Europe
Netherlands: schools and universities
The Netherlands has privately run international schools and also a group of Dutch international schools that are partly funded by the state, usually with lower fees. Its universities offer more English-taught degrees than most countries in continental Europe.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Compulsory school age | From five, though most children start at four |
| School year | Late August or early September to July |
| Where international schools are | Mostly the Randstad: Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht |
| University applications | Through Studielink, then with each university |
| Tuition | A statutory fee for EU and EEA students, a higher institutional fee for others |
Schools
Most international schools are in the Randstad, with others near Eindhoven, Maastricht and Groningen. Dutch international schools have lower fees because they receive government funding, and they often have waiting lists. Dutch state schools are free, and many towns have reception classes where newly arrived children learn Dutch before joining a regular class.
Universities
Dutch higher education has research universities and universities of applied sciences, which are more practical and career-focused. A research bachelor's usually takes three years, and one at a university of applied sciences four. Applications for most programmes go through Studielink. Programmes with a fixed number of places (numerus fixus) have an earlier deadline in January and a selection procedure. The Dutch universities list shows where each institution is based.
Before you apply
- Start the housing search the day you accept a place. Student rooms in Amsterdam, Utrecht and Leiden are hard to find.
- Check whether your programme has a numerus fixus deadline.
- Students who take a paid job usually have to take out Dutch basic health insurance.
Directory entry, checked October 2026. Entries describe the education system in general terms and link to country listings.