Top universities in the Netherlands for international students

If you’re exploring study options abroad, you might already be thinking about the UK, the US, or Germany. But the Netherlands is becoming one of the fastest-growing destinations for international students. Dutch universities combine high-quality education, cutting-edge research, and excellent career opportunities with a welcoming international environment.

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At Edvoy, we guide you to make the best decisions for your study abroad journey. Whether you want to pursue engineering, business, medicine, or creative arts, Dutch universities have the right course for you. With a balance of academic excellence and affordability, they give you the foundation to succeed globally. Know more.

Why choose Dutch universities

When you think about where to study, you need more than just a good ranking. You need value, opportunities, and a community that supports you. Here is why studying in the Netherlands makes sense for you:

1. Global recognition: Dutch universities are consistently ranked among the top 400 in the QS and Times Higher Education rankings. Delft University of Technology and the University of Amsterdam are among the world’s best in their fields.
2. English-taught programmes: The Netherlands was the first non-English-speaking country to offer courses in English. Today, you can choose from over 2,000 English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes.
3. Affordable tuition: Compared to the UK or the US, tuition is lower. For international students, tuition typically ranges between EUR 6,000 and EUR 20,000 per year, depending on the university and course.
4. Strong job market: The Dutch economy is highly innovative and internationally focused. Top sectors include engineering, finance, healthcare, logistics, and technology.
5. Post-study work visa: Once you graduate, you can apply for the orientation year visa, which allows you to stay in the Netherlands for 12 months to find a job.
6. High quality of life: The Netherlands is consistently ranked among the top 10 happiest countries in the world. International students benefit from multicultural cities, excellent public transport, and student-friendly communities.

Edvoy can help you compare Dutch universities, check entry requirements, and guide you through applications step by step.

“Dutch universities prepare you with both academic excellence and practical skills to thrive in the global job market.” - QS World Rankings 2025

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Top universities in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is home to both world-ranked research universities and internationally focused applied sciences universities. Here are the leading options you should consider.

1. University of Amsterdam (UvA)

• Location: Amsterdam
• QS Ranking 2026: 53
• Strengths: Social sciences, humanities, law, and medicine
• Why choose: UvA is the largest university in the Netherlands with over 30,000 students and a strong international reputation. Located in the capital city, you also benefit from Amsterdam’s global business connections.

2. Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

• Location: Delft
• QS Ranking 2026: 47
• Strengths: Engineering, architecture, and technology
• Why choose: TU Delft is a leader in sustainable design and technology. It has strong links with global companies in innovation, robotics, and renewable energy.

3. Utrecht University

• Location: Utrecht
• QS Ranking 2026: 103
• Strengths: Medicine, life sciences, social sciences
• Why choose: Founded in 1636, Utrecht is one of Europe’s oldest universities. It is renowned for research in health sciences and interdisciplinary studies.

4. Wageningen University & Research (WUR)

• Location: Wageningen
• QS Ranking 2026: 153
• Strengths: Agriculture, food sciences, and environment
• Why choose: WUR leads the world in life sciences and sustainability research. It is ideal if you want to specialise in agriculture or climate studies.

5. Leiden University

• Location: Leiden and The Hague
• QS Ranking 2026: 119
• Strengths: Law, politics, humanities
• Why choose: Leiden is the oldest university in the Netherlands and has a strong international reputation, especially in law and governance.

6. Erasmus University Rotterdam

• Location: Rotterdam
• QS Ranking 2026: 140
• Strengths: Business, economics, social sciences
• Why choose: The Rotterdam School of Management is among the top 50 globally, making it ideal for aspiring business leaders.

7. Maastricht University

• Location: Maastricht
• QS Ranking 2026: 239
• Strengths: Medicine, psychology, economics
• Why choose: Maastricht uses a unique problem-based learning approach, giving you hands-on experience and teamwork skills.

8. Navitas Netherlands

• Location: Multiple partner universities across the Netherlands
• Why choose: Navitas provides international pathways to Dutch higher education, offering academic and English language preparation to help you meet entry requirements. You get flexible routes that improve your chances of admission to top universities.
• Popular programmes: Foundation courses in business, engineering, IT, and health sciences, leading to bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

9. SRH Haarlem University of Applied Sciences

• Location: Haarlem
• Why choose: SRH Haarlem focuses on creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Small class sizes ensure personal guidance, and the campus is close to Amsterdam.
• Popular programmes: Digital business, creative media, and arts management.

10. Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences

• Location: Apeldoorn and Amsterdam
• Why choose: One of the most international private universities in the Netherlands, with students from over 100 nationalities. Wittenborg offers six intakes per year, giving you flexibility.
• Popular programmes: Business administration, hospitality, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

By choosing these, you benefit from simplified applications, step-by-step visa guidance, and higher admission chances.

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Comparison of rankings and specialisations

Here is a quick comparison of leading Dutch universities:

Post-study work and job opportunities

Studying in the Netherlands is not just about your degree. It is about building your career. Once you graduate, you can apply for the orientation year visa, giving you 12 months to find a job or start a business.

Top sectors hiring graduates include:

• Engineering and technology
• Business and finance
• Healthcare and life sciences
• Agriculture and sustainability
• Information technology

According to Statista 2025, the unemployment rate in the Netherlands is only 3.6%, one of the lowest in Europe. With more than 90% of Dutch people fluent in English, you’ll find it easier to integrate into the workplace.

Choosing the right university in the Netherlands can shape your future in powerful ways, from world-class education to excellent post-study work opportunities. Whether you aim to specialise in engineering, pursue business, or explore diverse pathways in the Netherlands, we at Edvoy are here to simplify the process for you.

From comparing tuition fees and entry requirements to guiding your application and visa guidance, our experts support you at every step.

Explore top universities in the Netherlands with Edvoy
and take the next step towards your global career.

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FAQs

Which is the No.1 university in the Netherlands?

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is widely considered the top university, especially for engineering and technology. Globally, it is ranked among the top 10 in engineering fields.

What is the ranking of Dutch universities globally?

Thirteen Dutch universities consistently appear in the world’s top 400 in both QS and Times Higher Education rankings. Institutions like the University of Amsterdam, Wageningen University, and Erasmus University regularly rank in the top 100.

Are Dutch universities good for international students?

Yes. With over 120,000 international students and more than 2,000 English-taught programmes, the Netherlands is one of the most welcoming study destinations. Student associations and multicultural cities make it easy for you to adapt.

Which Dutch university is best for engineering, business, or medicine?

For engineering, TU Delft is the strongest choice. For business, Erasmus University Rotterdam stands out. For medicine, Utrecht University and Maastricht University are excellent options.

Do Dutch universities offer English-taught programmes?

Yes. The Netherlands offers one of the largest selections of English-taught programmes in Europe, with more than 2,000 courses across bachelor’s and master’s levels.