Applying to a university abroad can be stressful, you are committing 1 or several years of your life in a new country and culture, leaving behind family and friends to follow a path that will hopefully benefit you and your future. On top of that, you have to navigate through a complicated application system!

The good news is, it doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. Sure, it is a big step, but with the right guidance this step can feel exciting rather than scary! Here are four simple steps to applying to a university in the Netherlands.

Step 1: Know your options (Spoiler alert: it’s more than just academics!)

Of course academics are important -you need to choose a subject that will inspire you and be inline with your future ambitions – but your university is also going to be your new home! Ask yourself what is important to you and what will make you happy and recharged after you’ve finished studying for the day. Do you love music and want to have concerts near you? Do you want to be close to nature to go hiking? Do you want to live in a large metropolitan city or would you rather be in a  campus-based environment? Finally, make sure you have options. or most courses in the Netherlands you can apply for up to 4  universities at the same time, so don’t put all your eggs in one basket!

Step 2: Know the deadlines

The application deadlines vary per university, therefore it is important to consult the application page of your chosen course. In general, deadlines tend to be between May 1st and June 1st for EU students. For Non-EU students, the deadline is usually on April 1st.

We recommend to apply as soon as possible. Once a course has reached its maximum capacity of students, the process of getting in becomes much more difficult.

Step 3: Register on Studielink

Most programs require you to first register via Studielink. Studielink is the official central application portal for Dutch Universities. Here you complete your personal profile and register your application for the program(s) of your choice. Once submitted, you will also be able to track your application here.

Step 4: Apply to the specific institution

Once you’ve submitted your application on Studielink, you will receive login details for the specific university application portal(s) that you’ve applied to. Each university has its own specific portal. Here you can upload necessary documents such as your CV, transcripts, motivation letter, etc (check the relevant application page). In some cases there is an application fee.

Finally as some general advice; check the course specific requirements. These are the general guidelines and information on applying in the Netherlands. Make sure to read the admission requirements and application procedure for each of your selected courses carefully. Always contact the university admissions support if something is unclear, they are happy to reach out and help!

If you want any application support feel free to reach out to us. We are always here to help 🙂