Study path
Study in the Netherlands
From choosing a programme to your first months as a student, in the order it usually happens. Each step links to the guide or official source that covers it.
Your situation
Optional. Anything you leave open shows every step.
Showing all 29 steps.
- 1
Choose your programme
Find programmes that fit, and check you can get in before you commit to one.
Find programmes that fit
Compare the Bachelor's and Master's programmes taught in English and what each one asks of you.
In the system:University application
Check your school diploma gives access
Each programme decides which secondary school diplomas it accepts. Its admission page says what to do if yours is not listed.
In the system:Diploma evaluation
Check your Bachelor's matches the entry requirements
Master's programmes usually ask for a specific Bachelor's background. Compare your degree with the programme's requirements before you apply.
In the system:Diploma evaluation
Check the language requirement
English-taught programmes can set their own language requirements. Check the programme page for the tests, scores or exemptions it accepts.
Work out tuition and living costs
Check your tuition-fee category and build a budget with realistic monthly costs, funding evidence and payment deadlines before accepting a place.
- 2
Apply
Applications start in Studielink, and most programmes then ask for more in their own portal.
Apply through Studielink
Studielink is the national registration and application portal for most Dutch higher-education programmes. Check the institution first because some applicants from abroad use another route and exact deadlines vary.
In the system:University application
Complete the university's own application
Many programmes then ask you to upload documents or a motivation letter in their own portal. Watch for email from the admissions office.
In the system:University application
- 3
Immigration and move
Your permit if you need one, somewhere to live, and your belongings.
Check whether your university needs to apply for a student permit
For the higher-education student residence route, only the educational institution can apply. If you already live here on another permit, first check whether a change of residence purpose is needed.
In the system:Student residence permit
Check whether your current permit lets you study
If you already live here on another residence permit, check whether it covers studying or whether you need a student permit instead.
In the system:Student residence permit
Take a TB test if your permit requires one
Depending on your nationality, your permit may carry a tuberculosis test condition after arrival.
Legalise the documents you will need
To register at the municipality you may need a legalised birth certificate. Arrange it before you leave home.
Start looking for housing early
Student housing is scarce in most university cities. Start as soon as you apply, and never pay before you have seen a contract.
Plan how to move your belongings
From inside the EU there is nothing to declare. From outside it, household goods can qualify for relief from import duties.
- 4
Arrive and settle
Start registration, check whether you need Dutch health insurance, and prepare other essentials in parallel.
Use the arrival checklist for students
Your first weeks, sorted into what your university handles and what only the municipality or others can.
Register at your municipality and get a BSN
Registration gives you a BSN, the number you need for work, banking and healthcare.
In the system:Municipality registrationBSN
Get a DigiD
Your login for government services, from the tax office to your municipality.
In the system:DigiD
Open a bank account
Rent, a part-time salary and most everyday payments go through a bank account here.
In the system:Bank account
Check which health insurance you need
Whether you need Dutch basic insurance depends on your situation, especially on whether you work alongside your studies.
In the system:Health insurance
Register with a GP
Do it before you are ill: a GP is the way into most other care.
In the system:GP registration
- 5
During your studies
Keep your status and your paperwork in order while you study.
Check the rules before you take a part-time job
Work rights differ by nationality and residence status. Check whether an employer needs a TWV, how many hours you may work and what changes when you start earning a salary.
In the system:Student residence permit
Arrange a study-related internship
Check programme approval, the internship agreement and work authorisation before starting a placement.
Know your rights in a part-time job
Read the contract before you sign it, and know what you are entitled to as an employee.
In the system:Employment contract
If you use a student permit, keep up your study progress
The higher-education student permit requires at least 50% of the credits for each study year. Your institution must assess your reasons before reporting insufficient progress to the IND.
In the system:Student residence permit
Check whether you can get healthcare allowance
If you have Dutch basic health insurance, you may be able to get zorgtoeslag towards the premium.
In the system:Health insurance
Report a change of address when you move
Students move often, and the municipality needs to know every time.
In the system:Municipality registration
- 6
What comes next
Your options after graduation. From here the Work and Build paths take over.
Consider the orientation year
A one-year residence permit to look for work or start a business after you graduate, with no restrictions on the work you may do.
In the system:Orientation year
Look for work
The Work path covers whether you need sponsorship, finding employers and applying.
In the system:Job search
Start something of your own
The Build path covers starting a business or freelancing, with or without an immigration route.
In the system:Right to self-employment
Consider a PhD or research career
A Dutch PhD is often a paid job, with its own contract and its own permit route.