Intakes in Netherlands: Eligibility Criteria, How to Apply & More
Updated on 29 December, 2023
Akansha Semwal
Study Abroad Expert
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The Netherlands is fast becoming one of the leading study-abroad destinations for international applicants. It is known for its natural splendor, reputed educational institutions, and advanced research facilities. Being the 18th-largest economy globally, it offers a flourishing job market to graduates, too. Here is a brief guide to the major intakes in the Netherlands for those aspiring to study in this beautiful country.
Table of Contents
Intakes in Netherlands
The major Netherlands intakes are usually in September/October and January/February. The academic year in the country begins on the 1st of September.
The deadline for an application isn't constant across Dutch universities and there are entry restrictions such as Numerus Fixus. It is a method for limiting the number of applicants at a university. In Dutch universities, it is in place for courses where there is excessive demand. Some of such courses are psychology, biomedical sciences, and computer science.
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Timeline for Netherlands Intakes
Here is an approximate timeline for intakes in the Netherlands that you can take a closer look at.
| Time Period | What to Do |
| 1–2 months before application deadline (15th January) | Checking the official website of the university and the application process for the chosen program.
|
| Before/on 15th January | Submitting an application via Study Abroad consultant or direct university portal if applicable. |
| 1–2 months before 1st May | Checking numerus fixus for specific programs with the institution and application process. |
| Before/on 1st May | Applying via Studielink or direct university portal if applicable for the numerus fixus intake. |
| 15th January to 15th April | Selection will take place if the number of applications exceeds the number of places available. |
| 15th April | Applicants will get their ranking numbers via Studielink/for some numerus fixus programs with lower applications; candidates may be offered a place on this date at times. |
| Two weeks from confirmation | Accept your confirmed place at the university within two weeks. |
| Post Acceptance | The institution will send you a notification of acceptance. |
Top Universities’ Intakes in Netherlands
Here are the top universities offering intakes in the Netherlands for applicants.
| Institution | QS World University Ranking | Intake Details |
| Delft University of Technology | 47 |
For BSc programs, the intakes are between 15th October and 1st April. For numerus clausus programs, the intake is between 15th October and 15th January. The intake dates for MSc programs are from 15th October to 15th January. |
| University of Amsterdam | 53 |
Application deadlines vary across programs. They are usually between 1st February and 1st April. Programs with enrolment limitations or fixed quotas have deadlines of 15th January |
| Utrecht University | 107 |
The application deadline is 1st December for the fall-early round The application deadline is 1st February for the fall regular round |
| Eindhoven University of Technology | 124 |
The deadline for the first semester applications is 1st May
|
| Leiden University | 126 |
The deadline is 1st April for programs starting in September for those requiring a student visa or permit |
| University of Groningen | 139 |
Applications should be initiated prior to 1st May and all documents should be submitted before this date |
| Wageningen University & Research | 151 |
For September (first semester) applications, the application deadline is 15th April |
| Erasmus University Rotterdam | 176 |
The deadline is 4th December for the English intake. |
| Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam | 207 |
Applications are possible from 1st October and the deadline is 1st April for undergraduate programs The application deadline for masters programs is 1st December 2023 |
| University of Twente | 210 |
Application starts from 1st October for the September intake and the deadline is 1st May |
Source: Official Website
Eligibility Criteria for Intakes in Netherlands
Here are the usual eligibility criteria for the Netherlands intakes.
- Candidates should meet minimum diploma and English proficiency requirements.
- They should have a Dutch high school diploma at VWO level/foreign equivalent while meeting grade entry requirements.
- Another application route is completing a year of university with a grade average of 70% at a 3-year university or 80%/3.5 GPA at a 4,5, or 6-year university program.
- Some accepted English proficiency tests include IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency, and others.
More Netherlands Related Articles:
How to Apply for Universities in Netherlands
Here are the steps to apply for the Netherlands intake 2024 at leading universities.
- Check the entry requirements and application deadlines.
- Apply online on the university's student portal.
- Upload all documents while applying, including transcripts, English language proficiency proof, statement of motivation (if needed), contact details, financial aid documents, and more.
- Some institutions may require Studielink applications. Login details should be obtained for OSIRIS online applications as well. Applications for financial aid can also be done from this portal.
Scholarships for Intakes in Netherlands
Here are some of the available scholarships for intakes in the Netherlands.
NL Scholarship:
It is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and Dutch research universities and institutions of applied sciences. An amount of €5,000 is offered to contribute to living costs. Students should be non-EEA applicants without degrees from educational institutions in the country, with excellent grades and meeting specific institutional requirements. A motivation letter may also be needed.
Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship:
Under this scholarship program, 24 scholarships of €30,000 (including tuition fee waiver and monthly stipend) are awarded to non-EU students each academic year.
Radboud Scholarship Program:
It is a selective scholarship offering benefits for non-EEA students. It will reduce tuition fees to €2.530. There will also be coverage for residence permits, visas, health insurance and liability insurance.
Utrecht Excellence Scholarship:
It offers funding for master’s degree applicants in the top 10% of their graduating class. The scholarship covers the tuition fee or the tuition fee plus the income needed for one year linked to a residence permit for study as determined by the Immigration and Naturalization (IND) Service.
Amsterdam Talent Scholarship (ATS):
This is given to successful non-EEA students enrolled at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. It offers coverage up to 50% of the institutional tuition fees. Applicants should be able to meet Dutch visa conditions and be enrolled in the institution while having paid tuition fees and not getting full coverage scholarships. They should have obtained 60 credits in the full academic year with a minimum 7.0 average grade.
Learn More About Scholarships in Netherlands:
FAQs
How many intakes does the Netherlands have?
The Netherlands has two intakes, namely in February and September. The academic year in the country begins in September.
How many Indians study in the Netherlands?
The number of Indian students who went to the Netherlands for higher education in 2022 was around 1,900, as per the Ministry of External Affairs.
Is it hard to study in the Netherlands?
It is not hard to study in the Netherlands, since the country offers high academic satisfaction levels for students. University campuses are not only safe but also offer several leisure activities. Teachers in the country also strive to come up with more innovative techniques of learning to make courses more engaging for students.
Is it better to study in the UK or the Netherlands?
The United Kingdom (UK) and the Netherlands have their advantages for students. Both countries have reputed educational institutions and flourishing global markets. Aspirants should carefully determine their future goals and choose programs aligned to the same in any of these two countries.
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