Netherlands

Applications for the NL Scholarship 2026-27 open on 1 November 2025. Deadlines are specific to each participating institution so make sure you check your chosen university website for further information. 

Studying abroad in the Netherlands is becoming increasingly popular among international students and it’s easy to see why.

There is an array of world-leading universities to choose from, lots of courses are taught in English and the cost of studying in the Netherlands as an international student tends to be lower than in the US and UK.

To prepare for my study abroad journey, I watched YouTube videos about student life in the Netherlands. These videos shared some practical tips and tricks that proved useful later, but I did not see any videos about what really matters the most: settling in a new country. In this article, I will share some tips that will hopefully help you to adapt to your new life in the Netherlands.

Many students choose to study in the Netherlands for the high-quality education, programmes taught in English and the more affordable student lifestyle. 

But finding all the information on student visas can be tricky. To help you through this process, we have put together a handy table that covers all aspects of a Netherlands student visa. 

Below we cover everything from visa types and costs to deadlines and work options. 

Imagine walking along the canals in the Netherlands, the water shimmering in the sunlight and purple and yellow flowers blooming around you. There’s a windmill in the distance and the smell of something sweet in the air. You almost forget that you’ve slept for only three hours on the plane, that you have two suitcases bumping along behind you and that, with your spotty signal, you’re pretty sure Google Maps has lost you.

Choosing to study international business administration (IBA) at Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), Erasmus University in the Netherlands was one of the best decisions I ever made. 

The Netherlands is a friendly country that is tailored to international students, so don’t be afraid to start your international adventure here. You don’t even need to speak Dutch because many of the degrees are in English, and that is a big advantage.  

Dasha Yakusheva is a Ukrainian student studying communication and media at Erasmus University Rotterdam. As someone who has experienced the housing system in the Netherlands, she shares her top tips to help you find your own accommodation. 

Finding accommodation that is safe, close to campus and affordable is a concern for all students. For international students, an added difficulty is that they often cannot see the accommodation in advance. And, unfortunately, there are those who try to take advantage of this and create accommodation scams.