Best Universities in Netherlands: Ranking, Courses, Admissions and Tuition Fees
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Shahid Murshed

Content Writer - Study Abroad

Highlights:

  • Top Universities: According to QS Global Rankings, some of the best universities in the Netherlands include the University of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology, and Wageningen University & Research Center.
  • Intakes: The majority of the universities have Spring and Autumn intakes. The application period for Spring intake is from September to October and for Autumn intake is from March to April.
  • Global Companies: The Netherlands hosts several major global companies such as Philips, Heineken, KLM, Shell, ING, and Unilever, providing diverse employment opportunities for graduates.
  • Top Business Schools: Some of the top business schools in the Netherlands include Tilburg University's TIAS School for Business and Society, Erasmus University's Rotterdam School of Management, and Maastricht School of Management, with annual tuition fees ranging from 15,000 to 65,000 EUR.

The best universities in Netherlands include the University of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology, Wageningen University and Research Center among others. As per the Ministry of External Affairs India, around 3,200 Indian students have enrolled to study in the Netherlands. But why? The tuition fees and cost of living in Netherlands are considerably lower than in English-speaking countries. The average tuition fee for bachelor’s programs is between 9,000 and 20,000 EUR, and for a master’s program between 12,000 and 30,000 EUR. In the USA, tuition fees range from 5,000 to 50,000 USD per year for UG and PG programs. For the yearly living costs, students spend an average of 800 - 1,100 EUR per month. Check out the top universities in the Netherlands for international students from the sections below.

Why Study in the Good Universities in the Netherlands?

Consider the reasons why you should choose to study in the best universities in the Netherlands for international students.

  • In the best Netherland universities, 2,000 programs are taught entirely in English. 95% of the Dutch speak English, so it’s easy to communicate in daily life.
  • The majority of the top colleges are located in Amsterdam, Delft, Rotterdam, and Groningen. These cities are regarded as the best student cities in the Netherlands as well.
  • The tuition fees for bachelor and masters programs vary from 9,000 to 30,000 EUR per year.
  • Holland Scholarships, Orange Tulip Scholarships, Radboud Scholarship Program are very popular scholarships to study in the Netherlands
  • Students come from more than 160 different countries to study at Holland's top universities.
  • The Netherlands is the gateway to Europe. Paris is in just 3 hours while London and Berlin are just a five or six-hour train ride away.
  • A few global companies like Philips, Heineken, KLM, Shell, ING and Unilever are based in the Netherlands.

List of the Top 10 Universities Netherlands

Studying in the Netherlands is becoming popular among international students because of the ample array of world-leading universities in Holland that teach in English. Here, we have listed the ranking and acceptance rates of the top 10 Netherlands universities.

Top Uni in Netherlands QS Ranking THE Ranking Acceptance Rate
Delft University of Technology #47 #48 80%
University of Amsterdam #53 #61 4%
Utrecht University #107 #66 14%
Eindhoven University of Technology #124 #168 50%
Leiden University #126 #77 30%
University of Groningen #139 #79 50%
Wageningen University & Research #151 #64 44%
Erasmus University Rotterdam #176 #99 53%
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam #207 #125 45%
University of Twente #210 #184 51%

Other than these top universities in Holland for international students, there are also another 4 universities that are ranked in QS World University Ranking 2024. These are:

  • Radboud University: #222 in QS
  • Maastricht University: #256 in QS
  • Tilburg University: #371 in QS

Best Engineering Universities in Netherlands

Some of the best universities in Holland for Engineering are as follows

Universities US News- Engineering and Technology
Delft University of Technology #25
Eindhoven University of Technology #101
University of Twente #219
Utrecht University #268
University of Groningen #284
Wageningen University & Research #328
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam #711
Erasmus University Rotterdam #793
University of Amsterdam #825

Best Universities in Netherlands for Clinical Medicine

Few good universities in Netherlands for clinical medicine are tabulated below

Universities US News- Clinical Medicine-
Erasmus University Rotterdam #39
University of Amsterdam #40
University of Groningen #60
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam #62
Leiden University #79
Maastricht University #84
Utrecht University #90
Radboud University Nijmegen #101
Wageningen University & Research #278
University of Twente #543
Eindhoven University of Technology #823
Tilburg University #928
Delft University of Technology #964

Top Economics and Business Universities in Netherlands

The top universities in the Netherlands for economics and business, based on their reputation and research in the field, are tabulated below.

