Universities in Netherlands

Top 30 Universities and Colleges in Netherlands
 

Top 20 Universities and Colleges in Amsterdam
 

Average Tuition Fees of Universities in Netherlands
 

For EU/EEA Students:

• Bachelor's and Master's Programs:

  • Public universities typically charge around €2,209 per year for most programs in the 2023-2024 academic year. This is the statutory fee set by the government.

  • Private universities or specialized programs, especially those in business or medicine, may charge significantly higher fees.

• PhD Programs: PhD students in the Netherlands are often considered employees rather than students, meaning they do not pay tuition and instead receive a salary. However, this depends on the funding arrangement and the specific institution.

For Non-EU/EEA Students:

• Bachelor's and Master's Programs:

  • Tuition fees can range widely from about €6,000 to €20,000 per year, depending on the university and program. Programs in medicine, sciences, and engineering often have higher tuition fees compared to humanities or social sciences.

  • Some specialized business schools or programs can charge upwards of €30,000 per year.

• PhD Programs: As with EU students, many PhD students are considered staff and are paid a salary instead of tuition fees. However, non-EU students not employed by the university might have to pay tuition, which can vary significantly.

Acceptance Rate of Indian and International Students of Universities in Netherlands
 

1. Type of Institution

• Research Universities: These universities often have more competitive admission processes, especially for popular and prestigious programs like Medicine, Business, or Engineering. Acceptance rates can be relatively low for highly competitive programs.

• Universities of Applied Sciences: These institutions are typically more vocational and may have higher acceptance rates compared to research universities. They offer more practical training and are slightly easier to get into for most programs.

2. Program Popularity and Selectivity

• Programs such as International Business, Computer Science, and Engineering might have lower acceptance rates due to high demand, especially from international students including those from India.

• Arts and humanities programs might be less competitive in terms of the number of applicants, but they still maintain high standards for admission.

3. Acceptance Rates

• Generally, Dutch universities do not widely publish specific acceptance rates as seen in countries like the United States. However, for international students, the acceptance rate can be inferred to some extent based on the competitiveness of the program.

• For programs that are taught in English and attract a large volume of international applicants, the selection process can be more rigorous.

4. Specific Data for Indian Students

• Direct statistics for acceptance rates specifically for Indian students are not commonly available. The acceptance rate for Indian students would generally align with international standards within specific programs.

• Engineering, science, and business programs are popular among Indian students and can be competitive. Universities like the University of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology, and Eindhoven University of Technology are known for their rigorous selection criteria.

5. Application Requirements

• The admission process for international students often requires additional steps, such as English language proficiency tests (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL), entrance exams, interviews, or specific qualifications such as the GRE or GMAT for certain postgraduate programs.

• Meeting or exceeding these requirements significantly improves the chances of acceptance.

6. General Acceptance Rates

• Anecdotal evidence suggests that if you meet the program requirements and have a good academic record, the likelihood of acceptance is generally favorable. Dutch universities aim to attract international talent, and there isn't a cap on the number of international students they can admit, unlike in some other countries.

Application and Admission Process of Universities in Netherlands
 

For Bachelor’s Programs:

1. Choose Your Program: Research and select the universities and specific bachelor's programs you're interested in. Consider factors like curriculum, tuition fees, campus life, and location.

2. Check Requirements: Each program will have specific requirements, including language proficiency (often English), prior education (e.g., a high school diploma equivalent to the Dutch VWO diploma), and possibly specific subjects or grades.

3. Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers generally need to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores to prove their English proficiency.

4. Application Portal: Apply through the centralized Dutch application portal, Studielink, where you can manage your applications to institutions across the Netherlands.

5. Supplementary Application: Some programs may require you to complete a supplementary application directly with the university, which might include motivational letters, CVs, or portfolios.

6. Meet Deadlines: Application deadlines can vary; however, they typically fall around January 15 for programs starting the following academic year in September. Some programs also have a later deadline, such as May 1. Numerus fixus (limited enrollment) programs have earlier and strict deadlines, usually January 15.

7. Wait for Admission Decision: After submitting your application, the next step is to wait for an admission decision. This can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the university and the program.

For Master’s and PhD Programs:

1. Choose Your Program: As with bachelor's programs, start by selecting the university and the specific master's or PhD program. Consider the research interests, faculty, department strength, and funding opportunities.

2. Check Entry Requirements: These can include a relevant bachelor’s degree, specific grades, GMAT/GRE scores (especially for business-related programs), and research proposals for PhD candidates.

3. Language and Additional Requirements: Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) is mandatory. Some programs might require knowledge of Dutch, depending on the field of study.

4. Direct Application to the University: Most master’s and all PhD applications are submitted directly through the university’s own application system.

