Study in Netherlands for Indian Students
🇳🇱 Updated for 2026 — Global Career with Dutch Education
The Netherlands offers international bachelor's and master's programmes with personalised support on course selection, university shortlisting, admissions, education loans, scholarships, student visas and career planning.
DreamDestination helps Indian students discover programmes in the Netherlands with personalised support on every step of the journey.
Universities
8 Universities
Avg Tuition
Dutch & English
Work Permit
Research & Applied Sciences
Visa Success
Student visa route
Netherlands Study Overview
Essential facts for Indian students planning higher education in Netherlands
Why Study in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands offers a blended approach combining research and practical learning with excellent English-taught programmes.
English-Taught Programmes
One of the highest numbers of English-taught programmes in non-English-speaking Europe.
World-Class Universities
Multiple Dutch universities in QS top 100, including TU Delft, UvA, and Leiden.
Innovation & Technology
Home to ASML, Philips, Shell, and a thriving tech/startup ecosystem.
Multicultural Environment
Highly international student body and welcoming, diverse society.
Central European Location
Easy access to Germany, Belgium, France, and the UK for travel and careers.
Quality of Life
Excellent infrastructure, cycling culture, and high quality of life.
Is the Netherlands Right for You?
Consider the Netherlands if you:
Consider your academic profile, budget, and career goals.
Top Universities in Netherlands
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
University of Amsterdam (UvA)
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
Leiden University
University of Groningen
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Wageningen University
University of Twente
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
University of Amsterdam (UvA)
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
Leiden University
University of Groningen
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Wageningen University
University of Twente
Not sure which Netherlands university fits your profile?
Share your academics, preferred course, and budget. Our counsellors will help.
Get Profile GuidancePopular Courses in Netherlands
Engineering & Technology
Business & Economics
Sciences & Agriculture
Social Sciences & Law
Master's in Netherlands for Indian Students
Dutch master's programmes are typically 1-2 years, research-intensive, and widely taught in English.
Consider:
Popular Specialisations
Dutch research universities offer 1-2 year master's; universities of applied sciences offer more practically oriented programmes.
MBA in Netherlands for Indian Students
MBA Areas
Check Before Applying
Netherlands Intakes & Planning Timeline
September
Primary intake for most programmes.
February
Available at some universities.
When Should Indian Students Start Preparing?
Research & Tests
Research universities, take IELTS/GRE/GMAT, estimate costs.
Apply
Submit applications through Studielink or university portals.
Admission & Finance
Accept offer, explore scholarships, arrange loan.
Visa
University applies for MVV/residence permit on your behalf.
Cost of Studying in the Netherlands
Dutch tuition for non-EU students is moderate compared to UK/USA but higher than some European alternatives.
Indicative Tuition
Budget Items
Cost of Living in the Netherlands
Living costs vary by city, with Amsterdam being the most expensive.
Amsterdam
Very HighCapital, most expensive
Rotterdam
HighModern port city
Delft
HighStudent city, near The Hague
Eindhoven
Moderate-HighTech hub, more affordable
Groningen
ModerateStudent-friendly, affordable
Enschede
ModerateEastern city, affordable
Scholarships in Netherlands for Indian Students
Several scholarship programmes are available for Indian students.
Dutch Government & National
- NL Scholarship (€5,000)
- Orange Knowledge Programme
- Nuffic scholarships
- OKP fellowships
- Erasmus Mundus
University-Specific
- TU Delft Excellence Scholarships
- UvA scholarships
- Leiden Excellence Scholarships
- Erasmus merit awards
- University fee waivers
Important
Apply early — many scholarships have deadlines months before programme start dates.
Education Loan for Netherlands
Indian students can get education loans for Netherlands studies. We are not a lender and take no commission from any of them: the amount, the rate, the collateral requirement and the approval are all the lender's decision. We help you size the real funding gap, compare routes against your profile, and time the sanction letter to your visa appointment.
Services:
Highlights:
Unsecured loan for Netherlands?
Depends on university ranking, programme, and financial profile. Top-ranked Dutch universities have better eligibility.
What if rejected?
Explore alternative lenders, revise documentation, or consider scholarships.
Netherlands Admission Requirements
Dutch university admission requirements:
Note: Many Dutch universities use Studielink for applications. Some also accept direct applications.
How to Apply to Netherlands Universities
Step 1 — Profile Assessment
Evaluate academics, test scores, career goals.
Step 2 — Shortlisting
Compare universities and programmes.
Step 3 — Apply via Studielink
Register on Studielink and submit application.
Step 4 — Nuffic Evaluation
Get credential evaluation if required.
Step 5 — Admission
Accept offer.
Step 6 — Finance
Arrange loan, apply for scholarships.
Step 7 — Visa/Residence Permit
University applies for MVV on your behalf.
Step 8 — Pre-Departure
Accommodation, travel, insurance.
Netherlands Student Visa for Indian Students
Indian students need an MVV (entry visa) and residence permit. Universities typically handle the application.
Typical Visa Journey
Admission → University MVV Application → Approval → Travel → Residence Permit → Netherlands
Common Visa Documents
You must demonstrate at least €11,952 per year for living expenses.
The university applies for your MVV. Processing takes 4–8 weeks. Allow sufficient time.
Working While Studying in the Netherlands
Non-EU students can work while studying with a TWV (work permit).
Students can work up to 16 hours/week throughout the year or full-time during June, July, and August. A TWV is required, typically arranged by the employer.
Important: Work should supplement finances. Employers must obtain the TWV on your behalf.
Post-Study Work in the Netherlands
Graduates can apply for the Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) — a 1-year residence permit to find work.
Career Pathway
Degree → Zoekjaar (1 year) → Job Search → Highly Skilled Migrant Visa → Career → Potential PR
Important: The Zoekjaar provides time to find work but does not guarantee employment. You must find a qualifying job within the year.
Popular Netherlands Cities for Indian Students
Amsterdam
North HollandCapital, major business and tech hub.
Delft
South HollandHistoric university city, engineering focus.
Rotterdam
South HollandModern port city, business and architecture.
Eindhoven
North BrabantTech hub, ASML and Philips HQ.
Groningen
GroningenStudent-friendly northern city.
Documents to Study in Netherlands
Required documents:
Verify with your chosen university. Studielink may have specific requirements.
Why Choose DreamDestination?
Profile Assessment
Evaluate fit for competitive Dutch admissions.
University Comparison
Compare Dutch universities by programme, ranking, and fees.
Admissions Support
Studielink and application guidance.
Loan Assistance
Education loan guidance and processing.
Scholarship Help
NL Scholarship and university-specific opportunities.
Visa Guidance
MVV and residence permit process.
Career Planning
Zoekjaar and European career strategy.
Online Support
Available across India.
Get Your Netherlands Profile Assessment
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything about studying in Netherlands
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