Netherlands is in the northwestern part of Europe and is globally known for its innovative higher education, progressive culture and exceptional English proficiency levels. It is the first non-English speaking country to provide English taught university programs, the Netherlands attracts international students through its problem-based learning models, world class research institutions and strategic location as a European business hub.

Study in Netherlands

Why is Netherlands one of the best destinations for Nepalese students

• English Taught Programs: Over 2,100-degree programs are taught in English and across research universities and universities of applied sciences.
• Study Rights: The non-EU students can work legally for up to 16 hours per week during their academic terms or full time during the summer months, which are June, July and August.
• Post Study Work Visa: After graduation the international students can apply for 1 year post study work visa (Zoekjaar hoogopgeleiden), which gives them unrestricted access to the Dutch labor market.
• Career Opportunities: It is home to major global corporate headquarters such as ASML, Shell, Phillips, Unilever, Heineken and Booking.com that offer high demand for skilled graduates.
• Gateway towards Europe: Since it is located near the Schengen area, it allows the students to travel across 29 European countries without separate internal border Visas.

Popular Courses for Nepalese Students

• Engineering and Computer Science: Software Engineering, Data Science, Civil Engineering, Water Management, AI and Cybersecurity.
• Business Management: International Business Administration, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Economics, Finance and Digital Marketing.
• Agriculture, Food Science and Life Sciences: Agri-Tech, Biotechnology, Food Technology and Innovation.
• Social Science and International Law: International Law, Human Rights, Urban Planning, Sustainable Development, Media and Communications.

Popular and Affordable Universities for Nepalese Students

• Saxion University of Applied Sciences: This university is known to offer practical industry-oriented bachelor’s and master’s programs with dedicated international support management.
• Fontys University of Applied Sciences: It is one of the largest Dutch universities of applied sciences and is in a tech-heavy region.
• Hanze University of Applied Sciences: Known for business, engineering and international student engagement in a vibrant town.
• University of Twente: A top public research university which specializes in high tech engineering, social sciences and entrepreneurship.

Top 5 Popular Cities in Netherlands for Nepalese Students

1. Amsterdam: The capital city of Netherlands which features finance, tech and cultural sectors along with top class research universities.
2. Rotterdam: One of Europe’s largest port cities which is known for business, trade, modern architecture and maritime industries.
3. Eindhoven: Known as the Brain port tech capital of the Netherlands which also offers unmatched engineering and technology opportunities.
4. Utrecht: A university town that features strong academic traditions, high student density and tech hubs.
5. Groningen: A city for the students, because over a quarter of the population consists of university students.

Types of Courses

• HBO/AppliedSciencesBachelor’s:A 4-year practical degree program that focuses on real-world industry placements and internships.
• WO/ Research University Bachelor’s: It is 3-year academic degrees that focus on independent research and mostly theoretical frameworks.
• Master’s: A 1- or 2-year advanced degrees that are offered across research and applied science universities.
• Doctorate or PhD: A 3- or 4-year research-based program that are typically a paid employment contracts rather than typical student-based programs.

Academic Requirements

Level of Course	Academic Requirement (NEB)	English Language Requirement
HBO Bachelor’s (Applied Sciences)	Class 12/+2 minimum GPA 2.8+	IELTS: 6.0 overall, PTE: 58+
WO Bachelor’s (Research)	Class 12/+2 + 1 year of university study or IB diploma	IELTS: 6.5 overall, PTE: 62+
Master’s	4-year bachelor’s degree with GPA 3.0+	IELTS: 6.5-7.0 overall, PTE: 65+
Doctorate or PhD	Master’s degree with GPA 3.3+	IELTS: 7.0 overall, PTE: 68+

Netherlands University Application Process

1. Studielink Registration: Register on Studielink.nl (the national university application website in the Netherlands).
2. Submit Course Applications: Direct application to any maximum of 4 universities with required documents (transcripts, passport, Motivation Letter, CV and English test result).
3. Offer Letter: Conditional letter of acceptance or Unconditional letter of acceptation from the university.
4. Accept the Offer and University Approval: Accept the offer through Studielink.
5. MVV (Entry Visa) and VVR (Residence Permit) Application Procedure: The Dutch university starts the MVV (Entry Visa) and VVR (Residence Permit) procedure on your behalf with the IND (Dutch Immigration Service).

Types of Scholarships

• HollandScholarship(nowNLScholarship):This is an award funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, available for students from non-EEA countries (one-time award of €5,000).
• Erasmus+ Grants: International exchange and research mobility scholarships among partner institutions in Europe.
• Merit Scholarships: These are partial tuition waivers which is offered directly by Dutch universities (e.g., Saxion Talent Scholarship, UT Excellence Scholarship).

Cost Breakdown from Nepal to Study in Netherlands

1. Pre-Departure and Administrative Expenses

Items	Cost in Euros	Cost in NPR
IND MVV & VVR Permit Fee	€254	NPR 44,722
Student Health Insurance	€50-€110 per month	NPR 8,800-19,370 per month
VFS Embassy Fee	€90	NPR 15,846
Document Translation	Nil	NPR 10,000-15,000
Tuberculosis Test	Nil	NPR 6,000-8,000
No Objection Certificate (NOC)	Nil	NPR 2,000
Flight Ticket	Varies	NPR 176,000-264,100

2. Living Costs and Maintenance Funds

• MonthlyLivingExpenses:€1,130 per month (NPR 1,99,095 per month).
• 12-Month Total Proof of Funds Requirement: €13,569.24 per year (NPR 24 Lakhs).

Netherlands Visa Application Process and Documents Checklist

Visa Application Process

1. Financial Deposit / Proof to University: Make a full tuition payment and provide proof of additional IND living costs through bank deposit into the University Institutional bank account (or provide approved financial security).
2. IND Approval Letter: Your file is submitted to the university and then the university receives an official letter of approval (VWO) from IND within 2-4 weeks.
3. MVV Application Appointment: Make an appointment at Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (or designated VFS Global VAC).
4. Passport Submission and Biometrics: Submit Passport, IND approval letter and Biometrics for issuance of MVV Sticker.
5. VVR Collection: Physical VVR card on arrival in the Netherlands, register at the local municipality (Gemeente) for a BSN (Dutch Social Security Number).

Documents Checklist

1. Valid Original Passport (at least 12 months expiry).Official Letter of Acceptance.
2. IND Visa Approval Notification (VWO).
3. Proof of Financial.
4. Academic Transcripts.
5. English Language Proficiency Scorecard (IELTS / PTE).
6. Statement of Purpose (SOP).
7. Attached TB Screening Intent Form (if applicable).
8. No Objection Certificate (NOC).
9. Pick up the VVR card upon arrival in the Netherlands and register at the local municipality (Gemeente) for a BSN number.