Netherlands guide · How to apply · 3 min read
How to apply to universities in the Netherlands from Nepal: Studielink, deadlines and the IND.
You apply to Dutch universities through Studielink and the university's own portal. Programmes with limited places (numerus fixus) close on 15 January; most others close on 1 May, but many set an earlier deadline, often 1 April, for non-EU students who need a visa. After admission, the university applies to the IND for your entry visa (MVV) and residence permit, and you show €1,130.77 a month. Choose between research universities and universities of applied sciences first.
The short version
- Apply through Studielink, then the university's portal. Numerus fixus: 15 January. Most others: 1 May, often earlier for non-EU students.
- Two types: research universities (WO, more theory) and universities of applied sciences (HBO, more practical, often easier entry after +2).
- After admission the university applies to the IND for your MVV and residence permit; you pay €254 through it.
- Funds: €1,130.77 a month (higher education, 1 July to 31 December 2026).
- Start looking for a room the day you're admitted; housing is the hardest part of the Netherlands.
Choose the type of university first
| At a glance | Research university (WO) | University of applied sciences (HBO) |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching | Theory and research | Practical, with internships |
| After +2 from Nepal | Often hard to enter directly | Often possible with good marks |
| Master’s | Research and taught master’s | Fewer, professional master’s |
| English | Often IELTS 6.5 | Often IELTS 6.0 |
| Tuition for non-EU (our shortlists) | €9,000 to €20,000 a year | Often at the lower end |
From our files. Samjhana Thapa from Baglung had +2 in management with a GPA of 3.1 and IELTS 6.5, and had been told the Netherlands was out of reach. Research universities wanted more; universities of applied sciences fit her grades and her career plan better. We showed her the job outcomes of both types before she chose. She’s studying International Business in Groningen.
The deadlines
| Programme type | Studielink deadline | For non-EU students |
|---|---|---|
| Numerus fixus (limited places: medicine, some psychology, some business) | 15 January | Same, firm |
| Most bachelor’s | 1 May | Often earlier, commonly 1 April |
| Master’s | Set by each university | Often 1 February to 1 April for non-EU |
Universities set earlier non-EU deadlines because the IND process takes time. Always use the programme’s own page.
The steps
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Shortlist | Programme, type of university, entry rules, non-EU deadline |
| 2. Studielink | Register the application |
| 3. University portal | Upload documents; some programmes ask for a test or interview |
| 4. Admission | Conditional or unconditional |
| 5. Tuition and funds | Pay tuition and transfer the living funds (often to the university) after your NOC |
| 6. IND | The university applies for your MVV and residence permit (€254) |
| 7. MVV | Collect the entry visa at the Dutch embassy that serves Nepal |
| 8. Arrive | Register at the municipality, collect your residence card |
The money
The IND uses a monthly amount for higher education students: €1,130.77 a month for 1 July to 31 December 2026. Many universities ask you to transfer a year’s living money to them, then pay it back to you monthly. At Rs 171.38 per EUR (18 Oct 2026), twelve months is about Rs 23.3 lakh.
Mistakes we see
- Missing the earlier non-EU deadline. Many programmes close weeks or months before 1 May for students who need a visa. Check the programme page, move everything forward, and add a backup programme with its own deadline.
- Applying only to research universities with a profile that suits applied sciences.
- No room by August. Start the housing search on admission day.
