A Guide to Masters Study in the Netherlands: 2026 Guide

You can study a Masters degree at one of 70 world-renowned universities in the Netherlands. They usually take two years to complete and include a more substantial research element. The academic year usually runs between September and June ending in a dissertation submission. You’ll need to have an undergraduate degree to apply and submit a personal statement, references, transcripts and sometimes a research proposal. International students will also need to submit a language test and apply for an entry visa and/or permit.

Famous for its windmills, canals and picturesque cities, the Netherlands also has a proud history of international education and cultural exchange.

This guide is your one-stop-shop for everything postgraduate study abroad in the Netherlands.

I'll take you through how Masters degrees work in the Dutch university system, how to apply for them, how to get a student visa if you need one and what life might look like once you start your course.

Universities in the Netherlands

There are three main types of universities in the Netherlands.

• Research universities focus on carrying out new research and scholarship. They typically offer more academic Masters programmes, but professional courses are also available. 
• Universities of applied science or hogescholen focus more on professional and vocational Masters degrees with opportunities for internships, placements and other hands-on experience.
• Institutes for international education focus on intercultural education and knowledge exchange.

Knowing the differences between these institutions can help guide your search for a Dutch Masters degree, but don’t worry too much about them. If a university offers a Masters degree you're interested in, it's probably the right university for you!

These are the top five universities in the Netherlands, according to Times Higher Education world rankings:

1. Delft University of Technology
2. University of Amsterdam
3. Wageningen University and Research
4. Leiden University
5. University of Groningen

Masters course types in the Netherlands

Postgraduate courses in the Netherlands typically award an MA (Master of Arts) or MSc (Master of Science).

However, they might include a substantial research component (unlike an MA and MSc in the UK), particularly when offered as a two-year Masters at a research university.

Universities of applied science tend to award more specialised professional programmes. These are often longer courses, with additional internships, placements and other opportunities for hands-on practical training.

Academic year

The Dutch academic year usually runs between September and June.

The summer holiday period (between June and September) is reserved for internships or for work on a dissertation.

Teaching and assessment

Dutch universities operate on a student-centred teaching philosophy with a focus on teamwork and intellectual exchange.

The standard grading system follows a ten-point structure, running from 'very poor' at one to 'outstanding' at ten. In practice, most work is awarded a grade between four and eight.

The final grade for your course will be based on the credit weighting of its individual components, including academic modules, practical placements and / or a final research project and dissertation (as relevant).

Accreditation

Masters degrees from the Netherlands are internationally recognised by both employers and academics. In addition, all are accredited by the NVAO (Netherlands and Flemish Accreditation Organisation) to ensure the course content meets recognised standards for both academic and real-world relevance.

You should check that the Masters degree programme you're applying to is accredited by the NVAO to confirm that your postgraduate qualification is recognised outside of the Netherlands.

Application process for a Masters in the Netherlands

Some universities accept applications directly. Others will require you to use a service called Studielink.

Your first step should be to find out how your university would like you to apply. You can do this by finding a Dutch Masters and checking its details here on FindAMasters.

• If your university accepts direct applications you can begin your application by sending an email enquiry or visiting the course website, using the links in our programme listings.
• If your university requires international students to pre-register you will need to apply using the Studielink website.

Requirements

Dutch universities will usually expect Masters applicants to hold a Bachelors degree (or equivalent in a relevant subject area).

You may also be asked to submit additional materials with your application, such as a personal statement, academic transcripts and references.

Applications to research Masters programmes may require you to submit a research proposal outlining your prospective project goals and your preparedness for independent work.

You may also be asked to take part in an interview (which can sometimes be conducted over the phone for overseas students).

Language requirements

The Netherlands was the first non-native English-speaking country to teach courses in English. Now, many Masters courses are available in either English or Dutch.

• Programmes in English will require an English language test such as the IELTS and TOEFL. You will normally need a minimum TOEFL score of 90 (internet-based) or an IELTS score of 6.5 or more.
• Programmes in Dutch will require a Dutch language test such as the NV2 or CNaVT. Alternatively, you could provide evidence of proficiency in Dutch, such as an existing qualification completed in the language.

Application deadlines

Universities will set their own deadlines for applications.

Remember that applying to study abroad can take time – particularly if you also need to apply for a visa to study in the Netherlands. Aim to begin your application roughly a year before your course start date.

Applying for a residence permit (VVR) without an entry visa

This is for students from Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, Vatican City or the USA.

Your university will apply for a residence permit (VVR) on your behalf, dealing with the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) directly.

You don’t need an entry visa.

You’ll submit the relevant documentation through a digital system maintained by your prospective university.

You’ll need:

• A copy of your passport
• Proof of your financial means to cover living costs and tuition fees
• An antecedence certificate, essentially declaring that you don’t have a criminal record
• Your health insurance policy
• Tuberculosis test declaration

You’ll also need to pay an application fee of €210.

Applications usually take between two to six weeks, and your university will inform you via email when it’s approved.

Applying for an entry visa (MVV) and a residence permit (VVR)

You can apply for an entry visa (MVV) and residence permit (VVR) through a combined process called the TEV procedure.

The first step is to apply for a residence permit. You’ll begin the application process with your university. 

You’ll need:

• A copy of your passport
• Proof of your financial means to cover living costs and tuition fees
• An antecedence certificate, essentially declaring that you don’t have a criminal record
• Your health insurance policy
• Tuberculosis test declaration

You’ll also need to provide original copies of your bank statements and pay an application fee of €210.

You’ll usually hear back in two to six weeks. Once your application is approved, you can make an appointment to apply for a Dutch entry visa (MVV) at your nearest Dutch embassy or consulate.

Make sure you have your passport for this appointment and you’ll also need to provide your signature, fingerprints and a photograph.

You should be able to collect your passport with the MVV sticker after about five days.

You’ll need to visit the local IND office to collect your residence permit once you arrive in the Netherlands.

Financial requirements

If you’re applying for an entry visa and / or a residence permit, you’ll need to provide proof that you can support yourself financially for the first year of your course. 

The exact amount you need to show depends on the kind of visa/permit you’re applying for.

You’ll need to submit this with the rest of your application. It can be in the form of a bank statement or a scholarship offer. 

Registering with the local Dutch council

All foreign students need to register with their local Dutch council once they have arrived in the country.

EU and EEA students do this after being registered with the IND by their university. 

Other students do so after successfully receiving their visa and residence permit.

You will normally need to present proof of identity (including your passport and a certified copy of your birth certificate) as well as a record of your accommodation in the Netherlands.

This is also how you’ll get a burgerservicenummer (BSN) – your Dutch social security number. You’ll need one to be able to work, open a bank account and access healthcare.

Health insurance

All students in the Netherlands must have some form of medical insurance, valid for the duration of their course.

The source of this will depend upon your age and nationality:

• EU and EEA nationals will usually be covered by an existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This will entitle you to healthcare in the Netherlands. 
• Other students will usually need to take out private healthcare insurance (unless covered by an existing healthcare policy that is valid in the Netherlands).

Student health insurance requirements may vary slightly if you intend to take up employment alongside your studies. In such cases you may need to pay for a Dutch public healthcare insurance policy, regardless of your nationality and existing cover.

For more information, you can consult the detailed guidance provided by Nuffic (the Netherland's Organisation for International Cooperation).

Frequently Asked Questions