University US News- Business and Economics
Erasmus University Rotterdam #10
Tilburg University #27
University of Groningen #50
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam #55
University of Amsterdam #56
Maastricht University #71
Utrecht University #140
Wageningen University & Research #215

Top Universities in Netherlands for Masters

Some of the top universities in Netherlands for international students and their popular masters programs, along with their cut-off scores are presented below.

Top Colleges in Netherlands Popular Programs Annual Tuition Fees Cut-off scores
Delft University of Technology MS in Architecture 21,515 TOEFL: 90
Wageningen University & Research MS in Landscape Architecture 20,600 TOEFL: 92
Leiden University MS in Data Science 19,600 IELTS: 7.0
University of Groningen MS in Artificial Intelligence 16,700 IELTS: 6.5
Erasmus University Rotterdam MS in Business Analytics 22,500 IELTS: 7.0 GMAT: 600
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam MS in Business Analytics 13,490 TOEFL: 92
Maastricht University MS in Data Science 19,100 IELTS: 6.5
Eindhoven University of Technology MS in Architectural Urban Design 19,300 IELTS: 6.5
University of Twente MSc in Business Administration 17,000 TOEFL: 90
Utrecht University MS in Artificial Intelligence 20,042 IELTS: 7.0

Note: 1 EUR= 90.46 INR as of May 20, 2024

Admission Requirements for the Best Colleges in the Netherlands for MS

To get into the best universities in Netherlands for masters, you need to have the below-mentioned requirements

  • Minimum 75% during graduation
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation
  • A clear and relevant essay in English (1,000 – 1,500 words)
  • Resume/ CV
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency in exams to study in the Netherlands
  • Official Transcripts
  • Proof of Identity (passport)
  • Netherlands Student Visa

Best Dutch University for Undergraduate Programs

All Dutch universities teach more than 40 different undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in English, and some – such as Leiden University – teach well over 100 degrees in English. We have listed some universities and their popular undergraduate programs here for your reference.

Top Colleges in Netherlands Popular Program Annual Tuition Fees Cut-off
The Hague University of Applied Sciences BS in Industrial Engineering 9,889 IELTS: 6.0
United International Business Schools BA in Design Management 18,675 TOEFL score: 79
Royal Academy of Art BA in Interior Architecture 10,792 IELTS: 6.0
Breda University of Applied Sciences BS in Creative Media and Game Technology 13,130 IELTS: 6.0
School of Business and Economics, Maastricht University BA in Global Studies 13,500 TOEFL: 80
Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) BS in International Business Administration 11,600 IELTS score: 6.0
Utrecht University BS in Economics 12,598 IELTS: 7.0
University of Twente BS in Industrial Design 12,875 TOEFL: 90
Eindhoven University of Technology BS in Architecture 13,300 IELTS: 6.5
Maastricht University BS in Economics 13,500 IELTS: 6.0

Note: 1 EUR= 90.46 INR as of May 20, 2024

Admission Requirements for UG Programs in Best Colleges in Netherlands

The admission requirements for UG programs at the best colleges in Netherlands are as follows

  • Higher secondary diploma or equivalent (60% marks minimum)
  • TOEFL at least 550 (paper based) or 213 (internet based);
  • IELTS at least 6.0
  • Personal statement to study in Netherlands
  • Netherlands Student visa

Top B Schools in Netherlands for MBA

Average annual tuition fees cost around 15,000 EUR- 65,000 EUR at the top b schools in Netherlands. After an MBA in Netherlands, you can earn INR 46.70 Lakh as an entry-level employee. Few of the best business schools in Netherlands are tabulated below along with their fees and IELTS requirements.

