Which English proficiency tests do Dutch universities accept?
Most Dutch universities accept IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT and Cambridge English qualifications as proof of English proficiency. Some also accept the Duolingo English Test or recognise English-medium secondary education instead. Requirements and minimum scores differ by institution and programme, so always check your chosen programme’s official admissions page.
Typical options include:
- IELTS Academic: widely accepted, with a minimum overall band score that varies by programme.
- TOEFL iBT: accepted by most institutions, again with programme-specific score thresholds.
- Cambridge English (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency): often accepted at the required grade level.
- English-medium schooling: some programmes waive the test if you completed secondary education in English in a country they list as exempt.
Book your test early. Results can take a couple of weeks, and most universities set strict application deadlines. Also check how long a test result stays valid, as many institutions only accept scores from the last two years.
How do you choose an English-taught bachelor’s programme in the Netherlands?
Choose an English-taught bachelor’s programme by matching three things: how the curriculum is structured, how selective admission is, and what kind of learning environment suits you. Compare programme content, class size, admissions requirements, tuition fees and support services before you shortlist. A programme that looks right on paper should also feel right in practice.
Start with the structure. A specialised degree such as engineering or law follows a fixed path from day one. A liberal arts degree lets you combine subjects, for example psychology with biology or philosophy with data science, and is a good fit if you are not yet sure about a single discipline.
Then work through these criteria:
- Admissions: Some programmes are open to anyone with the right diploma. Others are selective and assess motivation, grades and sometimes interviews. Never assume admission is automatic.
- Size and teaching style: Large lecture halls and small seminar groups give very different experiences.
- Costs: Tuition fees depend on your nationality and the institution, and change from year to year. Check current figures and scholarship options on the university’s own website.
- Recognition and mobility: Look at the degree awarded and whether exchange opportunities are part of the programme.
- Location: A big city and a small historic town offer very different student lives.
Visit open days, either online or in person, and speak to current students. Their answers usually reveal more than a brochure.
Can you manage daily life in the Netherlands without Dutch?
Yes, you can manage daily life in the Netherlands without Dutch. The Netherlands consistently ranks among the countries with the highest English proficiency among non-native speakers, so shops, banks, public transport and healthcare providers in most cities can serve you in English.
Everyday tasks that generally work in English include:
- Buying train tickets and using public transport apps
- Shopping, eating out and using services in cities and student towns
- Opening a bank account (many banks offer English-language service for students)
- Visiting a general practitioner or pharmacy
There are limits. Official letters from the municipality, tax authority or insurers often arrive in Dutch. Smaller villages and some government offices may use less English. A translation app and a Dutch-speaking friend can help in these moments.
Many Dutch people also switch to English as soon as they notice you are not a native speaker, which makes everyday interaction easy, though it can slow your progress if you want to practise Dutch.
Where do international students live without speaking Dutch?
International students usually live in university-arranged student housing, private rooms in shared houses, or purpose-built student residences. Housing in the Netherlands is competitive, especially in large cities, so many universities help international students find a place. Some guarantee housing, which removes a major stress for newcomers.
Your main options are:
- University housing: Offered or arranged by the institution, often with English-speaking support. This is the simplest route for first-year international students.
- Student housing organisations: Provide rooms and studios, usually through waiting lists or application systems.
- Private rentals: Rooms in shared houses are common but can be hard to secure and are sometimes advertised in Dutch.
Apply for housing as early as possible, ideally as soon as you are admitted. Be careful with online listings that ask for a deposit before you have seen the room or met the landlord, as rental scams do target international students. Always use official university channels or reputable platforms.
Small residential colleges often combine study and living in one community. In that setting, language rarely becomes a barrier, because everyone around you is adapting to a new country at the same time.
Should you learn Dutch while studying in the Netherlands?
Learning some Dutch is not required, but it is worth doing. Even basic Dutch makes daily life smoother, helps you connect with local residents, and improves your chances of finding part-time work or an internship. If you hope to stay in the Netherlands after graduating, it becomes much more valuable.
