Study in Netherlands

The Netherlands has good quality, recognizable degrees, relatively low tuition fees compared to other western countries, high-quality programs in English, and a safe, multicultural environment. Many Dutch Universities are ranked in the top 200 in the world; this is particularly a valid option for Indian students looking for a combination of academic excellence and international openness.

Yes, some universities in the Netherlands let students study in Netherlands without IELTS provided they have studied in English w/o the need for further proof or can provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) cert. This is only recommended if the university is contacted directly as certain programs and scholarships still require standardized English test scores.

Top courses to study in Netherlands include Engineering, Data Science, Business Analytics, Life Sciences, and Architecture. These programs are desirable for both Indian and international students because of their positive prospects in the industry and career opportunities around the world.

Once you get your admission letter, your university will start the visa application with the IND. When the IND approves your application, you will receive a notice to come to the Dutch embassy in India to complete biometric data collection, and the last little formalities. The entire process typically takes 6–10 weeks. Career Width will help and guide you through the entire process every step of the way.

Yes. There are many popular funding options like the Holland Scholarship, Orange Tulip Scholarship, Erasmus+, TU Delft Excellence Scholarships (for TU Delft) which are specific to some universities to assist Indian or international students based on academic consideration, financial need, and/or programs of study.

The main requirements for studying in Netherlands are: 

• A valid passport 
• Proof of academic credentials (10+2 for a bachelor’s, degree for a master’s) 
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or MOI) 
• Proof of sufficient money 
• Health insurance 
• A letter of acceptance from a registered Dutch university.

Depending on your course and university tuition fees can range in costs from €8,000 to €20,000 per year. Living costs will sum up to around €1,130 per month for accommodation, food, transport and insurance. Career Width allows you to budget and explore funding options.

Yes. International students, including Indian citizens, can work during term time up to 16 hours a week while studying and full time during holidays (from June to August). Your employer must apply on your behalf for a work permit (TWV).

After graduation, students can apply for the Orientation Year ( Zoekjaar) visa, which allows you to stay in the Netherlands for one year for the purpose of looking for jobs or starting a business. During this year, you can work freely without having to apply for a work permit. This is a handy option for students who are pursuing their study in Netherlands master’s or bachelor’s programs.

At Career Width we will help you at every stage from selecting a course and university, through to the application process, scholarship, visa, and accommodation stage. As one of the top study in Netherlands consultants in India, we will make your overseas education quick, easy and simple.

Step 1: Accept Your Offer and Pay the Tuition Deposit

Once you receive an unconditional offer to study in the Netherlands, you will confirm your admission by:

• Paying your tuition fee deposit 
• Completing any remaining formalities (like housing confirmation if requested) 

Step 2: University Initiates Visa Application

Your Dutch university will apply for your MVV and VVR on your behalf when they apply to IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service). They provide the IND with: 

• Your admission proof 
• Proof of having sufficient funds 
• Your health insurance information
  

Step 3: IND Reviews and Approves Your Visa

The IND typically processes the application in 2 to 6 weeks. If your application is approved, you will receive an MVV authorisation letter, which means you can make an appointment to go to the Dutch embassy in India.

Step 4: Visit the Dutch Embassy in India

You’ll be required to:

• Submit your passport
  
• Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph)
  
• Submit any remaining documents
  
• Pay visa application fees
  

Dutch Embassy Locations in India:

• New Delhi (Main Embassy)
  
• Consulates may also operate in Mumbai and Bengaluru for limited services
  

Step 5: Receive MVV and Travel to the Netherlands

As you now have an MVV (entry visa) approved, it will be stamped into your passport. You must enter the Netherlands within 90 days.

Step 6: Collect Your Residence Permit (VVR) in the Netherlands

After arrival:

• Register with the local municipality (gemeente)
  
• Attend TB test (if required)
  
• Collect your VVR from the IND office or university
  

This residence permit will be valid for the entire duration of your academic program.

To meet the requirements for the Netherlands student visa, Indian students must have the following:

• Letter of admission from an accredited Dutch university
• Proof of sufficient funds (approximately €13,000-€15,000 per year)
• A valid passport
• Health insurance for the duration of your stay
• Proof of intent to return to India after studies
• Payment of visa fees (approximately €210 in 2025)

If you’re sniffing about what requirements there are to study in Netherlands, the visa conditions are as important as the academic eligibility.