5. Documentation: This often includes transcripts, a CV, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and sometimes a research proposal (mainly for PhD applicants).

6. Interviews: Particularly for PhD and research-based master’s programs, you might be invited to interview with potential supervisors or admissions committees.

7. Funding and Scholarships: Check for opportunities for scholarships or research funding early in the application process, as these might have separate applications and deadlines.

Top 20 Public Universities in Netherlands
 

1. University of Amsterdam (UvA)

   • Location: Amsterdam

   • Notable for: Broad range of disciplines, strong in social sciences, humanities, and law.

2. Leiden University

   • Location: Leiden

   • Notable for: Oldest university in the Netherlands, strong in arts, humanities, and natural sciences.

3. Utrecht University

   • Location: Utrecht

   • Notable for: Wide array of programs, strong research output, particularly in life and geosciences.

4. Erasmus University Rotterdam

   • Location: Rotterdam

   • Notable for: Excellent business school (Rotterdam School of Management), health sciences, and social sciences.

5. Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

   • Location: Delft

   • Notable for: Leading in engineering and technology.

6. University of Groningen

   • Location: Groningen

   • Notable for: Broad range of programs, pioneering research in space sciences, sustainable energy.

7. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)

   • Location: Amsterdam

   • Notable for: Strong in medical sciences, life sciences, and social sciences.

8. Radboud University

   • Location: Nijmegen

   • Notable for: Research in neuroscience, strong in humanities and social sciences.

9. Maastricht University

   • Location: Maastricht

   • Notable for: Innovative teaching methods, strong focus on internationalism and European studies.

10. Wageningen University & Research

    • Location: Wageningen

    • Notable for: World-leading in agricultural and environmental sciences.

11. Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)

    • Location: Eindhoven

    • Notable for: Focus on engineering, technology, and design.

12. Tilburg University

    • Location: Tilburg

    • Notable for: Specialization in economics, business, law, and social sciences.

13. University of Twente

    • Location: Enschede

    • Notable for: Emphasis on social sciences integrated with technology and engineering.

14. Open University of the Netherlands

    • Location: Heerlen

    • Notable for: Distance learning in humanities, social sciences, computer science, and law.

15. Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences

    • Location: Amsterdam

    • Notable for: Applied sciences with a focus on practical and professional education.

16. Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences

    • Location: Rotterdam

    • Notable for: Strong focus on applied sciences in economics, engineering, health.

17. HAN University of Applied Sciences

    • Location: Arnhem and Nijmegen

    • Notable for: Applied sciences in health, social studies, engineering.

18. Fontys University of Applied Sciences

    • Location: Various, including Eindhoven and Tilburg

    • Notable for: Wide range of vocational training programs in arts, sciences, technology.

19. The Hague University of Applied Sciences

    • Location: The Hague

    • Notable for: Programs in public administration, international relations, and health sciences.

20. HZ University of Applied Sciences

    • Location: Vlissingen

    • Notable for: Strong focus on engineering, water management, and logistics.

Top 20 Private Universities in Netherlands
 

1. Nyenrode Business University

   • Location: Breukelen

   • Notable for: Exclusive business school with a focus on business administration and management.

2. TIAS School for Business and Society

   • Location: Tilburg and Utrecht

   • Notable for: MBA programs and executive education.

3. Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences

   • Location: Apeldoorn

   • Notable for: International business, hospitality, and management programs.

4. Webster University Leiden

   • Location: Leiden

   • Notable for: American-style education, offering undergraduate and graduate programs.

5. The New School for Information Services

   • Location: Amsterdam

   • Notable for: IT and computer science education.

6. Design Academy Eindhoven

   • Location: Eindhoven

   • Notable for: One of the world's leading design schools.

7. Hotel School The Hague

   • Location: The Hague

   • Notable for: Hospitality management and business programs.

8. Amsterdam Fashion Institute (AMFI)

   • Location: Amsterdam

   • Notable for: Fashion design, branding, and management programs.

9. EuroPort Business School

   • Location: Rotterdam

   • Notable for: Business studies with a practical approach.

10. Amsterdam School of the Arts

    • Location: Amsterdam

    • Notable for: Various arts disciplines including theater, dance, music, and fine arts.

11. Kampen Theological University

    • Location: Kampen

    • Notable for: Theology and religious studies.

12. University of Humanistic Studies

    • Location: Utrecht

    • Notable for: Humanistic philosophy, ethics, and educational programs.

13. Breda University of Applied Sciences

    • Location: Breda

    • Notable for: Specialized in hospitality, logistics, built environment, and games.

14. Business School Netherlands

    • Location: Buren

    • Notable for: Practical MBA programs.

