
Take our free matching quiz — the system will check your profile, budget and risks and tell you whether the Dutch route fits you.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study in the Netherlands?
For non-EU students, tuition is typically €8,000–20,000 per year depending on the university and programme. With Amsterdam housing, a realistic total annual budget is closer to €22,000–28,000. These are indicative figures for the 2026-27 academic year — always confirm the exact fee on the programme page and the housing route before you commit.
What is the difference between research universities (WO) and universities of applied sciences (HBO) in the Netherlands?
Research universities (WO) — Amsterdam, Delft, Leiden — offer academic three-year bachelor's degrees and are more selective. Universities of applied sciences (HBO) — HAN, Inholland, Rotterdam — offer practice-oriented four-year programmes and are generally easier to enter with a CIS school diploma. HBO is often the more realistic entry point if your grades or academic background are borderline for WO.
What level of English do I need to study in the Netherlands?
Most English-taught programmes require IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80+, with the exact threshold set by each programme. Check the language requirement on the specific course page, because selective research-university (WO) programmes can ask for more than applied-sciences (HBO) ones.
Do I need a preparatory year before the degree (Foundation year) to study in the Netherlands?
If you finished grades 9–11 and direct entry to a bachelor's is uncertain, a one-year preparatory programme before the degree (Foundation) (for example at Maastricht or NCOI) levels up your academic profile and typically guarantees progression into a bachelor's degree. If your diploma already meets direct-entry requirements, you can skip Foundation and apply straight to a research university (WO) or a university of applied sciences (HBO).
Can students from Russia or Belarus pay tuition to Dutch universities?
Payment is the practical bottleneck: due to sanctions, many Dutch universities accept only SEPA transfers from EU bank accounts and will not process payments from Russian or Belarusian banks. Confirm the accepted payment route with the university before paying any deposit. StudyRoute does not promise visa approval — it maps the realistic route and the risks on it.