Top B Schools in Netherlands Annual Tuition Fees IELTS Score Documents Required
Tilburg University- TIAS School for Business and Society 41,500 6.5 SOP, LOR, CV assessment
Erasmus University- Rotterdam School of Management 64,000 6.5 Official Transcripts, One prepared essay, CV or LinkedIn profile, Two referees, Satisfactory GMAT
Maastricht School of Management 33,000 6.5 Official Transcripts, One prepared essay, CV or LinkedIn profile, Two employer letters of recommendation, a letter of motivation of at least 3-4 pages
Amsterdam Business School 46,000 7.0 3 essays of 250 words based on prompts given by a university (3rd is optional), GRE/GMAT test scores (recommended), Contact information of 2 references
University of Groningen 17,800 6.5 Official Transcripts, One prepared essay, CV

Note: 1 EUR= 90.46 INR as of May 20, 2024

Admission Requirements for Top Business Schools in Netherlands for MBA

A bachelor's degree and a satisfactory GRE/GMAT score are required to apply for an MBA in the Netherlands. Students can apply directly through the university’s application portal. The basic admission requirements for MBA in the Netherlands that students must fulfill are:

  • Have a bachelor's degree or equivalent.
  • Have a GMAT or GRE or equivalent entrance exam test score (recommended, not necessary for all universities)
  • Have work Experience (Not Mandatory, varies with the university).
  • English language proficiency
    • IELTS: 6.0
    • TOEFL (iBT): 80 (approx)

Netherlands Student Visa

Although universities apply for student visas in the Netherlands, international students must fulfill certain basic requirements to make sure that their visa is accepted. The cost of a student visa in the Netherlands is 210 EUR. However, the basic requirements include the following

  • Accepted by one of the best universities in Netherlands for international students
  • Supporting documents should be legalized and translated into Dutch, English, French, or German.
  • Have sufficient income to financially support your stay in the Netherlands – including your tuition fee.
  • Minimum language proficiency in English and other exams to study in Netherlands

Highest Paying Careers in Netherlands

As per Statista, employees in the Netherlands earned roughly 36,500 EUR per year. Some of the highest paying professions and their average annual salaries in jobs in Netherlands are presented below

Job Roles Average Monthly Salary in EUR
Surgeons/ Doctors 17,800
Judges 14,900
Lawyer 12,100
Bank Managers 11,400
Chief Executive Officers 10,700
CFO 10,000
Orthodontists 9,660
College Professors 8,610
Pilots 7,200
Marketing Directors 6,490

Note: 1 EUR= 90.46 INR as of May 20, 2024

Part-time Jobs in Netherlands

International students can only work 10 hours a week throughout the year or full-time in June, July, and August. But you can not do both. Dutch public health insurance is mandatory for all the part-time workers in the Netherlands. Cashiers at supermarkets, Hotel Receptionist, Private tutor are among the popular part-time jobs in Netherlands.

You can consider the aforementioned details while choosing the best uni in Netherlands. Check for the intakes, tuition fees and entry requirements before applying. There are application fees to be paid when applying to Holland top universities, ranging from 75 to 100 EUR.

FAQs

Ques: Which are the top universities in the Netherlands?

Ans: The top universities in the Netherlands include Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Leiden University, Utrecht University, and Wageningen University & Research. These institutions are renowned for their high academic standards and research output.

Ques: What is the language of instruction at Dutch universities?

Ans: While many undergraduate programs are taught in Dutch, a significant number of Master's programs and some Bachelor's programs are offered in English. Universities like the University of Amsterdam, TU Delft, and Utrecht University have extensive English-taught programs.

Ques: What are the tuition fees for international students in the Netherlands?

Ans: Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students range from €6,000 to €15,000 per year for Bachelor's programs and €8,000 to €20,000 per year for Master's programs. Fees vary depending on the university and the program of study.

Ques: How can I apply to Dutch universities?

Ans: Applications are submitted through the Studielink platform. Each university has its own specific requirements, which generally include academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (like IELTS or TOEFL scores), a motivation letter, and sometimes an interview or portfolio for certain programs.

Ques: What are the living costs for students in the Netherlands?

Ans: The cost of living for a student in the Netherlands is around €800 to €1,200 per month. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, books, and other personal expenses. Amsterdam is generally more expensive compared to other cities like Groningen or Enschede.

Ques: Are scholarships available for international students?

Ans: Several scholarships are available for international students, such as the Holland Scholarship, Erasmus Mundus, and university-specific scholarships like the Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship or the TU Delft Excellence Scholarship. It's advisable to check each university’s website for specific funding opportunities.