Consider learning Dutch if you want to:
- Understand official letters and local news without translation
- Build friendships beyond the international student community
- Work in a Dutch-speaking environment during or after your studies
- Show respect for the local culture, which Dutch residents tend to appreciate
You can start small. Many universities offer Dutch courses for international students, and free language apps, community classes and language cafés are widely available. Ten to fifteen minutes a day over a few months is enough to handle greetings, shopping and simple conversations.
If your plan is to study for three years and then return home or move elsewhere, you can skip formal lessons and still have a successful experience. The choice depends on your goals, not on a requirement.
Explore your study options at University College Roosevelt
If you want to study in the Netherlands in English, in a small international community, University College Roosevelt (UCR) in Middelburg is worth a closer look. UCR is an honours college of Utrecht University and offers a fully English-taught Liberal Arts and Sciences bachelor’s programme leading to a B.A. or B.Sc. degree. Admission is selective, with defined requirements and an application procedure, so check the details early.
- Personalised curriculum: Choose from 160+ courses across disciplines and design your own academic path, with Dutch language courses available for international students.
- Guaranteed housing: All students live on the residential campus in Middelburg’s historic centre, so you have a place to live for the entire duration of your studies.
- International community: Around 500 students from over 70 nationalities learn and live together, with exchange options through Utrecht University’s worldwide partners.
Ready to find out whether UCR fits your plans? Connect with University College Roosevelt to ask the admissions team your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started with applying to an English-taught bachelor's programme in the Netherlands?
Begin by shortlisting three to five programmes and reading each one’s official admissions page for deadlines, required documents and English test scores. Then book your English test (such as IELTS or TOEFL) early, request official copies of your school diploma and transcripts, and prepare any motivation letter or interview materials. Many Dutch programmes have deadlines months before the start of the academic year, so start at least 9 to 12 months ahead.
What if my English test score is slightly below the required minimum?
First check whether the programme accepts a different test or has a lower threshold for individual sections, since requirements vary. If you are close, retaking the test after focused preparation is usually the best route, so make sure you leave enough time before the application deadline. You can also contact the admissions office directly to ask whether any alternatives, such as a pre-sessional English course, are possible.
How do I avoid rental scams when looking for housing as an international student?
Never pay a deposit or rent before you have seen the room (in person or via a live video call) and verified who the landlord is. Stick to housing offered through your university or reputable student housing organisations, and be suspicious of listings with unusually low prices or landlords who say they are abroad. If something feels off, ask your university’s housing or international office to review the offer.
How should I deal with official Dutch letters if I don't speak the language?
Don’t ignore them, as some letters from the municipality, tax authority or insurers have deadlines. Use a translation app such as Google Translate or DeepL to understand the gist, and ask your university’s international student office, a Dutch-speaking friend or housemate to help with anything important. Many institutions and municipalities also offer English-language information pages or helplines for international residents.
What is the best way to practise Dutch if people keep switching to English?
Politely tell people you would like to practise and ask them to stay in Dutch for a while. Joining a language café, a Dutch course offered by your university, or a club or volunteer group where Dutch is the main language also creates regular practice. Combining a daily 10 to 15 minutes on a language app with a weekly real conversation tends to work well.
Can I work part-time while studying in the Netherlands if I don't speak Dutch?
Yes, there are part-time jobs and internships in English, particularly in hospitality, international companies, tutoring and university-related roles. Basic Dutch widens your options considerably, especially in retail and customer-facing work. Check the current work-permit rules and hour limits for your nationality on the Dutch immigration service (IND) website before accepting any job.
What common mistakes should I avoid when choosing a programme?
The biggest mistakes are assuming admission is automatic, ignoring application deadlines and choosing based on city or ranking alone without checking the curriculum and teaching style. Also avoid overlooking costs, housing availability and scholarship deadlines, which often fall earlier than admission deadlines. Talking to current students and attending an open day can help you spot a poor fit before you apply.
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