Study Abroad – Study in Netherlands for Indian Students

The Netherlands (also called Holland) has become one of the most popular European study-abroad destinations for Indian students. Known for its world-class universities, research-driven programs, affordable tuition compared to the UK/USA, and multicultural lifestyle, it attracts more than 115,000 international students every year, including a fast-growing Indian student community.

In 2025, the Netherlands continues to be a top choice for Indian students seeking high-quality education in English, career opportunities in Europe, and international exposure.

This guide covers everything you need to know about studying in the Netherlands as an Indian student – universities, popular courses, admission process, scholarships, student visa, cost of living, and job opportunities.

Quick Facts About Netherlands

Why Study in Netherlands?

✅ Advantages

1. World-Class Education – Ranked among the top 10 countries for higher education.
2. English-Taught Programs – Over 2,000 courses offered entirely in English.
3. Affordable Tuition – Cheaper than the US, UK, or Australia, yet with high-quality education.
4. Research & Innovation Hub – Especially strong in AI, renewable energy, engineering, and life sciences.
5. Great Career Opportunities – Netherlands is home to global companies like Philips, Shell, Heineken, ASML, ING, Unilever.
6. Gateway to Europe – Centrally located, easy travel across Schengen countries.
7. High English Proficiency – Almost everyone speaks English, making it easy for Indian students.
8. Safe & Inclusive Environment – Known for its tolerant and multicultural society.

⚠️ Challenges

• High Cost of Living compared to Eastern Europe.
• Admission Competition for top universities like Delft, Amsterdam, Leiden.
• Limited Scholarships compared to Germany or France.

Top Universities in the Netherlands for Indian Students

QS World Rankings 2025 – Dutch Universities

1. University of Amsterdam (UvA) – Top in Social Sciences, Humanities, and AI.
2. Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) – Globally ranked for Engineering & Technology.
3. Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) – Known for High-Tech Engineering and Electronics.
4. Wageningen University & Research – #1 in the world for Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences.
5. Leiden University – Oldest university, strong in Law, Politics, and International Relations.
6. Erasmus University Rotterdam – Top in Business, Economics, and Management.
7. Utrecht University – Excellent in Life Sciences and Medicine.
8. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) – Strong in Data Science, AI, and Psychology.

Popular Courses for Indian Students in the Netherlands

• Engineering & Technology – Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence & Data Science – One of Europe’s best hubs for AI research
• Business & Economics – MBA, Finance, Supply Chain Management
• Life Sciences & Agriculture – Biotechnology, Environmental Sciences
• Law & International Relations – Especially popular among Indian law students
• Social Sciences & Humanities – Sociology, Psychology, Media Studies

💡 Pro Tip: Netherlands is famous for AI, Data Science, and Green Energy research – Indian students with STEM background have strong career prospects.

Admission Requirements

For Bachelor’s Programs

• 12th grade with minimum 60% – 70% (varies by university).
• IELTS (6.0 – 6.5) or TOEFL iBT (80–90).
• SAT/ACT scores may be required for some universities.

For Master’s Programs

• Bachelor’s degree with 60–70%+ from a recognized Indian university.
• IELTS (6.5 – 7.0) or TOEFL iBT (90–100).
• GRE/GMAT required for MBA, Business, or STEM programs (depends on university).
• Work experience (for MBA applicants).

Scholarships for Indian Students

1. Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS) – For Indian students, up to 50–100% tuition fee waiver.
2. Holland Scholarship – €5,000 for first-year non-EU students.
3. Erasmus+ Scholarships – For joint Master’s programs in Europe.
4. University-specific Scholarships – (Amsterdam Merit Scholarship, Leiden Excellence Scholarship, TU Delft Excellence).

💡 Indian students should apply early, as scholarship competition is high.

Student Visa for Netherlands (MVV Visa)

Indian students need a Provisional Residence Permit (MVV) + Residence Permit (VVR).

Visa Requirements

• Valid passport
• University admission letter
• Proof of funds (approx. €12,000/year for living costs)
• Health insurance
• Academic documents & English test scores
• Visa application via Dutch University (universities usually apply on behalf of students)

Cost of Studying in Netherlands

Tuition Fees (per year)

• Bachelor’s programs: €6,000 – €12,000 (₹5 – 10 lakh)
• Master’s programs: €8,000 – €20,000 (₹7 – 17 lakh)
• MBA: €15,000 – €40,000 (₹13 – 35 lakh)

Cost of Living (Monthly Average)

💡 Living costs are higher in Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam compared to smaller cities like Eindhoven or Groningen.

Part-Time Jobs for Indian Students in the Netherlands

• Allowed 16 hours/week during the semester.
• Full-time work allowed during holidays.
• Popular Jobs: Tutoring, IT freelancing, restaurant work, delivery jobs.
• Average pay: €10–15/hour (₹900 – 1,300).

Career Opportunities After Study in Netherlands

• Netherlands has a post-study work visa (Orientation Year Visa) – 1 year to find a job.
• Graduates in STEM, AI, IT, and Business have high demand.
• Average graduate salary: €30,000 – €45,000/year.
• Companies like ASML, Philips, ING, Shell, Unilever, Booking.com hire international graduates.

💡 Many Indian students settle in the Netherlands due to high job prospects and PR opportunities.

Lifestyle for Indian Students in Netherlands

• Indian Community: 200,000+ Indians live in the Netherlands, with Indian Student Associations in major universities.
• Food: Indian restaurants and grocery stores are widely available.
• Culture: Liberal, diverse, and student-friendly environment.
• Climate: Cold winters, pleasant summers, frequent rain.

Alternatives to Netherlands for Indian Students

If the Netherlands is too competitive or expensive, consider:

• Germany – Low tuition, strong in engineering.
• France – Business, fashion, hospitality.
• Belgium – International law & politics.
• Ireland – Tech & IT hub.
• Sweden/Finland – AI, green technology.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is studying in the Netherlands worth it for Indian students?
Yes, it offers world-class education, career opportunities, and global exposure at a lower cost than the US/UK.

Q2. Can Indian students study in Netherlands without IELTS?
Some universities accept alternatives like Duolingo or Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, but IELTS/TOEFL is strongly recommended.

Q3. Is MBA from Netherlands good for Indian students?
Yes, top B-schools like Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) and Maastricht University are highly ranked globally.

Q4. How much money is required to study in the Netherlands?
On average, ₹15–25 lakh per year (tuition + living).

Q5. Can Indian students settle in Netherlands after study?
Yes, with the Orientation Year Visa, you can find a job and later apply for a work permit and PR.

Conclusion

The Netherlands is an excellent study-abroad destination for Indian students in 2025. With top-ranked universities, English-taught programs, strong job prospects, and an international environment, it is especially popular for Engineering, AI, Business, and Social Sciences.

While the cost of living is high, the return on investment is strong due to career opportunities in Europe’s most innovative economy.

👉 If you are an Indian student planning to study abroad, the Netherlands offers the perfect balance of quality education, European lifestyle, and global career growth.