15. IHE Delft Institute for Water Education

    • Location: Delft

    • Notable for: Graduate education in water and environment (Note: technically a non-profit international education institution).

16. Maastricht School of Management

    • Location: Maastricht

    • Notable for: MBA programs and management studies.

17. Rotterdam Business School

    • Location: Rotterdam

    • Notable for: International business and management programs.

18. Amsterdam Institute of Technology

    • Location: Amsterdam

    • Notable for: Technology and IT-focused programs.

19. Conservatorium van Amsterdam

    • Location: Amsterdam

    • Notable for: Music performance, composition, and education.

20. HAN University of Applied Sciences

    • Location: Arnhem and Nijmegen

    • Notable for: Applied sciences in health, social studies, engineering.

Top 20 Universities in Netherlands for Bachelor Course Program
 

1. University of Amsterdam (UvA)

   • Renowned for arts and social sciences, economics, and law.

2. Leiden University

   • Known for humanities, law, and natural sciences.

3. Utrecht University

   • Strong in life sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

4. Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

   • Leading in engineering and technology programs.

5. Erasmus University Rotterdam

   • Famous for its business school (Rotterdam School of Management) and medical center.

6. University of Groningen

   • Offers a wide range of programs, including liberal arts and sciences at University College Groningen.

7. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)

   • Known for its programs in life sciences, business, and law.

8. Wageningen University & Research

   • Top for agricultural, environmental, and food sciences.

9. Maastricht University

   • Renowned for its problem-based learning system and strong international orientation.

10. Radboud University

    • Offers strong programs in social sciences, arts, and medical sciences.

11. Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)

    • Specializes in engineering, technology, and design-based programs.

12. Tilburg University

    • Known for social sciences, economics, law, and business studies.

13. University of Twente

    • Offers a variety of engineering and social sciences programs, known for its entrepreneurial focus.

14. University College Utrecht (UCU)

    • Provides a liberal arts and sciences program, taught entirely in English.

15. University College Maastricht (UCM)

    • Another top choice for liberal arts and sciences, known for its international and diverse student body.

16. Amsterdam University College (AUC)

    • Offers a liberal arts and sciences program, focusing on science, social sciences, and humanities.

17. The Hague University of Applied Sciences

    • Known for its international business and management programs.

18. Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences

    • Offers strong programs in applied sciences, including engineering and economics.

19. Fontys University of Applied Sciences

    • Provides a wide range of vocational bachelors programs in engineering, social sciences, health, and arts.

20. HAN University of Applied Sciences

    • Offers quality programs in health, social studies, and applied sciences.

Top 20 Universities in Netherlands for Master Course Program
 

1. Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

   • Specialized in engineering and technology.

2. University of Amsterdam (UvA)

   • Strong in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

3. Wageningen University & Research

   • Renowned for its programs in life, social, and environmental sciences.

4. Leiden University

   • Known for humanities, medical sciences, and law.

5. Utrecht University

   • Offers diverse programs in humanities, science, and social sciences.

6. Erasmus University Rotterdam

   • Famous for its Rotterdam School of Management and medical programs.

7. University of Groningen

   • Offers a broad range of disciplines, with strengths in medical sciences, economics, and psychology.

8. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)

   • Strong in business, law, and life sciences.

9. Maastricht University

   • Known for its innovative, problem-based learning system. Strong in business, arts, and health sciences.

10. Radboud University

    • Offers strong programs in sciences, social sciences, and arts.

11. Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)

    • Specialized in engineering, technology, and design-oriented programs.

12. Tilburg University

    • Renowned for its programs in economics, law, and social sciences.

13. University of Twente

    • Known for its engineering and social sciences integration.

14. Nyenrode Business University

    • Exclusively offers business and management programs including a well-respected MBA.

15. Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC)

    • Offers specialized medical and biomedical programs.

16. Amsterdam School of the Arts

    • Provides master's programs in fine arts, music, and dance.

17. The Hague University of Applied Sciences

    • Known for its master's programs in international relations, public administration, and health.

18. Design Academy Eindhoven

    • Specialized in industrial and graphic design.

19. Roosevelt Academy

    • Offers liberal arts and sciences programs with a focus on interdisciplinary studies.

20. Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS), Erasmus University Rotterdam

    • Offers specialized master’s degrees in urban management and development.

Top 20 Universities in Netherlands for PhD Course Program
 

1. Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

   • Specialized in engineering, technology, and design.

2. University of Amsterdam (UvA)

   • Strong in humanities, social sciences, sciences, and medicine.

3. Wageningen University & Research

   • World-leading in agricultural, environmental, and food sciences.

4. Leiden University

   • Known for biomedicine, law, and humanities.

5. Utrecht University

   • Offers a wide array of research areas, including veterinary science, humanities, and sciences.

