Studying in the Netherlands for Ukrainians
The Netherlands is one of the most attractive countries in Europe for Ukrainian students due to its high-quality universities, large number of English-language programs, and practical orientation of education. The system is based on the Bologna model, so diplomas are recognized in all EU countries and many other states. This allows graduates to easily continue their education or work abroad.
Types of educational institutions
There are two main types of higher education institutions in the Netherlands:
- Research universities (WO) — traditional universities offering fundamental academic programs at the bachelor's, master's, and PhD levels. They are focused on science and research.
- Universities of applied sciences (HBO/Hogescholen) — higher professional schools where education is more practical. They train specialists for specific fields: business, engineering, art, and education.
- Private universities and business schools — less common, but often offer modern international programs in English.
Levels of education
- Bachelor's degree — three years at research universities (180 ECTS) or four years at applied institutions.
- Master's degree — usually 1–2 years (60–120 ECTS). There are hundreds of English-language programs in business, technology, medicine, and social sciences.
- Doctorate (PhD) — lasts 3–4 years. Doctoral students usually have an employment contract and receive a salary, so studying at this level is free.
Language of instruction
The Netherlands is one of the European leaders in terms of the number of English-language programs.
- Bachelor's programs can be taught in either Dutch or English.
- Master's programs are mainly offered in English.
- For English-language courses, you need IELTS (usually 6.0–6.5) or TOEFL.
- Ukrainian students can also take preparatory courses in Dutch.
Accessibility for foreigners
The Netherlands is open to foreign students. Applications are submitted through the centralized Studielink system. Ukrainians can apply on an equal footing with other applicants from outside the EU. There are no quotas as such, but competition is high, especially in popular fields such as business, international relations, psychology, and medicine.
Recognition of Ukrainian documents
Ukrainian certificates and diplomas are recognized, but most programs require an official translation into English or Dutch. Assessment of equivalence is carried out through Nuffic, an organization responsible for international cooperation in education. For regulated professions (medicine, law, education), additional nostrification may be required.
What else you should know
The academic year begins in September, so it is advisable to submit your documents in advance, usually between January and April. Many universities have international offices that assist international students with the admission process, finding accommodation, and adapting to life in the Netherlands.
Useful links
The admission process for universities in the Netherlands is centralized and straightforward. All applicants, including Ukrainians, register their applications through the national portal Studielink. There, they select a program, upload documents, and track the status of their application. Important: after registering through Studielink, many universities require an additional online application in their own system (e.g., Osiris or Progress).
Required documents
The standard package for Ukrainians includes:
- secondary education certificate or bachelor's/master's degree (depending on the level of admission);
- official translation of documents into English or Dutch;
- language certificate:
- for English-language programs, usually IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80–92;
- for Dutch-language programs — the Staatsexamen NT2, program II state exam;
- motivation letter and CV;
- letters of recommendation (especially for master's and PhD programs);
- portfolio — if it is an art, design, or music specialty.
To obtain a residence permit after enrollment, you will also need proof of finances and health insurance.
Exams and preparatory programs
In most cases, selection is based on academic documents. Additional exams are only required for certain fields:
- medicine, psychology, dentistry, and some popular majors have a limited number of places (numerus fixus) and require selection tests;
- art, music, and architecture often require creative competitions or auditions.
If a Ukrainian certificate does not fully meet the requirements (for example, due to differences in curricula), the university may offer a Foundation Year — a preparatory year to level the playing field.
Application deadlines
- Programs with limited access (numerus fixus): January 15.
- Other bachelor's programs: usually until May 1, but some universities close enrollment in February–March.
- Master's programs: deadlines are set by the university itself, most often between February 1 and April 1.
It is important to submit documents in advance: deadlines in the Netherlands are strict, and it is practically impossible to submit after the set date.
Recognition of Ukrainian documents
Ukrainian certificates and diplomas are recognized, but universities independently verify their equivalence. For regulated professions (medicine, law, education), official confirmation may be required. This assessment is carried out by the Nuffic organization, which issues credential evaluations.
What Ukrainians should consider
- Take the IELTS or TOEFL for English-language programs in advance; for Dutch-language programs, take the NT2 exam.
- Use only official translations of documents with notarized confirmation.
- If you are applying for numerus fixus, register as early as possible, as the number of places is limited.
- Applications are submitted through Studielink, and universities may require an additional internal questionnaire.
Housing for international students in the Netherlands is always a pressing issue. Universities accept thousands of new students every year, but the number of rooms and apartments is limited. This is especially true in Amsterdam, Utrecht, Leiden, and Groningen. Therefore, you should start looking for housing immediately after receiving your admission confirmation.
Student dormitories
Dormitories are not provided automatically. Universities have partner housing companies through which students can apply. The number of places is limited, and they are often allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Dormitory costs:
- room on campus or in a student complex: €350–600/month;
- in large cities — from €700/month and above;
- deposit: usually one month's payment.
