Home › Study abroad › Top universities in Netherlands
🇳🇱 Netherlands2026 intakeFree predictor
Top Universities in Netherlands for International Students (2026)
IELTS 6.5 · Tuition €15,000–20,000/yr · Intakes September. See which universities fit your scores and budget with the free College Predictor.
▶ Predict my colleges (free)Top universities in Netherlands
- Delft University of Technology
- University of Amsterdam
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Utrecht University
Each offers strong international support, work opportunities and globally-recognised degrees. Use the free predictor to see your Safe / Target / Reach matches with fees, intakes and the full admission process.
Admission essentials for Netherlands
- English test: IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent TOEFL/PTE).
- Tuition: €15,000–20,000/yr for international students.
- Intakes: September.
- Documents: SOP, 2–3 LORs, transcripts, CV, and a strong Statement of Purpose — build yours free with our SOP tool.
Visa, immigration & settlement in Netherlands
- Student-visa success rate: ≈95% — Residence permit (MVV).
- Post-study work: Orientation Year (zoekjaar): 1 year
- Immigration pathway: Highly Skilled Migrant permit (salary-based) → PR after 5 years.
- Settlement / PR: Permanent residence after 5 years of legal stay. (PR: ~5 yrs)
- Cost of living: €10,800–13,200/yr
Recent changes (2024–26)
- 2025: Proposed limits on English-taught bachelor programs (master's mostly unaffected).
- 2024: Orientation-year visa retained for non-EU graduates.
Frequently asked questions
- What IELTS score do I need for universities in Netherlands?
- Most universities in Netherlands require IELTS 6.5 overall for postgraduate admission. Use the free LandingPrep College Predictor to match your exact score to universities.
- How much does it cost to study in Netherlands?
- International tuition is typically €15,000–20,000/yr, plus living costs. Scholarships can offset a large part of this.
- When are the intakes in Netherlands?
- The main intakes in Netherlands are: September.
- Can I work and settle in Netherlands after studying?
- Yes — Netherlands offers Orientation Year (zoekjaar): 1 year. The pathway is Highly Skilled Migrant permit (salary-based) → PR after 5 years. Permanent residence: PR: ~5 yrs.
- How do I shortlist universities and check my chances in Netherlands?
- Use the free LandingPrep Profile Evaluation and College Predictor: enter your test score, GPA and budget to get Safe, Target and Reach universities in Netherlands, plus matching scholarships and the admission process.
- What is the student-visa success rate for Netherlands?
- Netherlands has an indicative student-visa success rate of about 95%. Residence permit (MVV). Strong proof of funds and a genuine study plan matter most.