Study in the Netherlands for Indian Students

Why Study in the Netherlands?

• English-taught Master's programmes: Most Master's programmes at Dutch research universities are taught in English, so you can study without learning Dutch first.
• One-year and two-year options: Many taught Master's programmes take one year, while research and engineering Master's usually take two years.
• Research universities and applied sciences: Choose between research universities (WO) and practice-oriented universities of applied sciences (HBO).
• Orientation year after graduation: Graduates can apply for a one-year orientation year permit and work freely while they look for a job.
• International business hub: The Netherlands hosts European offices of many multinationals, with strengths in logistics, technology, semiconductors, agri-food and finance.

Masters in the Netherlands for Indian Students

Research universities offer taught Master's programmes of one year (60 ECTS) and research or engineering Master's of two years (120 ECTS), such as MSc programmes at the technical universities. Universities of applied sciences offer professional Master's degrees that focus on practice.

Admission is programme-specific. Dutch universities check whether your bachelor's degree matches the programme in content and level, and many publish minimum grade requirements for Indian degrees. Selective programmes may ask for a motivation letter, CV, references or the GRE/GMAT.

Many programmes require you to apply through Studielink as well as the university's own application portal. English proficiency is usually shown with IELTS Academic (commonly 6.5 overall) or TOEFL iBT, and some programmes ask for higher scores.

• Typical duration: 1 year (60 ECTS) or 2 years (120 ECTS)
• Main intake: September; some programmes start in February
• English tests: IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT (some accept Cambridge)
• Application portal: Studielink plus the university's own portal
• Student visa: MVV entry visa and residence permit, via the university
• Work after study: Orientation year permit for up to 1 year

Popular Master's programmes in the Netherlands

• MSc Computer Science
• MSc Artificial Intelligence
• MSc Data Science
• MSc Electrical Engineering / Embedded Systems
• MSc Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
• MSc Business Analytics
• MSc Supply Chain Management / Logistics
• MSc International Business / Management
• MSc Finance
• MSc Biomedical Sciences / Life Sciences

Best Universities in the Netherlands for International Students

Dutch universities are publicly funded and follow a common accreditation system. The institutions below are among those Indian students commonly consider for a Master's in the Netherlands.

Non-EEA students pay the institution's own (institutional) fee, which differs by university and programme — check each programme page.

• Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) (Delft): Engineering, aerospace, computer science
• University of Amsterdam (Amsterdam): Business, data science, social sciences
• Erasmus University Rotterdam (Rotterdam): Business (RSM), economics, finance
• Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) (Eindhoven): Electrical engineering, AI, semiconductors
• University of Groningen (Groningen): Sciences, engineering, economics
• Utrecht University (Utrecht): Sciences, computing, life sciences
• Leiden University (Leiden): Computer science, law, life sciences
• University of Twente (Enschede): Engineering, computer science, business & IT
• Wageningen University & Research (Wageningen): Food, agriculture, environmental sciences
• Maastricht University (Maastricht): Business, data science, health sciences

Popular Courses to Study in the Netherlands

• Computer Science, AI & Data Science: Popular English-taught MSc programmes at technical and research universities.
• Engineering: Aerospace, electrical, mechanical and civil engineering, often as two-year MSc programmes.
• Business & Management: MSc programmes in international business, business analytics, finance and marketing.
• Supply Chain & Logistics: Programmes linked to the Netherlands' role as a European logistics hub.
• Agri-food & Environmental Sciences: Specialist programmes in food technology, agriculture and sustainability.
• Life Sciences & Health: Master's in biomedical sciences, public health and related fields.

Cost of Studying in the Netherlands

The cost of studying in the Netherlands depends on the institution and programme. Non-EEA students pay institutional fees; figures below are approximate for 2026–27.

Student housing is scarce in many Dutch cities, so start searching as soon as you accept your offer.

Tuition fees in the Netherlands

• Research universities — Master's (non-EEA): approx. €14,000 – 27,000 per year (more for some programmes)
• Universities of applied sciences — Master's (non-EEA): approx. €9,000 – 16,000 per year

Living expenses in the Netherlands

• Means of subsistence (visa, 2026): €1,130.77 per month
• Accommodation: approx. €500 – 1,000+ per month (highest in Amsterdam and Utrecht)
• Health insurance: approx. €40 – 150 per month, depending on your situation and cover
• Food, transport and personal: approx. €300 – 450 per month

Eligibility to Study in the Netherlands

Dutch universities set their own entry requirements. Indian applicants for a Master's in the Netherlands usually need:

• Academic qualification: A relevant bachelor's degree whose content matches the Master's programme.
• Grades: Many universities publish minimum percentages or CGPAs for Indian degrees; selective programmes expect strong results.
• English proficiency: IELTS Academic (commonly 6.5 overall) or TOEFL iBT; some programmes require more.
• Motivation letter and CV: Most programmes ask why you have chosen the programme and how it fits your goals.
• References: Academic or professional references where required.
• GRE / GMAT: Required or recommended by some business and selective programmes.

