Study in the Netherlands: Admissions, Scholarships and Student Visa
Studying in the Netherlands: how we help
Global Careers guides students from Surat and across India on studying in the Netherlands: choosing the course and universities, preparing the applications, applying for scholarships and preparing the residence permit application. Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences offer many degrees taught in English. Applications are made through Studielink, and the residence permit is applied for through the university.
Our advice begins with the student: the right course first, then the right country and university. For how we work, see study abroad consulting. For the visa, see student visa guidance.
Studying in the Netherlands: the essentials
- Applying: through Studielink, the national enrolment system, and then the university’s own application.
- Where: research universities, which offer three-year bachelor’s degrees, and universities of applied sciences, which offer four-year bachelor’s degrees with work placements.
- Intakes: September. A few courses also start in February.
- Language: a large number of bachelor’s and Master’s programmes are taught in English.
- Deadlines: programmes with a fixed number of places close in January, months before the others.
- Residence permit: the university applies for it on the student’s behalf.
- After the degree: graduates can apply for an orientation year permit to look for work.
Sources: Study in NL (Nuffic) and the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). Checked in October 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm them on the official website before you apply.
How we work with students applying to the Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the few places in continental Europe where a student can take a full bachelor’s degree in English. The choice between a research university and a university of applied sciences is the important one, and Indian families often do not know the difference. We explain it and match it to the student.
The full process, from the choice of course to the visa, is described under study abroad consulting.
Frequently asked questions
By registering in Studielink and completing the university’s application with marks, an English test and, for some programmes, a motivation letter or selection test. Some universities ask for particular Class 12 subjects or a minimum mark in Mathematics.
A research university teaches the academic subject in depth over three years and leads naturally to a Master’s. A university of applied sciences teaches for a profession over four years, with placements in companies. Neither is a lesser choice. They suit different students.
Graduates can apply for the orientation year residence permit to look for work. The current terms are on the IND website.
Students from outside the European Union pay the institutional fee, which differs by university and course. Student housing is scarce, so it has to be arranged early. We prepare a cost sheet for every university on the shortlist: tuition, living costs, insurance and travel for each year of the degree. Plan on meeting the full cost without income from part-time work.
No. Global Careers guides students on admissions and student visas only. Permanent residency and work visas are immigration matters decided by the government of the Netherlands, and the rules change often. Please check the official government website.
With an introductory session with our team, which is free. A consultation with Dr. Manish Mittal is paid and is by appointment only. Call +91 99250 33239 or +91 95105 33239, or send a message from the contact page. Our office is at S-8, 3rd Floor, Central Plaza, opposite St. Thomas School, New Citylight, Surat 395007. Students outside Surat work with us online.
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