Depending on the duration of your program, there are two main visa categories:

1. MVV (Provisional Residence Permit) + VVR (Residence Permit)
   
   
   • Eligible for non-EU/EEA, including Indian, students
   • MVV is long-stay entry visa for 90 days
   • When you arrive, you will get a VVR (Residence Permit) for the duration of your studies
2. Short Stay Visa
   
   • For courses or exchange programs up to 90 days
   • Not for full-time degree courses

Most Indian students applying for undergraduate or master’s programs in the Netherlands will need the MVV + VVR.

The admission process to study in Netherlands from India is very systematic yet easy. Any prospective Indian student intending to apply for a bachelor’s, master’s or diploma course in the Netherlands will follow a systematic timeline when applying or enrolling to a Dutch University. Every student must apply early (generally 6–8 months) prior to the intake. 

We at Career Width provide guidance at every step of the process from university selection, course selection, document submission, statement of purpose writing, and tracking application deadlines. If you are looking for reliable study in Netherlands consultants India to help prevent the mistakes and inconvenience of applying incorrectly or omitting document submission, we can help. 

Here is a pathway and outline below on studying in Netherlands for prospective Indian students:

Step 1: Choose the Right Program and University

First, choose the study program in Holland that matches your academic history, interests and career goals. The Netherlands has many well-regarded areas of study in English; from business, engineering arts, agriculture, law, etc.

• You could find the best courses to study in Netherlands by checking your academic proficiencies. 
• Have a check that the program is in English if you intended to study in Netherlands in English.
• Use the Studyfinder tool or speak with the Career Width, who’s experts at a shortlist of programs. 

Several students question how to study in Netherlands for Indian students, given there is no previous international exposure. It is simply about making the right academic match and getting the right application support.

Step 2: Check the Entry Requirements

After you finalize the course, check your requirements to study in Netherlands:

• Academic requirements (class 12 for Bachelor’s / Bachelor’s for Master’s) 
• Language requirement (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
• Work experience, if any (usually only MBAs)
• SOP/Motivation Letter and Letters of Recommendations 
• Portfolio for creative courses

If you are checking how to study in Netherlands without IELTS, Career Width can help you find universities that accept MOI (Medium of Instruction) or conduct their own internal tests.

Step 3: Prepare Application Documents

Each university in the Netherlands will want an organized application packet. Of course the requirements may differ based on several factors, however you would typically need:

• A Valid Passport
• Academic Transcripts and Certificate
• English Language Proficiency Test Score
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• Current Resume/CV
• Portfolio (if applicable)
• Work experience letters (if applicable)

Career Width is also happy to help you to draft an impactful SOP and academic CV, which are two very important aspects and can also enhance your chances of getting admission into a top university when you study in Netherlands from India.

Step 4: Submit Applications Online

Most universities and higher education institutions in the Netherlands rely on Studielink, which is the national online application system. Some private universities or business schools may have its own application portal. 

You will create an account on studielink.nl

• Select your desired program and institution
• Upload all required documents
• Pay the application fee (usually around €50–€100)

Career Width will assist you throughout the online application process and check every small detail so you do not make an error.

Step 5: Wait for Admission Decision

Universities typically may take 4 to 8 weeks to assess your application. During this period, they may:

• Request additional documentation
• Conduct an interview (mostly with Master’s or selective programs)
• Communicate a unconditional or conditional offer letter

Once you receive an offer of admission, you are one step closer to achieving your studies in Europe.

Step 6: Accept the Offer and Pay Tuition Deposit

Once you’ve received the offer, you will need to:

• Indicate your acceptance by way of an email or on Studielink (for example)
• Pay your initial tuition fee deposit (from €1,000 to €4,000 depending on the university)
• Make arrangements for health insurance and housing if applicable

Career Width will also assist with education loan support and show you how to arrange your finance and apply for scholarships as an Indian student studying in Netherlands.

Step 7: Apply for Visa (MVV + Residence Permit)

When the admissions and financial documents are in order, the university will begin your student visa application with the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). 

You will need:

• Valid Passport 
• Offer Letter from University 
• Health Insurance 
• Sufficient Proof of Funds (approx. €12,000/year) 
• Tuberculosis test (may be taken after arrival) 

Career Width has a successful history of guiding students in the Netherlands student visa application process with the correct documentation and on time.