Where to find dormitories:
- DUWO — the largest operator in student cities;
- SSH Student Housing — a network of dormitories in Groningen, Utrecht, and other cities.
Renting accommodation
If dormitories are not available, most students rent rooms in shared apartments (student rooms). This allows for significant savings compared to renting a studio or apartment.
Average prices:
- room in a shared apartment: €400–700/month, in Amsterdam from €600–750;
- Studio: €800–1,200/month
- Separate apartment: from €1,200/month, in the capital — often more than €1,500/month
- Utilities: another €100–200/month
Popular resources:
💡 There are fraudulent ads in the Netherlands: never transfer money without a signed contract and verification of the landlord.
Registration and residence permit
Upon arrival, students must register with the municipality where they live. This is necessary to obtain a BSN (Burger Service Nummer) — a personal number without which it is impossible to open a bank account, get a job, or use medical services.
The university helps students apply for a residence permit for study, which is issued by the IND. The plastic residence permit card is the main document for legal residence in the country.
📌 Therefore, students should take care of their accommodation in advance, as it will be necessary for registration with the municipality, obtaining a BSN, and further life in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands attracts foreign students with its modern campuses and a large number of English-language programs. At the same time, for most applicants from Ukraine, education is paid. A residence permit for study does not reduce the cost — it only confirms the right to legally live and study in the country.
How much does it cost to study
Universities in the Netherlands use two categories of tuition fees:
- Statutory tuition fee — paid by EU/EEA citizens and students with temporary protection. In the 2025/26 academic year, it is €2,601/year.
- Institutional tuition fee — the full cost for foreigners without benefits.
- Bachelor's degree: from €6,000 to €15,000/year;
- Master's degree: from €8,000 to €20,000/year;
- Some prestigious programs (medicine, business, engineering) may exceed €20,000/year.
At private universities and business schools, the cost is even higher — on average €10,000–25,000/year, and MBA and specialized programs can cost more than €30,000/year.
Most institutions require an initial payment before the start of the program. Proof of payment is usually required to obtain a student residence permit.
Are there any benefits for Ukrainians?
Ukrainians with temporary protection status in the Netherlands are treated as EU students. They pay a reduced fee of €2,601 per year in the 2025/26 academic year. Ukrainians who apply for a student permit without temporary protection status must pay the full tuition fee.
Additional expenses
Even with a scholarship or reduced fees, students must take into account the cost of living. The minimum financial threshold that the IND requires to be confirmed for a permit in 2026 is €1,100 per month (excluding tuition fees). This roughly corresponds to the actual costs:
- housing: a room — €400–700/month, a studio or apartment in large cities — from €1,200/month;
- food: €200–350/month;
- transport: student OV-chipkaart pass — €40–100/month;
- textbooks and learning materials: €30–60/month;
- mobile communications and internet: €20–40/month;
- student fees: from €10 to €50 per year.
On average, a student spends between €800 and €1,200 per month, excluding tuition fees.
Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory.
- For programs lasting up to one year, private international insurance covering doctor visits, diagnostics, hospitalization, and emergency care is sufficient.
- If the program lasts longer, after receiving a BSN and registering with the municipality, the student joins the Dutch health insurance system (zorgverzekering). In 2026, its cost is approximately €120–150/month.
- Some universities offer students group insurance packages at lower rates.
👉 You can get an international insurance policy that is accepted by universities and is suitable for applying for a student permit in the Netherlands at Visit Ukraine.
Although most foreign students have to pay for their studies in the Netherlands, there are many opportunities to reduce costs or even cover tuition fees entirely. These include government programs, university scholarships, or grants for students from countries in need of support, including Ukraine.
Is free education possible?
Completely free places are rare, but Ukrainians with temporary protection status pay a reduced preferential fee (€2,601/year in 2025/26), as do EU citizens. In this case, studying becomes much more affordable. For other students, the full fee applies, which can be reduced through scholarships.
Main government and university programs
- Holland Scholarship – a government scholarship for students from countries outside the EU/EEA. Provides a one-time grant of €5,000 for the first year of study. Applicable to bachelor's and master's degrees.
- Erasmus+ is an EU academic mobility program. It allows you to study for a semester or a year at a partner university or receive a grant for a full course of study. It covers the cost of tickets, accommodation, and meals.
Specific university programs:
- Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) – covers 25% to the full tuition fee.
- University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship – for talented master's students.
- TU Delft Excellence Scholarship (Justus & Louise van Effen) – full tuition coverage + monthly stipend.
- Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship – full tuition coverage and €12,350–23,750 for accommodation.
How to apply
Most scholarships are competitive. You will usually need to submit:
- academic documents (diploma, transcript);
- language certificate;
- motivation letter;
- recommendations;
- sometimes – a research plan or CV.
Deadlines often coincide with the application for the study program (January–February for the fall semester).
📌 Thus, Ukrainians can either reduce the cost of education through temporary protection status or receive one of the numerous scholarships and grants. This makes studying in the Netherlands more affordable even for those who cannot cover the full tuition fees.