Applying to University in the Netherlands

Does your child (or yourself) want to go to university in the Netherlands next academic year?

For most HBO and University studies it is required to apply before the 1st of May. Because of the additional paperwork and diploma evaluations, applicants from outside of the EU are advised to start their applications before April 1st. 

Also students who are interested in applying for a MBO study for secondary vocational education, will have to do so by April 1st.

Some studies can only accept a limited number of students per year. The applicants then have to take part in a section procedure. The application deadline for these 'numerus fixus' studies was January 15th. See the Studiekeuze123 website for a complete list of these selective studies.

For the majority of study programs there is no selection procedure, provided that the applicants have obtained the corresponding diplomas and subject profiles.

From age 21, a person can take a ‘Colloquium doctum’, an entrance test for University or HBO. Even without the necessary diplomas, they can still enter university this way.

There are 14 research universities (WO) and 36 universities of Applied Sciences (HBO/Hogeschool) in the Netherlands that are all funded by the government.

Additionally, there are a few private, more expensive, institutions, which often teach in English. 

On the Study in NL website you can find some info on the 1851 study programs that are available in English. 

Everything you need to know about the Leiden university is on their website. 

Local and EU students pay an annual fee of 2,530 euros (school year 2024/25). Students from outside of the EU, are required to pay the institutional tuition fee set by the university. The average institutional tuition fee for bachelor’s programs is between € 9,000 and € 20,000, and for a master’s program between € 12,000 and € 30,000.

All applications go through the Studielink website. Login with your DigId, and create an account. If you do not have a DigiD yet, your identity will need to be verified by uploading a scan or photo of your ID in Studielink to create an account.

More info you can find on the New2NL website. Do you need personal support? Book your call.

You should also be aware that finding student housing could be a huge challenge, so start now! On the Leiden University website you can learn how to approach your home search. 

Good luck with your applications!