MBBS in Netherlands - Universities, Eligibility & Fees

An MBBS degree from the world’s best medical schools prepares students for rewarding employment opportunities following graduation. The Netherlands boasts a well-respected healthcare system with advanced medical technologies and highly trained professionals. Hence, it has some of the top medical schools in Europe. 

Continue reading to find out what studying MBBS in the Netherlands involves and other important information!

Course Structure and Duration 

Let’s start by understanding the MBBS course structure in the Netherlands. To become a doctor, you must complete a 3-year BSc in Medicine and a 3-year MSc in Medicine. After graduating with a master’s, graduates can apply for residency programs to gain practical experience and further specialize in their chosen field. Residency programs after MBBS in the Netherlands range from 4 to 6 years and provide comprehensive training in various medical specialties. Upon completing these 3 phases, they must register with the Dutch Medical Register (BIG register) to be legally recognized as practicing doctors. 

Here's a general outline of the MBBS course structure in the Netherlands-

Years 1-3 (Bachelor Phase): Focus on foundational medical sciences like anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and pathology.

Years 4-6 (Master Phase): Focus on clinical rotations in various medical specialties like internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics & gynecology, and psychiatry.

Years 7-11 (Resident Phase): The residency system is called "AIOS" (Arts-In-Opleiding), which translates to "doctor in training." Candidates gain extensive clinical experience by rotating through different departments in a hospital setting and eventually choose a specialty. 

MBBS in Netherlands for Indian Students

Indian medical aspirants seeking foreign education must note that the Netherlands doesn't have many universities offering MBBS programs in English for international students. Even if the program is offered in English, fluency in Dutch might be required for clinical placements later in the program. Also, since seats are limited, finding MBBS programs for Indian students in the Netherlands can be challenging as most medical schools prioritize Dutch students. International students can, however, pursue aligned courses taught in English like MSc in Biomedical Sciences. 

Eligibility Criteria to Study MBBS in the Netherlands

Although eligibility requirements vary by university, to pursue MBBS in the Netherlands, one must have studied BiPC courses, i.e., Biology, Physics, and Chemistry coupled with Mathematics in senior secondary school and earned A-grade scores in each subject. A bachelor’s degree in medical or science-related subjects may be required for higher certifications.

While some institutes may require an individual to provide certification of Dutch language proficiency, most institutions offering MBBS in Netherlands for international students teach their curriculum entirely in English.

Top Universities to Pursue MBBS in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is home to some excellent medical universities. Four best universities to study MBBS in Netherlands for international students are given below.

Institute	QS WUR 2025	Avg Annual Tuition for Int’l Students
University of Amsterdam	55	€24,900
University of Groningen	=159	€32,000
Maastricht University	=230	€32,000
Erasmus University, Rotterdam	158	€29,000

Let us look at these universities in detail - 

University of Amsterdam 

For a candidate who wants to study from a combination of biochemical and molecular biology subjects, the University of Amsterdam’s MSc Biomedical Sciences-Medical Biology program is one to consider. 

The curriculum includes six specialization tracks designed to provide an in-depth understanding of Cell Biology and Advanced Microscopy, Medical Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Infection and Immunity, Oncology, Developmental and Therapeutic Biology, and Experimental Internal Medicine. 

The course is linked with the University of Amsterdam’s Medical Center, the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, and the Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation.

University of Groningen

The Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of Groningen is a historical testament to the importance of medical progress across Europe. It is the country’s second-oldest division and has been a cultural brand since its inception. 

The BSc Medicine program at University of Groningen has two concentration tracks: Molecular Medicine and Global Health. 

The university provides an accessible alternative for individuals who want to practice after earning a Master’s degree. 

Maastricht University

The MBBS program at Maastricht University is designed to provide students with a practical perspective. The curriculum extends to activities like interactive lectures and workshops, beginning with physical tests. 

It is categorized into three years, with the first year addressing ‘The human body in health and sickness,’ the second year covering ‘Integration of knowledge and skills: on your approach to practice,’ and the third year dealing with ‘From paper to patient.’ 

It also provides a specialized Masters in medicine that dives further into similar issues.

Erasmus University, Rotterdam 

Erasmus University in Rotterdam does not provide an MBBS in Netherlands. However, it offers several courses related to medical-oriented fields. 

Programs offered by the Netherlands Institute for Health Sciences or the NIHES, are recognized for their multifaceted approach. The programs comprise a Master of Science degree in Infection and Immunity, Clinical Research, and Health Sciences. 

Erasmus is one of the most revered Universities in the Netherlands and globally placed in the top 100 of the World Rankings of 2021 and top 5 out of all Dutch institutes.

MBBS Fees in Netherlands

The MBBS in Netherlands fees can average up to 10,000 Euros (approx. INR 840,000) each year. However, it can go up to 30,000 Euros (approx. INR 2,500,000) if a candidate chooses to apply to a private institution. 

Students should keep in mind their living expenditures which can span from 800 (INR 67,000) to 1200 Euros (100,000 INR) each month depending on their accommodation and lifestyle.

Students can look into certain scholarships and grants provided by both countries for international students if they cannot afford the cost. They often include a certain percentage of tuition fee waivers and cover all living expenses. 

Application & Admission Process to Study  MBBS in Netherlands

Considering that Medical Science courses are technically complex, each nation has its criteria for the curriculum and practices. Thus, there may be regulations mandating one to complete courses, produce certification, or take tests before beginning their career as a doctor or a surgeon.

To become a doctor in the Netherlands, one must complete a seven-year training program. When it comes to MBBS in the Netherlands, it comprises of the following:

• 3 years Bachelor of Medicine
• 3 years Master of Medicine
• A one-year training period

Moreover, becoming fluent in the Dutch language is critical during the training phase, and one may be expected to take the language examinations to graduate.