6. Erasmus University Rotterdam

   • Renowned for medical sciences and health studies, particularly through the Erasmus MC.

7. University of Groningen

   • Offers diverse programs with strengths in physical sciences, life sciences, and humanities.

8. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)

   • Notable for its research in life sciences, business, and law.

9. Maastricht University

   • Known for its strong focus on health, neuroscience, and social sciences.

10. Radboud University

    • Particularly strong in medical, natural, and social sciences.

11. Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)

    • Focuses on technological innovations, engineering, and design.

12. Tilburg University

    • Specialized in social sciences, economics, and law.

13. University of Twente

    • Known for integrating technology with social sciences.

14. Nyenrode Business University

    • Provides PhD programs focusing on business and management research.

15. Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC)

    • Offers specialized medical and biomedical research.

16. Amsterdam Medical Center (AMC)

    • Strong in medical research, offering various PhD programs in clinical and health sciences.

17. The Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI)

    • Specialized in cancer research and oncology studies.

18. Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen

    • Offers unique PhD opportunities in psycholinguistics.

19. Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS), Erasmus University Rotterdam

    • Known for its research in urban management and development.

20. Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR), University of Amsterdam

    • Focuses on social sciences research across disciplines.

Best Universities for IT and Computer Science in Netherlands
 

1. Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

   • Known for its strong engineering focus, TU Delft offers excellent programs in computer science and information technology, emphasizing innovation and research.

2. Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)

   • Specializes in technology and engineering studies, with a strong emphasis on computer science and electrical engineering. It is well-regarded for its research and collaborations with high-tech industries.

3. University of Amsterdam (UvA)

   • Offers a solid Computer Science program with opportunities in artificial intelligence, computational science, and information systems. The UvA is also noted for its research output and facilities.

4. University of Twente

   • Features a multidisciplinary approach, blending technology with social sciences. The university offers unique specializations in areas like human-media interaction and cybersecurity.

5. Radboud University

   • Strong in the field of information sciences and computing. It has a good reputation for its research in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

6. Leiden University

   • While traditionally known for medicine and humanities, Leiden has developed a robust computer science department that focuses on algorithms, data mining, and theoretical computer science.

7. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)

   • The Computer Science department here is particularly strong in software engineering, enterprise information systems, and artificial intelligence.

8. University of Groningen

   • Offers a comprehensive Computer Science program with a strong emphasis on practical and theoretical aspects of computing.

9. Maastricht University

   • Though newer to the field compared to others, Maastricht offers innovative IT programs that focus on data-driven approaches for business and science.

10. Utrecht University

• Known for its theoretical foundations of computer science, Utrecht University also excels in game research and multimedia.

Top 10 Universities and Colleges in Netherlands for MBA (Business, Management and Economics)
 

Top 10 Universities in Netherlands and Colleges for MS (Engineering, Science and Technology)
 

Top 10 Universities in Netherlands and Colleges for Health Science, Medicine and Nursing
 

Top 10 Universities in Netherlands and Colleges for Art and Humanities
 

Top 10 Universities in Netherlands and Colleges for Media and Mass Communication
 

Top 10 Universities in Netherlands and Colleges for Hospitality, Tourism and Events
 

Top 10 Universities in Netherlands and Colleges for Art and Design
 

Top 10 Universities in Netherlands and Colleges for Building, Construction and Architecture
 

Top 10 Universities in Netherlands and Colleges for Law and Legal Studies
 

Top 10 Universities in Netherlands and Colleges for Computer Science, AI & Data Science
 

List of Free Tuition Fees Universities and Colleges in Netherlands 
 

1. University of Amsterdam (UvA)

   • City: Amsterdam

   • Tuition Fees: Approx. €2,209 (EU/EEA)

2. Leiden University

   • City: Leiden

   • Tuition Fees: Approx. €2,209 (EU/EEA)

3. Utrecht University

   • City: Utrecht

   • Tuition Fees: Approx. €2,209 (EU/EEA)

4. Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

   • City: Delft

   • Tuition Fees: Approx. €2,209 (EU/EEA)

5. Erasmus University Rotterdam

   • City: Rotterdam

   • Tuition Fees: Approx. €2,209 (EU/EEA)

6. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)

   • City: Amsterdam

   • Tuition Fees: Approx. €2,209 (EU/EEA)

7. University of Groningen

   • City: Groningen

   • Tuition Fees: Approx. €2,209 (EU/EEA)

8. Maastricht University

   • City: Maastricht

   • Tuition Fees: Approx. €2,209 (EU/EEA)

9. Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)

   • City: Eindhoven

   • Tuition Fees: Approx. €2,209 (EU/EEA)

10. Wageningen University & Research

    • City: Wageningen

    • Tuition Fees: Approx. €2,209 (EU/EEA)