Article 27.10.2026 2 min read

Study in the Netherlands 2026: Studielink, costs and housing

Study in the Netherlands: Studielink applications, English-taught programs, tuition, the housing problem and post-study work options.

Short answer: The Netherlands has one of Europe’s largest selections of English-taught programs. You apply through Studielink, tuition for non-EU students is roughly €8,000–€20,000 per year, and finding housing is the main challenge.

The country is small, but universities in Delft, Amsterdam, Leiden, Utrecht and Eindhoven rank high worldwide. This guide covers the essentials for applicants from Azerbaijan. Rules and amounts change, so verify on studyinnl.org.

Two types of institutions

Research universities (WO): academic and theoretical, leading to master’s and PhD.
Universities of applied sciences (HBO): practice-oriented with more internships.

Tuition and costs

Item	Approximate amount
Non-EU student, bachelor’s/master’s	~€8,000–20,000 / year (varies)
Living costs	~€900–1,400 / month (by city)
Health insurance	Separate monthly cost

Short scholarships such as the Holland Scholarship exist for students from outside the EU/EEA; check each university’s site for conditions.

How to apply

Choose a program and read the admission requirements.
Create a Studielink account and apply.
Upload documents in the university portal: diploma, transcript, language certificate, motivation letter.
Deadlines: typically 1 May for non-EU students, earlier for some programs. Always confirm with the program page.
Visa and residence permit: in most cases the university handles the MVV and residence permit for you.

Language requirements

English-taught programs usually ask for IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 or an equivalent TOEFL score.

Housing: the main problem

Student housing is scarce in big cities. Start searching as soon as you have an admission letter and apply to the university housing program.

Work and life after graduation

Students can usually work up to 16 hours a week during term and full-time in summer (verify the rule). After graduation a one-year orientation permit lets you look for a job.