Table of Contents
- Overview of the education system in the Netherlands
- Types of intakes in the Netherlands
- Comparison between different intakes in the Netherlands
- Popular universities and programmes for each intake
- Pros and cons of different intakes in the Netherlands
- Impact of intakes on the visa application process
- Factors to consider while selecting an intake in the Netherlands
- Tips for international students on the intakes in the Netherlands
- Scholarships across academic intakes
- Final thoughts
- Frequently asked questions
- Which intake is best for studying in the Netherlands?
- Can I apply for multiple intakes in the same academic year?
- Do all universities in the Netherlands offer the February intake?
- What happens if I miss the application deadline for the main intake?
- How long before the intake should I apply for accommodation?
Key takeaways
- Education in the Netherlands is compulsory for children aged 5 to 16. It’s structured into three levels: primary, secondary, and higher education.
- The higher education level provides profession-oriented and research-oriented courses, leading to bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degrees.
- There are two main academic intakes: September and February intakes. September intake is the primary one with a wide range of courses, while February intake is the secondary intake with limited course availability.
- Choosing the right intake is essential to maximise your student success. The choice of courses, scholarship availability, work opportunities, and many other factors depend significantly on the intake.
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Studying in the Netherlands is an excellent choice for international students seeking high-quality education, global exposure, and international career prospects. The Netherlands offers you two main intakes: September and February. While choosing an academic programme, it’s also essential to ensure that you select the right intake. Let’s explore the two intakes in detail. Keep reading!
Overview of the education system in the Netherlands
The education system in the Netherlands provides compulsory education to children between the ages of 5 and 16. It’s structured into three levels: primary, secondary, and higher education.
Primary education
Primary education covers grades 1 to 8 (ages 4-12). During this stage, the aim is to develop a student’s basic skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic. On completing primary school, you can choose an appropriate secondary education track based on standardised tests and inputs from teachers.
Secondary education
Secondary education starts at age 12 and offers three different streams to choose from based on your academic interests. The streams are VMBO (preparatory secondary vocational education), HAVO (senior general secondary education), and VWO (university preparatory education). VMBO is a 4-year stream focused on providing practical knowledge and vocational training, while HAVO is a 5-year stream which prepares you for higher professional education. VMO is a 6-year stream with a strong focus on theoretical knowledge, preparing you for a bachelor’s degree.
Higher education
Higher education covers both profession-oriented and research-oriented courses. Profession-oriented courses prepare you for specific professional streams with a focus on the practical aspects of the subject. These courses lead to a bachelor’s or master’s qualification. Research-oriented courses prepare you for independent research, place emphasis on the theoretical aspects of the subject, and lead to bachelor’s, master’s or PhD.
Types of intakes in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has two main academic intakes, the September intake and the February intake. Choosing the right intake is essential to maximise your overall student experience. Take a look at more details about academic intakes in the Netherlands.
September or fall intake
The September intake is the primary intake when universities offer a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s programmes in disciplines including Business, Engineering, Law, and Computer Science. During this intake, more seats are available for international students, along with a higher availability of scholarships.
February or spring intake
The February intake is the secondary intake, which can be considered if you missed the September intake. The programmes offered during this intake are more limited compared to the February intake, with fewer scholarship opportunities as well. You can consider this intake if you need more time for preparation or visa processing.
Note: Apart from the two main academic intakes, the Netherlands also offers an intake during the summer for specialised programmes or short-term summer courses.
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Comparison between different intakes in the Netherlands
While planning your admissions, it is essential to have an understanding of programme availability, deadlines, scholarships, and other details about the two intakes.
| Aspect | September intake (Fall) | February intake (Spring) |
| Intake period | September / October | February / March |
| Programme availability | Nearly all programmes offered | Limited programmes |
| Popularity | Most popular intake period | Less popular, smaller-scale intake |
| Application deadline | January to April | September to November |
| Student population size | Large and diverse | Smaller, fewer applicants |
| Scholarship availability | More scholarships available, including the Holland Scholarship, Orange Tulip Scholarship | Limited scholarship options |
| Application process highlights | Early applications recommended, interviews/assessments for some courses | Less competitive, fewer interview rounds |
| Work opportunities | Part-time work allowed (up to 16 hours/week) | Same as September intake |
Popular universities and programmes for each intake
The September intake offers abundant academic programmes from some of the top universities in the Netherlands. Even though course availability is limited in the February intake, you may find the intake useful if you missed the September intake.
Take a look at popular universities and programmes for each intake.
| Aspect | September intake | February intake |
| Popular universities | Delft University of Technology, University of Amsterdam, Utrecht University, Leiden University, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Wageningen University & Research, Eindhoven University of Technology, Tilburg University, HAN University of Applied Sciences, SRH Haarlem University of Applied Sciences | University of Amsterdam, SRH Haarlem University of Applied Sciences, Tilburg University, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Leiden University |
| Programme availability | Almost all programmes are offered (research universities, applied sciences, business schools) | Limited programme availability |
| Popular fields/programmes | Engineering & Technology (TU Delft, Eindhoven), Business & Economics (Erasmus Rotterdam, Groningen), Social Sciences & Humanities (Amsterdam, Leiden), Environmental Sciences (Wageningen), Computer Science & AI (VU Amsterdam, Radboud) | Similar fields but fewer course options in engineering, business, and applied sciences |
| Specialised programmes | Law, Data Science, AI, Sustainable Development, International Relations, Finance, Logistics, Healthcare Technology | Select engineering and business-related programmes |
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Pros and cons of different intakes in the Netherlands
Here are the pros and cons of the two intakes in the Netherlands.
