Study in the Netherlands
Compare research and practice-oriented study routes through the right type of institution.
Evaluate English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s options in the Netherlands together with Studielink, institutional requirements, timelines and the residence process.
Last verified: 18 September 2026Official source links are listed at the end of the page.
- Institutions
- Research · Universities of applied sciences
- Application
- Studielink for most programmes
- Language of instruction
- Dutch · English
- Information status
- Verified against official sources
Who the Netherlands suits
- Those seeking an English-taught bachelor's or master's programme
- Those who want to compare research-focused and practice-oriented study options
- Those able to follow the central registration step and university requirements together
- Those planning post-graduation career options early
| Language of instruction | Dutch · English |
|---|---|
| Institution types | Research university · University of applied sciences |
| Start of the application | Studielink for most programmes |
| Residence application | By the institution, through the IND |
| Work permission | With a TWV, up to 16 hours per week or full-time from June to August |
Education system
Research universities offer academic and research-focused programmes. At universities of applied sciences, professional practice and project work are more prominent. The type of institution directly affects admission requirements and the teaching approach.
A programme at a research university and one at a university of applied sciences may share a name without producing the same outcomes. Review modules, internships, research expectations and progression rules separately.
Compare programme content, admission threshold, housing plan and total budget instead of choosing only by city or ranking. Treat housing as part of the education decision and confirm the scope and duration of institutional housing support in writing.
Application structure
For many programmes, registration starts through Studielink; the university may also request documents or an additional assessment through its own portal. Programmes with limited capacity may have an earlier deadline. Always follow the timetable on the programme page.
A Studielink registration does not always complete the application. The institution may request documents, a motivation letter, portfolio, test score or fee. Limited-enrolment programmes such as numerus fixus have separate timelines and selection stages.
Document format requirements vary by institution. Check the current programme page before translation, postage or payment. Record how and when any conditional offer must be completed.
Residence and work
For a higher-education student from outside the EU, the educational institution recognised by the IND as a sponsor submits the residence application. Enrolment in a full-time accredited programme, sufficient funds and annual study progress are core requirements. For paid employment, the employer must obtain a TWV; the student may choose either up to 16 hours per week or full-time work only in June, July and August.
Even when the institution handles residence filing, the student remains responsible for documents, fees and deadlines. Verify sponsor status, financial evidence and residence-card steps with IND and the institution.
Do not treat work rights as guaranteed monthly income. Consider employer permits, study load and job-search timing, and research post-study conditions before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Studielink application sufficient on its own?
No. Studielink is the starting point for most programmes; the university may request documents, an exam or an additional assessment through its own portal.
Do I apply for the student residence permit myself?
In higher education, the educational institution recognised by the IND as a sponsor usually applies on your behalf.
Can I work while studying in the Netherlands?
For paid work with a student residence permit, the employer must obtain a TWV. Either up to 16 hours per week or full-time work from June to August is permitted.
Related programmes
Sources
- Studielink — Central starting portal for higher-education applications
- Study in NL — Official study information for international students
- IND — student residence — Recognised sponsor, study progress and work conditions