Step 8: Prepare for Departure

Now that your visa has been approved, you can start preparing for your travel and life in the Netherlands. 

We will assist you before you depart with: 

• Flight booking assistance 
• Accommodation support 
• Packing list/currency exchange information 
• On-arrival briefing 
• Understanding your rights as an international student.

If you are a prospective student from India and considering studying in Netherlands, it is pertinent to know the eligibility requirements first. There are academic and language requirements made clear by Dutch universities for undergraduate and graduate programs and students wishing to study at either level (undergraduate, postgraduate, or diploma), will have specific requirements to meet for admissions. 

Career Width is a study in Netherlands consultant India that assists many backgrounds of students to find and match the eligibility requirements for their course of study with confidence and ease, and ensure they have a seamless admission process and odds of success.

1. General Requirements to Study in Netherlands

Here are the primary eligibility criteria for international applicants, and Indian applicants more specifically:

For Bachelor’s Degree Programs

• A minimum of 12 years of formal schooling (Class 12 from a recognized board in India).
• Minimum Academic co­-curricular: Generally, 60% or above, but goes based on individual university/course in question.
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL or PTE).
• Valid passport.

Some programs may also require:

• A motivational letter
  
• Letters of recommendation
  
• Portfolio (for design/arts programs)
  

For Master’s Degree Programs

• A recognized bachelor’s degree (3 or 4 years) in a relevant field.
  
• A minimum GPA equivalent to 65–70% or more.
  
• IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score (minimum scores vary).
  
• CV or Resume.
  
• Statement of Purpose (SOP).
  
• Letters of recommendation (2–3).
  
• Work experience (required for some specialized courses like MBA or Executive Masters).
  

If you are applying to pursue study in the Netherlands masters programs, Career Width will help ensure that your academic documents, transcripts, and your SOP are suitable for each Dutch university.

2. English Language Requirements (IELTS/TOEFL)

Most programs in the Netherlands are taught in English. If you are wondering can I study in the Netherlands without IELTS, the answer is – it depends.

Standard Language Requirements:

Study in Netherlands Without IELTS

Indeed, some Dutch universities may allow you to study in Netherlands without IELTS if:

• You have received prior education in English. 
• Your board / university issued a certificate confirming that the medium of instruction is English . 
• You appear to have a internal assessments conducted by the university if long as it is an English assessment.

At Career Width, we help students determine which universities have the options to waive English proficient tests and to ensure smooth admission process.

3. Additional Course-Specific Requirements

Some of the best fields of study in Netherlands; for example Engineering, Law, Data Science, or Architecture may include other components:

• Entrance or subject specific exams for highly competitive programs.
• Portfolio submission for programs in Art, Designs, and Architecture.
• Programming or Math exams associated to STEM and AI based programs.

We monitor the universities and their ever changing entrance requirements and advise you by current recommendations if you are planning to study in Netherlands in English and compete internationally.

4. Age Limit and Gap Years

• There is no strict age limit to apply, but:
• Bachelor’s applicants are ideally aged 17 to 22.
• Master’s applicants are likely to be aged 21 to 30.

Dutch universities may ask for a gap explanation if there is a gap in education. Career Width helps positively explain and document gap years to ensure it is clear, well-strategized, and easy to address when applying to study at higher education institutions.

5. Academic Equivalency Evaluation (If Required)

Some institutions may audit the qualifications for Indian degrees to ensure they match Dutch educational standards Again, the institution may do it through a:

• Nuffic (The Dutch organization for internationalization in education)`
• Or, it may do via the institutions internal admission committee.

Career Width assists students in obtaining the transcripts and equivalency when necessary.

6. Visa-Related Academic Conditions

Although your Netherlands student visa (MVV + residence permit) is handled in a subsequent step, your admission must include academic consistency and proof of funds, including:

• Confirming enrollment in a full-time accredited program
• Satisfying the university’s academic and English language requirements
• Providing a valid offer letter

Your visa will be processed only if you satisfy the admission conditions.

7. Fast-Track Admissions for High Achievers

Some Dutch universities may have direct admissions for academically strong applicants and waive the application fee – which is you if you’re in the top 10% in your class. If you are, you may qualify for early admissions and scholarships for Indian students to study in Netherlands.

As your dedicated study in Netherlands consulting service, Career Width finds you these fast track options and helps your profile shine.