Documents usually required

• Passport
• Bachelor's degree certificate and transcripts
• IELTS / TOEFL score report
• Motivation letter and CV
• Letters of recommendation where required
• Proof of funds (€1,130.77 per month in 2026) for the residence permit
• Health insurance after arrival

Intakes in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has one main intake for Master's programmes:

Non-EEA deadlines are often earlier than EU deadlines to allow time for the visa. Check each programme's deadline for your nationality.

• September intake: classes start September; apply Many non-EEA deadlines fall between January and May; selective programmes close earlier
• February intake: classes start February; apply Limited programmes, with deadlines usually in the autumn before

Scholarships in the Netherlands for Indian Students

Indian students can explore these options for a Master's in the Netherlands:

• NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship): €5,000 in the first year for non-EEA students admitted to a participating institution; apply through the university.
• University excellence scholarships: Many Dutch universities offer their own merit awards for non-EEA Master's students, such as partial or full tuition waivers.
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's: EU-funded scholarships for joint Master's programmes that include Dutch universities, open to students worldwide.

How to Apply to Universities in the Netherlands

• 1. Choose your course: Decide on your specialisation and between a research university and a university of applied sciences.
• 2. Shortlist universities: Compare institutional fees, programme length and deadlines for non-EEA students.
• 3. Check eligibility: Confirm the degree match, grade requirement and English scores.
• 4. Take your English test: Book IELTS or TOEFL early to meet non-EEA deadlines.
• 5. Prepare documents: Motivation letter, CV, transcripts and references.
• 6. Apply via Studielink and the university: Register on Studielink and complete the university's own application.
• 7. Receive and accept your offer: Accept your place and apply for scholarships where possible.
• 8. Pay fees and show funds: Pay tuition and provide proof of funds to the university for the visa application.
• 9. University applies for your MVV: As your sponsor, the university submits the entry and residence application to the IND.
• 10. Collect your MVV and travel: Collect the MVV at the Dutch mission, travel, register with your municipality and arrange health insurance.

Netherlands Student Visa for Indian Students

Indian students need an MVV (provisional residence permit/entry visa) and a residence permit for study. You do not apply yourself: your Dutch university, as a recognised sponsor, submits the application to the IND once you have accepted your offer and provided the required documents.

You must show means of subsistence of €1,130.77 per month for 2026 (the IND amount for higher education, updated every January), usually for the first year of study. Many universities ask you to transfer this amount to them along with your tuition.

After the IND approves the application, you collect the MVV at the Dutch embassy or consulate, travel to the Netherlands, register with your municipality and collect your residence permit. Indian nationals usually need to take a tuberculosis (TB) test after arrival.

Dutch rules on internationalisation and English-taught programmes are under review, and the IND updates amounts every January. Check ind.nl and your university's website before applying.

Visa document checklist

• Valid passport
• Admission letter from a Dutch institution
• Proof of funds (€1,130.77 per month in 2026)
• Proof of tuition payment
• Academic certificates and English test results
• Documents requested by the university for the IND application
• Health insurance and TB test after arrival

Working while studying in the Netherlands

Non-EU students can work if the employer obtains a work permit (TWV). Each year you choose either up to 16 hours a week or full-time work in June, July and August.

Working after your studies

Graduates can apply for a one-year orientation year permit within three years of graduating. During this year you can work without a work permit and look for a job, and a lower salary requirement applies if you then move to a highly skilled migrant permit.

Living in the Netherlands as an Indian Student

• Accommodation: Housing is the biggest challenge — student residences are limited, so apply through your university's housing service early.
• Food: Cooking at home keeps costs down; Indian groceries and restaurants are available in larger cities.
• Transport: Cycling is the main way to get around, and trains connect cities quickly.
• Language: English is widely spoken, but some Dutch helps with part-time jobs and daily life.
• Student support: International offices help with the visa, registration, housing and orientation.

the Netherlands vs Germany for a Master's Degree

This comparison is useful if you are considering English-taught programmes and international classroom settings in the Netherlands alongside engineering, applied sciences and public-university fee exceptions in Germany. Programme titles, teaching language and entry rules differ by university, so compare the exact courses before weighing headline costs.

