Study at the best universities in the Netherlands!
These establishments have a number of points in common and all offer:
- A dedicated residential space (obligatory except for Tilburg)
- A flexible program and very open with a limited number of students
- A stimulating and intensive course entirely in English
Studying the ‘liberal arts’ in the Netherlands presents a number of advantages. This would allow you to live in a very solid community where you live and study with your classmates 24/7 and can therefore forge strong friendships
The Netherlands is today a leading choice for anyone who wants to pursue a ‘Liberal Arts’ course on the model of American universities but with far more affordable tuition fees!
There are 10 universities in the Netherlands today which offers ‘Liberal Arts’ courses entirely in English. These programs have the unique quality of being interdisciplinary and entirely at your choice, that is to say that you will have the possibility to construct them yourself (from the term ‘liberal’).
Liberal Arts degrees are not formed with the view to give you one profession in particular. While studying the Liberal Arts, you will develop a large repertoire of knowledge and skills that you can apply to numerous problems with which you will probably be confronted with in your life and career.
The type of establishment which offers this kind of program is called a ‘University Colleges’:
- Leiden University College
- University College Groningen
- University College Amsterdam
- University College Utrecht
- University College Roosevelt
- University College Tilburg
- University College Twente
- University College Maastricht
- University College Venlo
- Erasmus University College Rotterdam
Application overview
Selection Process:
- Transcripts
- 1 letter of motivation or several short answer questions
- 1 to 3 letters of recommendation
- Interview in English with a member of the faculty in person or via Skype
- Admissions Day (optional and not at every UC in the Netherlands)
- Transcripts and results from a recognized English exam (IELTS, TOEFL and sometimes Duolingo)
Deadline for Applying:
Deadlines in the Netherlands vary from January to May, so make a list and look out for early and regular decision deadlines.
Practical Information
Duration of Study: 3 years (Bachelor’s degree)
Cost of schooling in a University College: around €4,100 per year for the school fees + €6,050 for the accommodation fees on campus
Average number of teaching hours per week: around 20 hours
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Why Study in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for international students. With over 2,100 programs taught entirely in English, world-ranked universities, and some of the most affordable tuition in Western Europe, the Netherlands offers exceptional value for a top-tier international education.
- 2,100+ English-taught programs — the most in continental Europe
- Affordable EU tuition — only €2,530/year for EU/EEA students
- Top-ranked universities — 13 Dutch universities in the world’s top 200
- Orientation Year Visa — 1-year post-graduation job search permit
- International environment — 95% of Dutch people speak English fluently
Top Dutch University Rankings (2025)
| University | World Ranking (QS 2025) | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| University of Amsterdam (UvA) | Top 55 | Humanities, Social Sciences, Media |
| Delft University of Technology | Top 50 | Engineering, Architecture, Technology |
| Utrecht University | Top 100 | Sciences, Medicine, Veterinary |
| Leiden University | Top 130 | Law, International Relations, Humanities |
| Erasmus University Rotterdam | Top 180 | Economics, Business (RSM), Medicine |
Cost of Studying in the Netherlands
| Expense Type | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition (EU/EEA students) | €2,530 (statutory rate) |
| Tuition (non-EU students) | €8,000 – €20,000 |
| Accommodation (Amsterdam) | €5,000 – €10,000 |
| Accommodation (other cities) | €3,500 – €7,000 |
| Food and daily expenses | €2,500 – €4,000 |
| Transport (OV-chipkaart) | €500 – €1,000 |
| Estimated total budget (EU student) | €11,000 – €18,000 |
Application Timeline (Studielink)
Research programs on Studyfinder.nl. Prepare documents and portfolio if required
Deadline for programs with a Numerus Fixus (limited enrollment). Apply via Studielink
General deadline for most programs via Studielink for non-EU students
Receive admission decisions. Register and pay tuition
Apply for student visa (MVV) if non-EU, arrange housing, register with municipality
Study at the Best Dutch Universities
Our advisors help you navigate the Studielink application system and find the perfect English-taught program in the Netherlands.
Request a Free Admissions AssessmentFrequently Asked Questions About Studying in the Netherlands
No! The Netherlands has over 2,100 programs taught entirely in English — the highest in continental Europe. Nearly all Dutch people speak excellent English, making daily life easy for international students. Learning some Dutch is a bonus but not required.
Extremely affordable for EU/EEA students: the statutory tuition is only €2,530/year for most programs. Non-EU students pay more (€8,000–20,000/year) but this remains competitive compared to the UK or US. Many scholarships are available, including the Holland Scholarship for non-EU students.
Studielink is the centralized online application portal for higher education in the Netherlands. All applications to Dutch universities and universities of applied sciences must go through Studielink. You create an account, select your program, and upload your documents through the platform.
Yes! The Orientation Year Visa (zoekjaar) allows non-EU graduates to stay for 12 months to find employment. The Netherlands has a strong economy with major companies like Shell, Philips, ASML, and Booking.com. The country’s strategic location also makes it easy to work across Europe.