The Netherlands is fast emerging as a popular academic hub due to its quality education system, English-taught degrees, and multi-cultural environment. The prestigious universities of the country offer 2100+ English-taught study programs. Moreover, in 2022, the country hosted international students from over 168 countries. So, if you are planning to choose the Netherlands as your study abroad destination, read this guide to gather details like top universities of the country, eligibility criteria, and more.

Key Highlights

• Why should you study in the Netherlands?
• Top universities in the Netherlands
• Popular courses to study in the Netherlands
• Popular Netherlands universities for masters
• PhD in the Netherlands: Key highlights
• Eligibility criteria of universities in the Netherlands for international students
• Cost to study in the Netherlands for Indian students

Why should you study in the Netherlands?

• The Netherlands is home to 58 Dutch universities. 13 universities out of 58 have appeared on the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2023.
• The country is lauded for its unique and innovative teaching styles focusing on self-study, teamwork, and self-discipline.
• The Dutch universities offer globally-recognised degrees that act as a gateway for earning fat paychecks and working with the best minds in the industry.
• For Indian students, the tuition fee is economical if they choose to study in public-funded universities.

 

S.No.	Name of University	QS (QuacquarelliSymonds) World University Rankings 2023	THE (Times Higher Education) World University Rankings 2023
1	University of Amsterdam	1	2
2	Delft University of Technology	2	4
3	Utrecht University	3	3
4	Wageningen University & Research	4	1
5	Leiden University	5	6
6	Eindhoven University of Technology	6	11
7	University of Groningen	7	5
8	Erasmus University Rotterdam	8	7
9	University of Twente	9	13
10	Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam	10	8

Popular courses to study in the Netherlands

As per interests and goals, students can choose from various domains to pursue masters and other programs. Some of the most sought-after course choices of students are mentioned below:

• Engineering
• Economics
• Art and Health Care
• Science
• Human and Social Sciences
• Agriculture and Environmental Science
• Information Technology
• Business Management

 

The university list of the Netherlands offering international standard of education for master’s degree programs is tabulated below:

Universities	Popular program offered
University of Amsterdam	MSc Economics
Leiden University	MSc in Advanced Computing & Systems
Delft University of Technology	MSc Aerospace Engineering
Rotterdam School of Management (RSM)	International MBA
Maastricht University	Master in Art & Culture
Wageningen University and Research Centre	MSc Landscape Architecture & Planning
HAN University of Applied Sciences	Master in Engineering Systems

PhD in the Netherlands: Key highlights

Doctor of Philosophy or PhD is the highest academic qualification that takes a minimum of 3-4 years to complete. In the Netherlands, students either enrol in research universities or universities in applied sciences to complete PhD and to earn the title of Doctor (Dr.). As per interests, students can pursue PhD in various subjects, such as Science, Computer Science, Economics, Psychology, Mathematics, etc. Some of the popular universities offering PhD programs are as follows:

• Erasmus University Rotterdam
• University of Groningen
• Maastricht University
• Leiden University
• Royal Academy of Art

 

Eligibility criteria of universities in the Netherlands for international students

As an international student, you need to meet the following requirements to secure a seat for a post-graduate degree program in a reputed Netherlands university:

• A bachelor’s degree from a reputed university in a related field.
• Academic transcripts (degrees and certificates)
• Letter of Confirmation from your chosen university
• Grade Point Average of 5-7.5 or higher
• Clear English proficiency exams such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Appear for entrance exams such as Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Curriculum Vitae

Cost to study in the Netherlands for Indian students

The cost of studying includes tuition fees, airfare, cost of living, etc. On average, the tuition fee ranges from ~EUR 7,000 to ~EUR 35,000 (~INR 6,35,500 to ~INR 31,74,000) annually. The cost of living includes accommodation expenses, transportation expenses, food expenses, and other related costs. The monthly cost of living in the Netherlands ranges from ~EUR 800 to ~EUR 1,100 (~INR 72,300 to ~INR 1,00,000).

Note: The tuition fee may vary based on the university and the course selected, and the cost of living may vary from one city to another.   
So, if you are planning to study in the Netherlands but facing financial challenges, opt for student loans. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer hyper-personalised student loans with benefits like quick sanctions, 100% finance, and flexible repayment options. For more details about an education loan for study abroad programs, contact us today!