Number of Univeresities
13 Highly Ranked Research Universities
Intake
Autumn (Sept), Winter (Feb)
Tuition Fees
€9,000 - €30,000/year (Non-EU/EEA)
Scholarship
Holland Scholarship, Orange Tulip Scholarship
Reasons to Choose the Netherlands for Education
Top Universities
Research programs and check admission requirements (academic background and English/Dutch proficiency). Register your application through the Studielink portal.
Upload required documents to the university’s online application system (e.g., transcripts, diploma, CV, motivation letter, English proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)). Pay any applicable application fee (usually €50 - €100).
If successful, you will receive an Offer of Admission (sometimes conditional). You must formally accept this offer via Studielink and the university's system before the deadline.
The university will instruct you on the financial requirements. You must often deposit the full first-year tuition fee and a required amount for the living expenses (currently around €1,128 per month of study) into the university's bank account. This amount is held as proof of funds for the visa.
The university processes your payment and confirms your enrollment, which triggers the start of the immigration phase.
Cost of Living
Accommodation
€400 – €700
Transport
€40 – €120
Food
€150 – €300
Miscellaneous
€100 – €300
Work Options
Up to 16 hours per week
€14.40 per hour (Effective July 1, 2025)
Full-time (typically 40 hours/week) in June, July, and August
€14.40 per hour (Effective July 1, 2025)
Secure your official Letter of Acceptance from a Dutch university that is a recognized sponsor by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
Gather all required personal, academic, and financial documents (e.g., passport copy, academic transcripts, birth certificate) and submit them to your university as requested.
Transfer the required proof of funds for living expenses (approx. €11,496 per year) and the visa application fee (approx. €210 - €243) to the university's account. The university typically manages this payment to the IND.
University Submits Application (MVV/VVR)
Your university, acting as your sponsor, submits the combined application for your MVV (Entry Visa) and VVR (Residence Permit) to the IND in the Netherlands.
Receive IND Approval
Wait for the IND to process the application (typically takes up to 60 days). Your university will notify you of the positive decision and provide your alien registration number (V-number).
Book Appointment in India for MVV Sticker
Book an appointment at the designated Dutch embassy or a Consulate-General (via VFS Global) in India to have the MVV visa sticker placed in your passport. This must be done within 3 months of the IND approval.
Provide Biometrics and Collect MVV
Attend your VFS appointment, provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photo), submit your passport, and collect your passport with the MVV sticker. This sticker allows you entry into the Netherlands and is valid for 90 days.
Travel to the Netherlands
Travel to the Netherlands while your MVV sticker is still valid.
Collect Residence Permit (VVR) & Register
Upon arrival, you must collect your physical Residence Permit Card (VVR) from the local IND desk.
Register your address with the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP) in your municipality.
If required, complete a Tuberculosis (TB) test with the Municipal Health Service (GGD) within 3 months of receiving the permit.