Top Courses to Study in the Netherlands

  • Date Icon July 21, 2025
Top Courses to Study in the Netherlands

Selecting the most appropriate course to study in Netherlands will depend on several factors like your future ambitions, interests, and career intentions. The Netherlands is home to various renowned universities that offer practical, research-based, and industry focused degree programs that are easily accessible for international students. It is particularly essential that you know which programs are popular so you can calculate your chances of career success and gainful employment if you’re going to study in Netherlands from India. 

We will take a look at five popular programs for Indian and international students:

Top Courses To Study in Netherlands

Best Courses to Study in Netherlands

List of Courses To Study in Netherlands

Selecting the most appropriate course to study in Netherlands will depend on several factors like your future ambitions, interests, and career intentions. The Netherlands is home to various renowned universities that offer practical, research-based, and industry focused degree programs that are easily accessible for international students. It is particularly essential that you know which programs are popular so you can calculate your chances of career success and gainful employment if you’re going to study in Netherlands from India. 

We will take a look at five popular programs for Indian and international students:

Best Courses To Study in Netherlands

1. Engineering and Technology

The Netherlands has some of the best engineering universities in Europe, like Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, and University of Twente. They offers state-of-the-art programs on:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering
  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Robotics and Mechatronics
  • Sustainable Energy Systems

The teaching methodology is centered on real-world application, project-based learning, and interdisciplinary research. Multiple universities in the Netherlands work very closely with tech companies in the country so students typically get hands-on experience with live industry projects. If you are thinking about studying abroad in Netherlands in a high-demand field, engineering is a great choice.   

This degree would be a perfect fit for Indian students with a science background. The best part is this program is already on offer in both bachelor and master programs completed entirely in English. Career Width can help students understand what it takes to study in Netherlands for these programs including the academic prerequisites, language requirements and the visa process.

2. Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

One of the fastest-growing fields in the world, Data Science and AI is a hot study choice for students looking to study in English in the Netherlands. Top universities such as Tilburg University, Utrecht University and Maastricht University offer master’s programs that include:

  • Machine Learning
  • Predictive Analytics
  • Data Engineering
  • AI for Business and Healthcare
  • Ethics in AI

The digital infrastructure of the country, tech startups, and innovation attention has created a thriving environment for aspiring data scientists. If you are looking for how to study in Netherlands and take a step towards a future-proof career, AI and Data Science programs offer the perfect launch pad. 

Most of the programs usually include internships and research opportunities, and some offer real-time projects with big name companies such as Philips, ASML and ING. 

For students looking to know “can I study in Netherlands without IELTS”, many universities allow exemptions for Indian students in English-medium education. Career Width aids in assessing these options and preparing your application accordingly.

3. Business and Management

The Netherlands’ strategic location in Europe and position as a key player in global business has made the country a prime location for the globally accredited Business and Management programs. World-renowned Universities like Rotterdam School of Management (Erasmus University) and University of Amsterdam offer a specialisation in the following path in Business and Management: 

  • International Business
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Strategic Marketing
  • Finance and Investment
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Courses are based around the theory, followed by case-based learning of that theory and then real hands-on exposure. In most programs, students are offered opportunities to intern, business simulations and entrepreneurial incubators. Indian students studying abroad in Netherlands prefer this course because of its versatility in application and global relevance.

Whether you want a bachelor’s or a study in Netherlands masters program in business, there are numerous and varied choices. Career Width assists Indian students to make informed choices and provides guidance with profile building and Writing their SOP.

4. Agriculture and Life Sciences

In the Netherlands, Wageningen University is counted as one of the top agricultural universities in the world, which is a testament to the country’s leadership in sustainable agriculture, food technology, and life sciences. As such, students have the option to choose from a variety of courses, such as: 

  • Food Technology
  • Plant and Animal Sciences 
  • Environmental Biology 
  • Biotechnology 
  • Climate Resilience and Agroecology

The uniqueness of this course lies in the Netherlands’ leadership in sustainable agriculture, urban agriculture, and water management. If the future of food security and sustainability is of great interest to you, this is one of the best programs to study in Netherlands.

All programmes are taught in English and have a research focus, making it suitable for international students. Indian students are usually eligible for Dutch government or Indian student specific scholarships for study in Netherlands, especially the sustainability related programs. Career Width helps with scholarship applications as part of our service offering, to help alleviate some of the financial burden.

