The Top Universities in Netherlands attract thousands of international students every year due to high quality education, globally recognised degrees, strong research output, and numerous English taught programs. The Netherlands is one of the best countries in Europe for higher education with excellent opportunities for scholarships, practical learning, and strong employability after graduation. Dutch universities are consistently ranked in global university rankings and offer a wide range of Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programs in fields like engineering, business, law, agriculture, natural sciences, social sciences and more.
International students looking for Top Universities in Netherlands should understand that tuition fees vary widely based on program, nationality and university, but there are also many scholarships available to help reduce costs for international students. Scholarships in the Netherlands include government-funded and university funded awards that can cover tuition or provide stipends for living costs and travel expenses.
| University | Country | Approx. Annual Tuition (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Delft University of Technology | Netherlands | 12,000 – 20,000+ |
| University of Amsterdam | Netherlands | 9,000 – 25,000+ |
| Utrecht University | Netherlands | 9,000 – 20,000+ |
| Leiden University | Netherlands | 9,500 – 22,000+ |
| University of Groningen | Netherlands | 9,000 – 18,000+ |
| Maastricht University | Netherlands | 9,000 – 16,000+ |
| Wageningen University & Research | Netherlands | 9,000 – 18,000+ |
| Erasmus University Rotterdam | Netherlands | 9,000 – 18,000+ |
| Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam | Netherlands | 9,000 – 18,000+ |
| University of Twente | Netherlands | 9,000 – 18,000+ |
| Radboud University Nijmegen | Netherlands | 9,000 – 17,000+ |
| Tilburg University | Netherlands | 9,000 – 16,000+ |
| Amsterdam University College | Netherlands | ~13,790 |
| Hanze University of Applied Sciences | Netherlands | 9,000 – 14,000+ |
| Zuyd University of Applied Sciences | Netherlands | 8,000 – 12,000+ |
1. Delft University of Technology
Delft University of Technology is one of the oldest and most prestigious technical universities in Europe and a top choice among Top Universities in Netherlands for engineering, technology, and science programs. TU Delft offers the Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships for outstanding international students, providing funding for full tuition and a stipend. This scholarship is highly competitive and attracts top applicants globally. Tuition for international students varies per program but is typically in the higher range due to its strong research and technical reputation.
2. University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam is one of the largest research universities in the Netherlands and a top pick among the Top Universities in Netherlands with a broad choice of programs. The university offers scholarships like Amsterdam Merit Scholarship and Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship that help international students reduce tuition costs or cover part of their expenses. A variety of fields including humanities, social sciences, and business are available in English.
3. Utrecht University
Utrecht University is a globally recognised research institution and one of the best Top Universities in Netherlands for sciences, humanities and life sciences. It offers the Utrecht Excellence Scholarships for international students pursuing Master’s level studies. These scholarships can cover full tuition and provide additional grants for study costs.
4. Leiden University
Leiden University is one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands and features in top global universities making it a standout among Top Universities in Netherlands. The Leiden University Excellence Scholarship supports high achievers from non-EU/EEA countries with significant tuition assistance and partial fee waivers.
5. University of Groningen
The University of Groningen is a research-intensive university and part of the elite group of Top Universities in Netherlands with a rich international community. Scholarships such as the Eric Bleumink Scholarships offer fully funded opportunities including tuition, travel and insurance for excellent international Master’s students.
6. Maastricht University
Maastricht University is known for its international focus and problem-based learning approach. It is ranked among Top Universities in Netherlands and offers High Potential Scholarships that provide substantial funding covering tuition, living costs, health insurance and visa costs. These scholarships are competitive but highly supportive for those selected.
7. Wageningen University & Research
Wageningen University & Research is specialized in life sciences, agriculture, environment, and food sciences. It is one of the leading Top Universities in Netherlands globally and participates in scholarship opportunities like the Orange Knowledge Programme that supports selected Master’s and short-course international students.
8. Erasmus University Rotterdam
Erasmus University Rotterdam is well known for business, economics and management research and belongs to the premier Top Universities in Netherlands. The school offers scholarships such as partial MBA funding and other merit based funds that reduce tuition costs for international applicants.
9. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a research-intensive institution and recognized among Top Universities in Netherlands with numerous English-taught programs. The VU Fellowship Programme provides both full and partial funding supporting outstanding new students from abroad.
10. University of Twente
University of Twente is a leading research university known for innovation and is considered among the best Top Universities in Netherlands for technology and social sciences. The University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) provides generous financial support to top international Master’s students.
11. Radboud University Nijmegen
Radboud University is one of the respected Top Universities in Netherlands focusing on research and academic excellence. Scholarships here reduce tuition significantly for international students and make studies more affordable in Nijmegen.
12. Tilburg University
Tilburg University is well regarded for social sciences, economics and business studies and features among Top Universities in Netherlands that support international learning with diverse programs and a welcoming campus.
13. Amsterdam University College
Amsterdam University College is a liberal arts and sciences program supported by both the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. It offers scholarship funds that help a portion of international students with tuition reduction.
14. Hanze University of Applied Sciences
Hanze University of Applied Sciences is one of the largest Dutch applied sciences institutions among Top Universities in Netherlands with strong professional programs and international focus. It provides a range of English taught programs and scholarship support for students who qualify.
15. Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
Zuyd University of Applied Sciences offers a practical and career-oriented study environment, making it one of the valuable Top Universities in Netherlands especially for international students interested in applied programs and professional training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the Top Universities in Netherlands for international students?
The Top Universities in Netherlands include Delft University of Technology, University of Amsterdam, Utrecht University, Leiden University, University of Groningen and more. These universities are known for high quality education, strong research, and scholarships.
Are scholarships available at the Top Universities in Netherlands?
Yes. Many of the Top Universities in Netherlands offer scholarships such as Excellence Scholarships, Merit Scholarships, University funded grants and government programs to support international students.
What is the typical tuition fee at Top Universities in Netherlands?
Tuition fees for international students at the Top Universities in Netherlands vary widely from about €9,000 to €25,000 or more depending on the university and program level.
Is living in the Netherlands expensive for students?
Living costs in the Netherlands are moderate for Europe, with students typically spending around €800 to €1,500 per month including rent and personal expenses.
Can international students work while studying at Top Universities in Netherlands?
Yes. Non-EU/EEA students can work part time (usually up to 16 hours per week) while studying at Top Universities in Netherlands.
