Yes, you can absolutely study in the Netherlands in English. The Dutch higher education system offers hundreds of fully English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs across universities and university colleges, making the Netherlands one of the most accessible study destinations in Europe for international students. Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions prospective students ask before making the move.
What percentage of Dutch university programs are taught in English?
The Netherlands has one of the highest concentrations of English-taught programs in continental Europe. While exact figures shift each year as institutions add new programs, the country consistently ranks among the top non-Anglophone nations for English-medium instruction. Research universities, universities of applied sciences, and university colleges together offer well over a thousand English-taught programs at bachelor’s and master’s level.
At the bachelor’s level, English-taught programs are especially common in fields such as business, international relations, technology, and the liberal arts and sciences. At master’s level, English instruction is even more widespread, with many Dutch universities offering the majority of their graduate programs in English. This expansion has been driven by decades of deliberate internationalization policy, and the Netherlands remains a top destination for students from across Europe, Asia, and beyond.
It is worth noting that recent Dutch legislation, the Wet Internationalisering in Balans (WIB), has introduced new requirements around the use of English in higher education. Some programs at larger research universities have had to justify or adjust their language of instruction. However, certain institutions, including specialist university colleges, are exempt from these restrictions and continue to operate fully English-taught programs open to international students.
What types of English-taught degrees can you get in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, you can pursue English-taught degrees at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level across a wide range of disciplines. The most common degree types are the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Master of Science (M.Sc.), and Master of Arts (M.A.), all of which are internationally recognized and equivalent to degrees awarded in the UK, US, or Australia.
At the undergraduate level, English-taught bachelor’s programs span disciplines including:
- Liberal Arts and Sciences (interdisciplinary, self-designed curricula)
- Business Administration and International Business
- Computer Science and Data Science
- International Law and Political Science
- Psychology and Cognitive Science
- Environmental and Life Sciences
- Media, Communication, and Cultural Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences programs deserve particular mention because they take a distinct approach to the bachelor’s degree. Rather than locking students into a single subject from day one, these programs allow students to build their own curriculum across disciplines, combining courses from the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and more. This model is especially well suited to students who have broad intellectual interests or who are not yet certain which academic direction to pursue.
Do you need to speak Dutch to study in the Netherlands?
No, you do not need to speak Dutch to study in the Netherlands if you enroll in a fully English-taught program. All coursework, assessments, faculty communication, and administrative processes in these programs are conducted in English. Many international students complete their entire degree without learning Dutch beyond a few practical phrases.
That said, learning some Dutch will significantly enrich your experience of living in the country. Day-to-day life outside the campus, including interactions at local shops, public services, and social settings, is conducted in Dutch. Most Dutch people speak excellent English, so you will rarely find yourself unable to communicate, but making an effort with the language helps you integrate more fully into the community around you.
Some English-taught programs actively support students in this area. At University College Roosevelt, for example, international students can take Dutch language courses as part of their curriculum, making it easier to settle into Dutch culture and feel at home in Middelburg. This kind of optional language support is a practical way to get the best of both worlds: a fully English-medium education with the tools to connect more deeply with the country you are living in.
How do English-taught programs in the Netherlands compare to the UK or US?
English-taught programs in the Netherlands offer a genuinely competitive alternative to studying in the UK or the US, combining high academic quality with significantly lower tuition costs and a distinctly international classroom environment. Dutch bachelor’s degrees typically take three years to complete, compared to four years in the US and three in the UK, though program structures and entry requirements differ across institutions.
Academic quality and international recognition
Dutch universities consistently rank among the top institutions in Europe and the world. Degrees awarded by Dutch universities are fully recognized internationally, and graduates regularly go on to postgraduate study at leading institutions in the UK, US, and elsewhere. The teaching approach in the Netherlands tends to be discussion-based, research-oriented, and student-centered, with smaller class sizes than you might encounter at large UK or US research universities.
Cost of study
Tuition fees in the Netherlands are substantially lower than in the UK or the US, particularly for EU and EEA students. Non-EU international students pay higher fees, but even these are generally well below the cost of equivalent programs at US private universities or UK institutions. The cost of living in the Netherlands is moderate by Western European standards, and many programs offer scholarships and financial support options to help bridge any funding gaps.
Campus experience
One meaningful difference is the residential college model, which is less common in the Netherlands than in the US or UK but does exist. Programs that offer guaranteed on-campus housing and a close-knit residential community provide an experience closer to the American liberal arts college model, where academic and social life are deeply integrated. This is a significant draw for students who want more than a commuter university experience.
What are the admission requirements for English programs in the Netherlands?
Admission requirements for English-taught programs in the Netherlands vary by institution and program, but most share a common set of criteria. You will generally need a secondary school diploma equivalent to the Dutch VWO qualification, proof of English language proficiency, and in some cases, specific subject prerequisites or a minimum grade in relevant subjects.
For English language proficiency, most Dutch institutions accept the following:
- IELTS Academic: typically a minimum overall score of 6.0 to 7.0, depending on the program
- TOEFL iBT: usually a minimum of 80 to 100
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency certificates
- Students from countries where English is the primary language of instruction may be exempt from language tests
For more selective programs, such as honours university colleges and competitive bachelor’s programs, the admissions process goes beyond academic grades. These programs typically include a motivational essay or statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and sometimes an interview. The aim is to assess not just academic ability but intellectual curiosity, motivation, and fit with the program’s values and learning approach.
It is important to research the specific requirements of each program you are considering, as entry criteria can differ significantly. Checking the admissions pages of individual institutions and contacting their admissions teams directly is always the most reliable approach.
