The Netherlands is a popular Higher Education destination for both local and international students from across the world. It offers a well-recognised education, a global student community and a great quality of life. Many courses are taught in either Dutch or English with more than 2100 programmes offered entirely in English.
You can find more information on applying to study in the Netherlands from our Destination Netherlands (PDF, 4MB) brochure.
Applying with Cambridge qualifications
Cambridge qualifications are widely accepted at universities in the Netherlands. There are three main types of Higher Education Institutions in the Netherlands: Research Universities, Universities of Applied Sciences and University Colleges. The entry requirements for Cambridge students will vary according to the type of university you apply to.
There are 14 Research Universities offering an academic setting typically with a three-year undergraduate programme. These universities usually require Cambridge learners to present a total of six different subjects – three at Cambridge International A Level and three at Cambridge IGCSE – to be considered for admission to bachelor programmes.
Universities of Applied Sciences (36 in total) offer programmes that focus on the practical applications of arts and sciences and are usually four years in duration. These universities typically require Cambridge learners to present a total of six different subjects – two at Cambridge International AS Level and four at Cambridge IGCSE – to be considered for admission to bachelor programmes.
University Colleges (honours colleges) offer a liberal-arts style curriculum inspired by that offered in the United States. These are usually smaller, residential campuses, with programmes taught in English linked to one of the Dutch Research Universities. They take a holistic approach to admissions but usually require a minimum of three Cambridge International A Levels and three Cambridge IGCSEs.
The process of applying to study at universities in the Netherlands varies according to the type of university you are applying to and whether you are a local or international applicant. For most courses, you must first register with Studielink. Applications may then be made directly to the universities you are interested in.
The deadline to make an application is usually 1 May, however for Numerous Fixus programmes, the deadline is 15 January. Numerous Fixus courses are competitive programmes with limited capacity, such as medicine and dentistry.
Please always check directly with the universities you intend to apply to for up-to-date admissions requirements and policies for local and international students.
Further details can also be found at the Study in Holland website.
Recognition search
Find out which universities in the Netherlands recognise Cambridge qualifications by searching our recognitions database