Best universities in Netherlands 2025

Three Core Educational Levels in Netherlands Universities

Upon completing pre-university courses, the Dutch higher education system consists of three levels:

• Bachelor's Degree

• Master's Degree

• Doctor of Science

Teaching approach here is interactive, encouraging teamwork and the free exchange of ideas. Students are stimulated to share their opinions, respect differing viewpoints, and ask questions openly. Classes often comprise small groups of 15 to 30 students, allowing for a more personalized learning experience.

Practical Experience and Industry Partnerships

Many courses offer practical experience in labs, studios, or computer labs. By having robust partnerships with businesses and international organizations, students can get first work experience during university studies.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

Two types of Dutch institutions have gained great popularity: research universities and universities of applied sciences. Also students can enroll in university colleges and institutes of international education. Universities are classified in two categories: private and public. An applicant makes a decision on the preferred university type, which is stipulated by the final goal whether to prepare for a certain profession or obtain  a broader theoretical degree. 

Ranking of Netherlands Universities 

While studying at research universities, students obtain theoretical education under bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs, catering to various professions. Universities of applied sciences make an emphasis on professional education. Programs here generally last a year longer than those at research universities.

The Netherlands also boasts international institutes, providing advanced courses in English. By attending these courses, students develop skills and obtain knowledge in small multicultural classes.

• Bachelor's Degree: Students can choose diverse disciplines from a wide list, ranging from economics and healthcare to fine arts and medicine. Course duration differ between research and applied universities.

• Master's Degree: Taking this course, students significantly expand knowledge and professional competence. Students can choose master's programs in academic, research, and teaching fields.

• Doctoral Studies: PhD programs in the Netherlands have gained global recognition, due to the impact and volume of research publications.

   

For EU students, studying is less expensive, making up 2,000€ per year. Non-EU students should be ready for 6,000 - 15,000€ annually. Other monthly expenses include:

• Accommodation: 250-800€ 

• Living Costs: 350-450€ 

• Medical Services: 40-100€ 

• Educational Materials: 65-85€ 

• Visa and Permits: On average 300€ (one-time).

While diploma requirements range, an IB diploma, American diploma with 3-4 APs, or A-levels are generally accepted. Foreign students can attend special pre-university courses at most educational institutions.

Making a decision on pursuing education in one of the top universities, it's important to take into account all these factors for a successful studying.

We also offer diverse programs in prestigious universities in England.

• To set modern academic standards

• To unite people of different religions, nationalities and backgrounds

• Engage in the socio-economic growth of the European Union

• Integrate research and an interdisciplinary approach to prepare global leaders

• Continuously innovate and integrate global standards

• Make innovations in all areas of life

• Provide the community with practical and social skills.

Many courses stipulate an element of hands-on experience: given  the course you have chosen, this may involve working in a laboratory, studio, or computer lab. Most universities have strong partnerships with business institutions and international organizations, so there are good opportunities to gain practical work experience.

Dutch universities use the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), making it easier to compare  academic load between degrees across Europe. Students earn credits during their studies at the university. One credit corresponds to approximately 25-30 hours of study, and each academic year equals 60 credits.

Among foreign students, the following directions of study are most popular:

• Biology
• Biomedical sciences
• Chemistry
• Land and environment
• Health & Healthcare
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Anthropology
• Cognition and Sociology
• Economics
• Environmental Economics and Politics
• International relations.

Holland Government Scholarship

The Netherlands provide excellent funding opportunities, allowing students to save up to 75% of the cost of studying. Some grants can compensate expenses for living. The most common type of funding among foreign students is scholarships from local universities and fund companies. Holland Government Scholarship

The scholarship amount accounts for 5,000€. Target audience is undergraduate and graduate students, who are non-residents of European countries. The Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science is responsible for its funding.

Amsterdam Merit Scholarship

The scholarship amounts to 6,000 € per year, this offer is available for bachelor’s programs.

Amsterdam universities are globally respected. Students can be  awarded scholarships, given their excellent academic performance. International undergraduate scholarship is designed for students of economics and business, psychology, social and behavioral sciences directions of studying.

There are also other types of scholarship options, available for foreign students.

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