5. Environmental Science and Sustainability

The Netherlands has a long history of innovation in areas of water management, renewable energy as well as climate change policy. The top universities in the Netherlands offer incredible courses in Environmental Science – which would be the right fit for students interested: 

  • Environmental Policy 
  • Climate Adaptation and Risk Management 
  • Water and Energy Resource Management 
  • Sustainable Development in Urban Processes 
  • Environmental Law and Governance

6. Psychology and Behavioral Sciences

Psychology is one of the most intellectually engaging programs offered by Dutch universities. For those who want to understand human behavior, mental health, and social dynamics, the Netherlands offers globally respected bachelor’s and master’s degrees in:

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Work and Organizational Psychology
  • Social and Behavioral Research

Radboud University, University of Groningen, and Leiden University are known for their research facilities and interdisciplinary educational commitment. Students learn by means of coursework as well as lab-based research.

What makes this course optimal for students who want to study in Netherlands from India is the mix of theoretical and hands-on applied work. Students are trained to work in schools, hospitals, corporates and NGOs, making this a versatile degree with many job opportunities.

All courses are offered in English, making them entirely accessible for students, looking to study in Netherlands in English. Many institutions will waiver the IELTS for students with the right academic background—so yes, you can study in Netherlands without IELTS and Career Width can help you identify who will accept this option.

7. Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management

The Netherlands is a tourism-driven place with strong focuses on sustainability and cultural diversity—making it a great location for studying hospitality and tourism management. Students who aspire to build a career in:

  • Hotel Management
  • Sustainable Tourism
  • International Event Management
  • Luxury Brand Management
  • Travel Consultancy and Destination Marketing

Top institutions like Breda University of Applied Sciences and Hotelschool The Hague offer world-class programs that combine classroom learning with real-world internships in international hotel chains and tourism boards.

For those students wishing to study in the Netherlands for Indian students, this programme has tremendous post-study work possibilities as the Dutch hospitality industry continues to be in significant need of international graduates.

In addition, the programme content is designed for international students, and all core modules are delivered in English. Career Width not only assists and guides their students through their admission, but also their internship placements and visa paperwork, helping their students transition into this exciting industry with minimal fuss.

8. Art, Design, and Architecture

The Netherlands has a history of creative expression, design innovation, and architecture excellence. It is home to the legendary artist Van Gogh and many of today’s best designers. Students who are creative students will typically study in Netherlands in English within the following programs: 

  • Graphic Design
  • Interior Architecture
  • Urban Planning
  • Product Design
  • Fine Arts and Visual Communication

The top institutions include Design Academy Eindhoven, Gerrit Rietveld Academie and TU Delft, each with renowned international programs and alumni networks with high credibility.

The relevant documents for application to design schools often include a portfolio along with the academic documents. If you’re not sure how to study in Netherlands from India and pursuing a creative field, Career Width will help you every step of the way in platforming your progress from planning your portfolio, FIGMA interactions and job prep interviewing. 

Also, scholarships for Indian students to study in Netherlands, many times available because of Dutch and EU cultural grants, are often granted scholarships for the cost of education for students in design related industries which helps to take the burden of costs down.

9. Health and Life Sciences

The Netherlands is a world leader in Health and Life Sciences education, with a firmly established focus on medical innovation, public health and biotechnology. For students who want to focus on the life saving and life enhancing research being conducted, they can often study:

  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Public Health and Epidemiology.
  • Molecular Biology
  • Medical Biotechnology
  • Health Economics and Policy 

Universities such as Maastricht University, VU Amsterdam, and Radboud University Medical Center provide various courses that include classroom instruction, lab-based skill training and clinical research. 

If you want to start up your career in public service, healthcare start-ups, or pharmaceutical-related research, this course offers great post-study work opportunities in the Netherlands and around Europe. 

Career Width can help students meet all requirements to study in Netherlands, including all documentation needed for health-related programs and visa applications under health care streams.

10. Law and International Relations

The Netherlands is home to the International Court of Justice and other various important international law organizations, making it a great place for a student interested in studying Law, Human Rights, and International Relations. This degree is especially popular for students interested in careers in diplomacy, policy-making, advocacy, and/or international firms. 

There are many popular specializations, including:

  • International and European Law
  • Public Policy and Governance
  • Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies
  • Human Rights Law
  • Environmental Law

Reputable law schools such as Leiden University, the University of Amsterdam, and Utrecht University offer LLB and LLM programs, which are taught in English. These programs are based heavily on analysis and debate while making use of moot courts and global conferences.

Conclusion

Choosing the right course to study in the Netherlands is a crucial step toward building a meaningful and rewarding career. With its globally recognized universities, focus on practical learning, and strong ties to international industries, the Netherlands offers Indian students a unique advantage. By selecting from the most popular and in-demand programs, you not only align your education with market needs but also enhance your chances of employability both within Europe and globally. The right course, combined with the Dutch emphasis on innovation and sustainability, can truly future-proof your career.