Find the right Dutch university
programme faster
Choosing a programme could be difficult when information is scattered across university websites, PDFs, and forums. We bring it all together in one place.
Tailored support when you need it
When deadlines get close, details matter. Our paid packages are designed to remove application friction and reduce avoidable mistakes.
Admission and application support
Programme shortlist and strategy for your bachelor's or master's study applications
Motivation letter support: structure, positioning, and clarity (tailored to your personal backgrounds and target programme)
Document checklist and review: ensure consistency, completeness, and correct formatting
Guidance for Studielink steps and timelines
Support with communication with universities (represent you to talk to the officers, follow-ups, clarifying requirements)
Pre arrival and post arrival support
Practical housing tips: what to expect, common scams, and how to prepare a strong housing profile
MVV visa and residence process guidance: what documents are typically required and how timelines work
Municipality registration guidance: BSN, appointments, common pitfalls
Other post arrival setup tips to help you start smoothly in the Netherlands
How StudyPath works
Explore and compare
FreeUse our programme pages to compare universities, tuition, requirements, and course focus.
Build your application plan
Get a clear checklist, timeline, and document plan based on your target intake and background.
Submit with confidence
We help you polish your motivation letter, check your documents, and avoid common mistakes in Studielink and university portals.
Prepare for arrival
If you choose Complete, you also get practical guidance for housing, MVV preparation, and municipality registration steps after you land.
Why the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a top choice for international students because of:
English-taught programmes
A wide selection of English taught Bachelor and Master programmes
Academic recognition
Dutch universities have strong academical recognitions worldwide
Career opportunities
International career development with an English-speaking friendly environment in the Netherlands
Structured admission
A structured admission process, but with strict document requirements and deadlines
Student ecosystem
A student focused ecosystem, with clear pathways from study to post study options
Path to residence
Pathway to permanent residence and naturalisation in the Netherlands
Dutch universities are a hidden gem for international students and are often underrated compared to well-known English-speaking destinations like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. You can study at globally recognised universities (with multiple Dutch institutions ranked in the world's top tier) while paying tuition that is typically far lower than the UK and North America (Times Higher Education). And unlike many countries where post-study rules keep changing, the Netherlands offers a clear path after graduation through the orientation year residence permit which allows graduates to extend their stay in the Netherlands for one year and work freely without a separate work permit while they find the right job.
Why the Netherlands can be a better choice than the English-speaking study destinations
Value for money: strong rankings, comparatively lower tuition
High ranking ecosystem: TU Delft, University of Amsterdam, Wageningen, Leiden, and Groningen are all placed highly in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
EU/EEA tuition: The statutory tuition fee is €2,601 for 2025–2026.
Non-EU tuition: Typically €9,000–€20,000/year (Bachelor) and €12,000–€30,000/year (Master).
Insight: The Netherlands can deliver "top tier education" with a lower total price tag, especially compared with the US and often the UK and Canada.
Career path after graduation: clear "bridge year" to the labour market
The Netherlands has a particular student friendly mechanism: the orientation year (zoekjaar) residence permit.
Graduation
Orientation Year
Highly Skilled Migrant
Why that matters: It lowers hiring friction for employers (no extra permit step) and gives graduates time to find the right job. During the orientation year, graduates can extend their stay by applying for the highly skilled migrant visa if they find a job passing a relatively low salary threshold.
Staying after graduation: stability vs policy volatility elsewhere
Many students choose the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand partly for post-study or work options. Those routes exist, but the rules and "policy mood" can shift quickly under the volatile political situation lately.
Graduate visa: 2 years (until Dec 2026), then 18 months
STEM OPT: +24 months (STEM graduates only)
PGWP: up to 3 years, eligibility rules changing
Subclass 485: 2–3 years depending on qualification
Post-study work: up to 3 years
Zoekjaar: 1 year, stable, employer-friendly
In comparison, the Netherlands offers a very clear, stable, standard and employer friendly bridge year that many students overlook.
Discover the Best Cities
for Studying in the Netherlands
Amsterdam
873,000 residents
The vibrant capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is a world-renowned city known for its canals, museums, and international atmosphere. As a student city, it offers an unparalleled mix of culture, nightlife, and academic excellence.
Apeldoorn
165,000 residents
Apeldoorn is a green city in the Veluwe region, known for the royal palace Het Loo and extensive forests. Home to Wittenborg University, it offers a unique setting where urban life meets nature.
Arnhem
164,000 residents
Arnhem is a historic city in the eastern Netherlands, known for its role in World War II (Operation Market Garden) and its beautiful natural surroundings. Home to HAN University of Applied Sciences, the city offers a mix of history, nature, and practical education.
Why choose StudyPath
Free, organised information first
No obligation. You can learn before you pay
International student perspective
We focus on the real friction points that applicants face
Clear packages and pricing
No confusing hourly billing
Practical steps, not vague advice
Checklists, templates, timelines, and application readiness
Founded by experienced professionals
Our team studied and works in the Netherlands. One of them works in the field of Dutch immigration law. With experience and expertise, we understand your wants and we serve your best interests.
Why 90% of AI-generated applications fail
ChatGPT doesn't know Nuffic rules, Studielink limits, or the real housing situation. We build your path on facts, not probabilities.
Deadlines
"Apply before May"
Strict 15 Jan for Numerus Fixus. We help with DigiD verification.
Application Limits
"Choose any 5 universities"
Studielink limit: 4 programs. Max 2 Numerus Fixus.
Housing
"Search on Facebook"
AI doesn't know Room.nl ranking. We give 2026 crisis survival strategy.
Personal Brand
Generic essay templates
Essays checked against AI-detectors (Turnitin) used by NL universities.
Invest in Your Future
Clear, flat pricing. Choose the level of support you need for your Dutch journey.
Starter
Best for students who mostly need structure.
- One programme choice session (Bachelor or Master)
- Personalised timeline and checklist
- Studielink walkthrough guidance (step by step)
- Basic document checklist for your programme
Plus
Best for students applying soon and wanting strong quality control.
- Everything in Starter
- Motivation letter support with detailed edits
- Full document review (core application documents)
- University communication support (templates and strategy)
Complete
Best for students who want end to end help including arrival preparation.
- Everything in Plus
- Multi programme comparison and final selection support
- Extended document checks and submission readiness review
- MVV and arrival preparation guidance
- Housing support
- Municipality registration checklist and onboarding plan