Ques: What is the housing situation like for students?

Ans: Student housing can be competitive, especially in major cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht. Universities often offer assistance through housing services, but many students also find accommodation through private rentals or student housing organizations like DUWO. It's important to start your housing search early.

Ques: Can international students work while studying in the Netherlands?

Ans: International students can work while studying. EU/EEA students have no restrictions, while non-EU/EEA students can work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during the summer months (June to August). A work permit is required for non-EU/EEA students.

Ques: How is the quality of education and research in Dutch universities?

Ans: Dutch universities are known for their high-quality education and research. They consistently rank high in global university rankings such as QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education. The education system emphasizes critical thinking, practical learning, and collaboration.

Ques: What is student life like in the Netherlands?

Ans: Student life in the Netherlands is vibrant and diverse. Universities offer a wide range of student associations, clubs, and sports facilities. Dutch cities are known for their high quality of life, safety, and excellent public transportation. Additionally, the Netherlands’ central location in Europe makes it easy for students to travel and explore other countries.

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Found 23 universities

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CD RankCollege InfoTuition Fees & living Cost(Avg.)Top CoursesRanking & Reviews
#1Delft University of Technology logo

Delft University of Technology, Delft

South Holland, Netherlands82%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $22.8K/Yr (€21,078/Yr)Living$11K/Yr (€10,200/Yr)Admission M.S Architecture, Urbanism and B...TOEFL90$23.2K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
43+ More Programs
8.0/10(4 Users)Ranked 48 by THE in 2024Ranked 49 by QS in 2025
#2University of Amsterdam logo

University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam

North Holland, Netherlands4%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $28.7K/Yr (€26,600/Yr)Living$999/Yr (€925/Yr)Admission M.B.AGMAT680TOEFL92$35.6K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
109+ More Programs
5.5/10(3 Users)Ranked 61 by THE in 2024Ranked 55 by QS in 2025
#3Wageningen University & Research logo

Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen

Gelderland, Netherlands14%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $21.6K/Yr (€19,992/Yr)Admission M.S Landscape Architecture and P...TOEFL92$22.2K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
37+ More Programs
6.8/10(3 Users)Ranked 64 by THE in 2024Ranked 155 by QS in 2025
#4Leiden University logo

Leiden University, Leiden

South Holland, Netherlands63%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $22.9K/Yr (€21,188/Yr)Living$1.1K/Yr (€1,006/Yr)Admission M.S Data Science: Computer Scien...IELTS7$22.9K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
147+ More Programs
6.0/10(2 Users)Ranked 77 by THE in 2024Ranked 141 by QS in 2025
#5University of Groningen logo

University of Groningen, Groningen

Groningen, Netherlands50%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $21.7K/Yr (€20,112/Yr)Living$972/Yr (€900/Yr)Admission M.S Artificial IntelligenceIELTS6.5$26.1K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
88+ More Programs
8.7/10(5 Users)Ranked 79 by THE in 2024Ranked 159 by QS in 2025
#6Erasmus University Rotterdam logo

Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam

South Holland, Netherlands45%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $21.5K/Yr (€19,909/Yr)Living$1.1K/Yr (€1,000/Yr)Admission M.S Business Analytics and Manag...GMAT600IELTS7$24.3K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
56+ More Programs
6.7/10(1 User)Ranked 99 by THE in 2024Ranked 158 by QS in 2025
#7Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam logo

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam

North Holland, Netherlands40%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $14.6K/Yr (€13,490/Yr)Living$810/Yr (€750/Yr)Admission M.S Business AnalyticsTOEFL92$14.6K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
97+ More Programs
6.8/10(1 User)Ranked 125 by THE in 2024Ranked 221 by QS in 2025
#8Maastricht University logo

Maastricht University, Maastricht

Limburg, Netherlands53%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $17.5K/Yr (€16,205/Yr)Living$3.4K/Yr (€3,130/Yr)Admission M.S Data Science for Decision Ma...IELTS6.5$20.6K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
53+ More Programs
6.0/10(1 User)Ranked 138 by THE in 2024Ranked 230 by QS in 2025
#9Eindhoven University of Technology logo

Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven

North Brabant, Netherlands50%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $19.4K/Yr (€17,942/Yr)Admission M.S Architectural Urban Design a...IELTS6.5$20.8K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
52+ More Programs
8.8/10(5 Users)Ranked 168 by THE in 2024Ranked 136 by QS in 2025
#10University of Twente logo

University of Twente, Enschede

Overijssel, Netherlands51%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $16.8K/Yr (€15,533/Yr)Admission M.Sc Business AdministrationTOEFL90$18.4K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
44+ More Programs
7.5/10(8 Users)Ranked 184 by THE in 2024Ranked 233 by QS in 2025
#11Utrecht University logo

Utrecht University, Utrecht

Utrecht, Netherlands4%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $22.2K/Yr (€20,598/Yr)Living$1.2K/Yr (€1,100/Yr)Admission M.S Artificial IntelligenceIELTS7$25.7K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
64+ More Programs
6.2/10(2 Users)Ranked 105 by QS in 2025Ranked 54 by ARWU in 2022
#12Radboud University logo

Radboud University, Nijmegen

Gelderland, Netherlands75%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $2.7K/Yr (€2,530/Yr)Admission M.S Data ScienceIELTS6$2.7K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
72+ More Programs
5.8/10(2 Users)Ranked 272 by QS in 2025Ranked 101 by ARWU in 2022
#13Tilburg University logo

Tilburg University, Tilburg

North Brabant, Netherlands60%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $14.6K/Yr (€13,499/Yr)Admission M.S Cognitive Science and Artifi...GMAT550TOEFL90$13.5K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
69+ More Programs
Ranked 347 by QS in 2025Ranked 601 by ARWU in 2022
#14Amsterdam Business School logo

Amsterdam Business School, Amsterdam

North Holland, Netherlands4%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $31K/Yr (€28,700/Yr)Admission M.B.AGMAT680TOEFL92$35.6K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
10+ More Programs
Ranked 489 by FORBES in 2019
#15Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) logo

Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM), Rotterdam

South Holland, Netherlands53%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $23.3K/Yr (€21,585/Yr)Admission M.S Business Analytics and Manag...GMAT600IELTS7$24.3K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
19+ More Programs
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#16School of Business and Economics, Maastricht University logo

School of Business and Economics, Maastricht University, Maastricht

Limburg, Netherlands47%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $17K/Yr (€15,730/Yr)Admission M.A Business Intelligence and Sm...GMAT650TOEFL80$17.9K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
26+ More Programs
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#17Maastricht School of Management logo

Maastricht School of Management, Maastricht

Limburg, Netherlands73%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $22.9K/Yr (€21,160/Yr)Living$8.9K/Yr (€8,205/Yr)Admission M.B.AGMAT600TOEFL88PTE59$35.6K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
9+ More Programs
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#18Breda University of Applied Sciences logo

Breda University of Applied Sciences, Breda

North Brabant, Netherlands57%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $2.8K/Yr (€2,565/Yr)Admission M.B.A ImagineeringIELTS6$2.7K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
17+ More Programs
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#19Royal Academy of Art, The Hague logo

Royal Academy of Art, The Hague, The Hague

South Holland, Netherlands69%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $11.7K/Yr (€10,792/Yr)Admission M.A Interior Architecture (INSID...IELTS6$11.7K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
11+ More Programs
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#20United International Business Schools logo

United International Business Schools, Amsterdam

North Holland, Netherlands70%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $39K/Yr (€36,085/Yr)Admission M.A Design ManagementTOEFL79$30.6K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
23+ More Programs
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#21The Hague University of Applied Sciences logo

The Hague University of Applied Sciences, The Hague

South Holland, Netherlands77%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $13.6K/Yr (€12,623/Yr)Admission M.B.AGMAT500IELTS6.0$19.5K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
2+ More Programs
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#22Nyenrode Business Universiteit logo

Nyenrode Business Universiteit, Breukelen

Utrecht, Netherlands88%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $35K/Yr (€32,400/Yr)Admission M.S ManagementIELTS6.5$35K/Yr
Course duration: 16 months
Programs
7.3/10(1 User)