Which English-taught university in the Netherlands is right for you?
The right English-taught university in the Netherlands depends on what kind of learning experience you are looking for, your academic interests, and the environment in which you thrive. Large research universities offer breadth, resources, and urban settings, while smaller university colleges offer intimacy, flexibility, and a more immersive community experience.
If you are drawn to an interdisciplinary education where you design your own curriculum rather than following a fixed program, a Liberal Arts and Sciences college is worth exploring seriously. This model suits students who are intellectually curious across multiple fields and who want to develop as thinkers and individuals, not just specialists. The small class sizes, close faculty relationships, and residential community that characterize these colleges create a fundamentally different kind of undergraduate experience compared to a conventional university.
Key questions to ask yourself when choosing include:
- Do I want a fixed degree program in one subject, or the freedom to combine disciplines?
- Do I prefer a large urban campus or a smaller, more intimate setting?
- Is residential campus life important to me, or am I comfortable living independently off campus?
- What level of personal support and student-faculty contact do I want?
- What are my plans after graduation, and which type of degree best supports them?
There is no single right answer, but taking the time to visit campuses, attend open days, and speak with current students will give you a much clearer sense of where you will genuinely belong.
How UCR helps you study in the Netherlands in English
University College Roosevelt (UCR) is a fully English-taught liberal arts and sciences college in Middelburg, the Netherlands, designed specifically for international students who want a rigorous, personalized, and immersive undergraduate experience. As an honours college of Utrecht University, UCR awards internationally recognized B.A. and B.Sc. degrees while offering something larger universities simply cannot match at this scale.
Here is what makes UCR a strong answer to the question of where to study in the Netherlands in English:
- Fully English-taught program: Every course, assessment, and interaction at UCR takes place in English, with no Dutch language requirement for admission
- Design your own curriculum: Choose from courses across six interdisciplinary clusters, from Data Science and Environment to Media and Health, and build a degree that reflects your interests
- Guaranteed housing: Every student lives on UCR’s residential campus in the historic heart of Middelburg for the full duration of their studies
- Small, close-knit community: With around 500 students from over 70 nationalities, UCR offers the kind of personal attention and meaningful connections that large universities rarely provide
- Real-world learning: UCR’s living lab approach connects students with local government, industry, and community partners for hands-on, project-based learning from the first semester
- Dutch language support: International students can take Dutch language courses to ease their transition into life in the Netherlands
If you are ready to explore what studying in the Netherlands in English could look like for you, review UCR’s admissions requirements or get in touch with the admissions team to ask your questions directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work part-time while studying in the Netherlands on an English-taught program?
Yes, non-EU international students studying in the Netherlands are generally permitted to work up to 16 hours per week alongside their studies, provided they hold a valid residence permit. EU and EEA students face no working hour restrictions. Keep in mind that smaller, intensive programs like liberal arts colleges tend to have demanding academic workloads, so it is worth planning your time carefully before committing to part-time employment.
Will my English-taught Dutch degree be recognized by employers and universities abroad?
Yes, degrees awarded by Dutch universities and university colleges are fully internationally recognized and carry significant weight with employers and graduate admissions offices worldwide. The Netherlands is a signatory to the Bologna Process, meaning its bachelor’s and master’s qualifications align with European standards and are readily understood across the globe. Graduates of Dutch institutions regularly go on to postgraduate study and careers at leading organizations in the UK, US, and beyond.
What is the biggest mistake students make when applying to English-taught programs in the Netherlands?
One of the most common mistakes is applying too late. Many English-taught programs, particularly competitive ones like university colleges, have early application deadlines — sometimes as early as January or February for September enrollment — and places fill up quickly. Another frequent error is submitting a generic motivational essay rather than one tailored to the specific program’s values and learning approach, which can significantly weaken an otherwise strong application.
How different is daily life in the Netherlands for an international student who doesn't speak Dutch?
Day-to-day life is very manageable without Dutch, as the Netherlands consistently ranks among the highest countries in the world for English proficiency among non-native speakers. Supermarkets, public transport, healthcare, and most government services are accessible in English, especially in university cities. That said, making even a basic effort to learn Dutch phrases tends to be warmly received by locals and helps you feel more genuinely settled in your new home rather than simply passing through.
Are there scholarships available specifically for international students in English-taught Dutch programs?
Yes, there are several scholarship options worth exploring. The Holland Scholarship is a Dutch government-backed award available to non-EEA students enrolling in a bachelor’s or master’s program at a participating Dutch institution. Many individual universities and university colleges also offer their own merit-based or need-based financial support. It is best to check the scholarships page of each institution you are applying to, as eligibility criteria and award amounts vary considerably.
What should I expect from the teaching style in a Dutch English-taught program compared to what I'm used to?
Dutch higher education is generally more discussion-based, student-centered, and participatory than the lecture-heavy formats common in many other countries. You will typically be expected to engage actively in seminars, challenge ideas, and take significant ownership of your own learning rather than passively absorbing information. Students who thrive in this environment tend to be intellectually curious and comfortable voicing their opinions — qualities that are especially valued in interdisciplinary programs like Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Is it possible to transfer to a Dutch English-taught program if I've already started a degree elsewhere?
Transfer possibilities exist but vary significantly between institutions. Some Dutch universities and university colleges accept transfer students with prior higher education credits, while others prefer to admit students at the start of their first year only. If you are considering a transfer, contact the admissions office of your target institution directly to discuss credit recognition and eligibility, as this is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Bringing a detailed transcript and course descriptions from your current institution will help speed up the process.
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