| Feature | September intake (Fall) | February intake (Spring) |
| Programme availability | Almost all programmes are available | Limited programmes |
| Student population | Larger and diverse, providing plenty of socialisation opportunities | A smaller group of students |
| Scholarships | More scholarship opportunities | Fewer scholarship opportunities |
| Orientation and support | Full-scale orientation programmes and extensive support | Limited orientation programmes, but more personalised |
| Preparation time | Less time for preparation, must apply early | More preparation time available |
| Internship and job opportunities | Better aligned with internship cycles, more options | Limited or differently timed internship options |
| Tuition fee payment | Full academic year payment | Fee covers partial year starting from February |
Impact of intakes on the visa application process
The intake you choose has a significant impact on the visa application process. The September intake is popular with a huge volume of applications every year. As a result, visa processing times may be longer during this intake. To avoid unnecessary delays, visa applications for the September intake must be started early, preferably by April.
Applications for the February intake may be processed faster than the September intake due to the reduced volume of student applications. It’s recommended to start your applications around October so that you can avoid last-minute stress.
Before you start applying, ensure that you have all the necessary documents ready, such as financial statements, academic records, and language proficiency test scores. While submitting the documents or filling out the application form, ensure that you avoid mistakes, as this can lead to delays or rejections.
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Factors to consider while selecting an intake in the Netherlands
Choosing the right intake is a crucial factor in determining your academic success and overall student experience. Here are the important factors you should consider while choosing an intake.
- Programme availability
- Application deadlines
- Personal circumstances
- Scholarship opportunities
Programme availability
The courses available will be different for the two intakes. Many programmes are offered primarily in the September intake. Check which intake offers your desired academic programme.
Application deadlines
Check the application and visa deadlines for both intakes. This can vary significantly based on the university. The application deadline for the September intake falls between January and April, and the deadline for the February intake falls between September and November.
Personal circumstances
Consider your personal circumstances as well. Before applying, you should have the necessary documents and finances ready. You may need time to improve your test scores or arrange documents. If you choose the September intake, you may need to prepare early.
Scholarship opportunities
Scholarship availability also differs for the two intakes. If you’re planning to apply for scholarships to support your finances, it’s essential to choose the intake that offers more options that you can access.
Tips for international students on the intakes in the Netherlands
You should research and plan well in advance to identify the academic programme and university that fits your career goals, and the intake that fits your chosen academic programme. It’s recommended to check the eligibility criteria and keep documents ready in advance.
The September intake usually does not give you much time for preparation, as application deadlines occur early. Make a realistic estimate of the tuition and living costs in both intakes. Ensure that you select an intake where the right scholarships that align with your financial needs are available.
Engage with the university and the student support system early so that the transition process is simplified. There should also be proper planning for accommodation and visa applications, so that you can avoid delays. Start searching for the accommodation as soon as you receive the offer letter. Ensure that your preparation time, academic goals, and personal timelines are aligned with intake schedules.
Scholarships across academic intakes
Here is an overview of the scholarships offered across the two intakes.
| Scholarship name | Intakes available |
| NL Scholarship | September and February |
| Radboud Scholarship Programme | September, some availability for February |
| HAN University NL Scholarship | September |
| Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship | September |
| Utrecht Excellence Scholarship | September |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degrees | Varies; mostly September |
| Eric Bleumink Scholarship | February |
| VU Amsterdam Scholarships | September and February |
| Orange Tulip Scholarship | Primarily September |
Final thoughts
The education system in the Netherlands is well-structured and spread across three levels: primary, secondary, and higher education. International students seeking higher education in the Netherlands can apply for a wide range of career-focused courses during the two intakes: September and February. The two intakes differ in course availability, scholarship availability, student crowd, and various other factors.
Choosing the right intake is crucial to maximise your overall student experience. Ensure that the intake you choose is well-aligned with your academic goals, scholarship needs, and personal circumstances.
Got questions about intakes in the Netherlands? Connect with us!
Frequently asked questions
Which intake is best for studying in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands has two intakes: September and February intakes. The September intake is the primary intake with a wide selection of courses. Even though the February intake provides a lesser number of courses, it offers flexibility in the admission process. The best intake depends on the course you choose, your financial needs, and your personal circumstances.
Can I apply for multiple intakes in the same academic year?
Yes, you can apply for multiple intakes in the same academic year. But it depends on the specific policy of the university you are applying to. Ensure that you check the university’s policies, intake deadlines, and application fees to manage the admission process effectively.
Do all universities in the Netherlands offer the February intake?
No. The February intake is a smaller intake with fewer programme choices compared to the September intake. So, while the September intake is available at all universities, the February intake is limited to select universities, mainly universities of applied sciences.
What happens if I miss the application deadline for the main intake?
If you miss the application deadline in the Netherlands, you can apply for the February intake. However, in case the course is not available in February, you’ll have to wait until next September.
How long before the intake should I apply for accommodation?
It’s recommended to apply for accommodation as early as possible due to the high competition and limited availability of quality residences. Search for the right accommodation and apply as soon as you receive your admission offer.
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