Admission Procedures

For education abroad in the Netherlands, if a student matches the entrance requirements, they will be required to engage in the university’s internal selection procedure. Once the application has been assessed to fulfill the basic entrance requirements, the university will communicate the details of these procedures to the student. 

Additional exams and evaluations may be conducted as part of the selection process. These were carried out online during the pandemic, but it cannot be assumed to be the case in the future. 

There are two intake periods: February and September. Selection procedures need to be completed about five months before classes begin. 

All candidates are ranked against one another, and only the best students are offered a seat in the university. Applicants may be given a place later if they can’t qualify due to marginal marks.

Visa Application

The Visa application procedure is standard as for any other country. The steps are as follows.

• Students must complete the online application with all necessary information and documentation. 
• The candidates then receive an offer letter from the university that they applied to study MBBS in Netherlands. 
• Post that, they must pay the required MBBS fees in Netherlands before applying for a visa. 
• The applicant can then apply for a visa at their nearest Netherlands embassy or online.
• On completing the application, the student is called to the embassy for an interview to confirm their eligibility for a student visa.
• On receiving their student visa confirmation, they may book their flights!

The student visa interview is a vital part of the entire process. An applicant must conduct proper research of their institution and have some basic knowledge of the institution they will be studying. 

Requirements to Study MBBS in Netherlands

Academic qualifications, a letter of motivation or statement of purpose, CV, mark sheet, degree certificates, and additional papers, as relevant, are required to apply for MBBS in the Netherlands. 

Listed are the documents required for MBBS admission in the Netherlands:

• The original passport and photocopies 
• Original and copies of both 10th and 12th
•  transcripts of marks
• A Medical Eligibility Certificate
• A birth certificate with the appropriate date of birth.
• Student’s NEET scorecard
• Evidence of enrolment in a medical university in the Netherlands (for visa application only)
• Papers demonstrating sufficient funds to meet the expenses of the MBBS College in the Netherlands.

Why Choose the Netherlands to Study MBBS

Some credible reasons for choosing MBBS in Netherlands for Indian Students may be as follows.

• MCI lists medical universities or colleges in the Netherlands with world-class facilities and faculty.
• The medical degree offered to students by the Netherlands is globally accepted.
• Obtaining an MBBS in Netherlands exposes students to highly sophisticated medical institutions affiliated with Dutch medical colleges, which provide practical expertise.
• Medical universities and colleges in the Netherlands can provide a range of professional prospects.

Quality of Life

Studying MBBS in the Netherlands can be very reasonable, and so can the cost of living. The quality of living is relatively high. However, students can save money by staying in student hostels or a home-stay.

Prices for essential commodities are high given that the Netherlands is a developed economy. Still, one could save money by buying their essentials at the weekly farmer’s markets hosted in most large cities.

University experience in the Netherlands can be a lot of fun. The Dutch are hospitable people who like football, fine arts, innovation and technology, and delectable food and drink. 

Certain drugs are permitted, LGBTQIA+ rights are widely protected, and no intolerance is practiced. The Dutch are incredibly progressive thinkers with a genuine reverence for the state and the legal system.

Career Prospects After MBBS in Netherlands 

Here are some career prospects for candidates after completing MBBS in Netherlands: 

Becoming a Doctor: With an MBBS degree, graduates can work as general practitioners or specialists in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. The demand for healthcare professionals in the Netherlands is generally high, and there are opportunities to work in urban and rural areas.

Postgraduate Studies: After completing an MBBS, graduates can pursue postgraduate studies in various medical specialties. The Netherlands offers a wide range of specialized training programs in fields such as cardiology, surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, and more. 

Alternative Career Roles 

While becoming a doctor is a common path, there are numerous alternative career options for MBBS graduates: 

• Research scientist 
• Medical teacher or professor 
• Clinical technologist
• Physician Assistant
• Medical writing/journalism
• Clinical researcher 
• Pharmacist
• Pharmaceutical researcher
• Remedial educationalist
• Forensic psychiatry
• Forensic psychiatry
• Entrepreneur 
• Organ transplant coordinator
• Forensic medical officer 
• Dentist
• Physiotherapist
• Psychotherapist

Scholarship to Study MBBS in the Netherlands

Many scholarships are available for international students who want to study MBBS in the Netherlands. The top 5 scholarships for MBBS in Netherlands are listed here: 

Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) 

• Awards range from EUR 10,000 to EUR 15,000 towards tuition fees.
• Available for non-EEA/non-EFTA students enrolling in a full-time master's degree program at Leiden University.
• Selection is based on academic excellence and the motivation letter submitted during the application.

NL Scholarship 

• A one-time grant of EUR 5,000 for the first year of study.
• Open to non-EEA international students applying for a bachelor’s or master’s program in the Netherlands.
• Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science in collaboration with Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences.

Orange Tulip Scholarship 

• Offers full or partial tuition fee waivers with Netherlands MBBS fees of EUR 4,530.
• This scholarship is for Indian students who want to study for a master's degree at Tilburg University.
• Candidates should have excellent academic merit. 

Maastricht University NL-High Potential scholarship 

• Covers tuition fees, living expenses, visa costs, and health insurance.
• Open to highly talented non-EEA students applying for a master’s program at Maastricht University.
• The scholarship is awarded for the duration of the program (13 months for a one-year master’s program and 25 months for a two-year master’s program).

Utrecht Excellence Scholarships 

• Covers tuition fees and, in some cases, provides a contribution towards living expenses.
• Available for international students from outside the EU/EEA applying for a master’s degree at Utrecht University.
• Renewable for the second year of a two-year master’s program based on satisfactory academic performance.

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