For the Netherlands, start with English-taught programmes and international classroom settings; for Germany, compare engineering, applied sciences and public-university fee exceptions. Then weigh the exact course content, total budget and the post-study route relevant to your career plans.

Indicative tuition (tuition only): Research universities — Master's (non-EEA): approx. €14,000 – 27,000 per year (more for some programmes); Universities of applied sciences — Master's (non-EEA): approx. €9,000 – 16,000 per year

Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. €500 – 1,000+ per month (highest in Amsterdam and Utrecht); Health insurance: approx. €40 – 150 per month, depending on your situation and cover; Food, transport and personal: approx. €300 – 450 per month

Typical Master's duration: 1 year (60 ECTS) or 2 years (120 ECTS)

English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT (some accept Cambridge) English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Funding routes (not guaranteed): NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship); University excellence scholarships Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Academic admission: Academic qualification: A relevant bachelor's degree whose content matches the Master's programme.; Grades: Many universities publish minimum percentages or CGPAs for Indian degrees; selective programmes expect strong results.

Intakes and planning: September intake: starts September; apply Many non-EEA deadlines fall between January and May; selective programmes close earlier; February intake: starts February; apply Limited programmes, with deadlines usually in the autumn before

Student visa: Netherlands Student Visa for Indian Students. Valid passport; Admission letter from a Dutch institution

Post-study graduate route: Graduates can apply for a one-year orientation year permit within three years of graduating. During this year you can work without a work permit and look for a job, and a lower salary requirement applies if you then move to a highly skilled migrant permit.

Germany — Indicative tuition (tuition only): Public university — most programmes: no tuition; semester contribution approx. €150 – 400 per semester; Baden-Württemberg public universities (non-EU): €1,500 per semester plus semester contribution

Germany — Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. €350 – 750 per month (higher in Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg); Health insurance (students): approx. €120 – 140 per month for public insurance; Food, transport and personal: approx. €250 – 400 per month; semester ticket often included in the contribution

Germany — Typical Master's duration: 2 years (4 semesters, 120 ECTS)

Germany — English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic or TOEFL for English-taught programmes English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Germany — Funding routes (not guaranteed): DAAD scholarships; Deutschlandstipendium Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Germany — Academic admission: Academic qualification: A relevant bachelor's degree whose content closely matches the Master's programme (module and credit match matters).; Grades: Universities set their own minimum grade; many convert Indian marks using the modified Bavarian formula.

Germany — Intakes and planning: Winter semester: starts October; apply Many deadlines fall between January and 15 July (earlier at some universities); Summer semester: starts April; apply Many deadlines fall around 15 January

Germany — Student visa: Germany Student Visa for Indian Students. Valid passport; University admission letter

Germany — Post-study graduate route: After graduating, you can apply for a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for a job related to your qualification.

Last verified 21 September 2026. Tuition is not the total cost of study; visa proof-of-funds is not necessarily the same as actual living expenses. Scholarship names are competitive funding routes to investigate, not guaranteed awards. Confirm fees, admissions, visa rules and graduate permissions with the university and the relevant authority before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in the Netherlands

Is the Netherlands good for Indian students?

Yes. The Netherlands offers many English-taught Master's programmes, respected research universities, an international job market and a one-year orientation year after graduation.

How much does it cost to study in the Netherlands?

Non-EEA Master's tuition is roughly €14,000–27,000 a year at research universities and about €9,000–16,000 at universities of applied sciences. For the visa you must show €1,130.77 per month (2026).

What are the fees for a Master's in the Netherlands?

Non-EEA students pay institutional fees set by each university. For example, TU Delft charges about €25,600 for a Master's in 2026–27, while many University of Groningen programmes cost about €14,000–20,000.

What is the eligibility for a Master's in the Netherlands?

A relevant bachelor's degree that matches the programme, the required grades, IELTS or TOEFL scores, and usually a motivation letter and CV. Some programmes also ask for the GRE or GMAT.

What IELTS score is needed for the Netherlands?

Many Master's programmes ask for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, but some require higher scores or specific section minimums.

What is Studielink?

Studielink is the Dutch national registration system. Many programmes require you to apply through Studielink as well as the university's own portal.

What are the intakes in the Netherlands?

The main intake is September. Some programmes also start in February.

Can I work while studying in the Netherlands?

Yes, if your employer obtains a work permit (TWV). You can work up to 16 hours a week or full-time in June, July and August — you must choose one option per year.

What is the orientation year in the Netherlands?

The orientation year is a one-year residence permit for recent graduates. You can apply within three years of graduating and work freely while you look for a job.

Are scholarships available for Indian students in the Netherlands?

Yes, including the €5,000 NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship), university excellence scholarships and Erasmus Mundus scholarships.