How enrollment at Dutch universities works
Required documents
There is no standard list of enrollment documents valid for all Dutch universities.
Each university and each program decides independently what to ask for… and the requirements can even change within the same faculty!
The most commonly requested documents include: transcripts or diploma (with official translation); English certificate (sometimes with exemption); motivation letter, essay, CV, or motivational interview (not always required, depends on the program); officially certified and translated documents are almost always necessary.
For applicants to our partner universities and clients, we offer discounted rates on official translations and can check if you are eligible for an English test exemption. Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents can cause delays, rejections, or cancellation of your application. It’s better to do it correctly from the very beginning!
Main steps
Enrollment at Dutch universities starts on Studielink, the official platform of the Dutch government. But note: from there, each university has its own portal and procedures.
It is not like in the UK or the USA, where you submit a single application: in the Netherlands, you must submit a separate application for each university you wish to enroll in.
Can I apply for enrollment on my own, or do I need an agency?
You can apply on your own, of course. But if the program is selective, limited in capacity (fixus), or if you want to do a master’s, we strongly recommend seeking support: it increases your chances of admission and helps you avoid common mistakes.
Our basic support is free for partner universities! We also offer personalized services for those who have limited time or prefer to delegate the process to professionals. On many university portals, you will find Goingdutch / Lonnie Holders listed as a “local agent” or “representative.” Select us and let us know: we can help you for free, offer discounts, and guide your application step by step.
Can I also ask for help with housing?
Yes, but only if you contact us in time! The best options fill up quickly, and in order to help you, we need to register you promptly on the appropriate platforms and waiting lists. Housing support is reserved for students of partner universities who contact us early (preferably in the first months of the process) and for clients with full-service (premium) packages.
What are the application deadlines?
Applications to enroll at university in the Netherlands open from October.
Here are the main deadlines to keep in mind:
- 15 January. Limited-capacity (fixus) programs
- 1 May. Standard deadline for most programs
- Until 1 August. Some universities offer more flexibility
Pay attention to the deadlines for selective programs: they may vary and often include an “early bird” deadline and a “late admission” deadline. In any case, we recommend applying by 1 March at the latest, so you will also have better chances of finding accommodation through the university.
Do I need a residence permit?
If you have an Italian passport or a passport from another European Union country, you do not need a residence permit. You can live and study in the Netherlands without additional bureaucracy: you only need to register with the municipality upon arrival.
If you are a non-EU citizen, the rules are different: you will need a residence permit for study purposes; usually, the university applies for it on your behalf, but you must submit all required documents on time, as application deadlines are often very early. If you are unsure about your situation or have dual citizenship, contact us: we can help you understand what you need.
How much is the annual tuition fee?
- € 2,601 per year → University tuition fee for EU students in 2025-2026
- In some cases (e.g., University Colleges), the tuition may be higher
- The value for money is among the best in Europe!
Limited budget? Also take a look at universities in Belgium: they cost less than €1,200 per year!
Book a free consultation
Studying abroad is an important decision, and Goingdutch guides you step by step, proving support and all the expertise you need to avoid mistakes and stress. During a short free call, together we will:
- Get to know each other better
- Explore the best options for you to study in the Netherlands or Belgium
- Dive deeper into the application process
- Talk about how Goingdutch can help you
The consultation can take place via phone or video call, whichever you prefer.
We speak Italian, English and Dutch 😉
