The Netherlands has long been one of Europe’s most attractive study destinations for international students, particularly because of its strong universities, English-taught programmes, international classrooms and career-oriented education.
But the latest data suggests that the Netherlands’ international education landscape is changing.
A new report published by Nuffic on 4 September 2026 shows that 129,764 international students were enrolled in Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes at publicly funded Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences during the 2025–26 academic year. International students represented 17% of the total student population.
At the same time, the growth of international enrolments has slowed.
For students from India considering the Netherlands for a future intake, this does not mean that the country is becoming inaccessible. Instead, it means that course selection, university selection and long-term planning matter more than ever.
What Has Changed in the Netherlands?
According to the latest Nuffic data, the number of international students at Dutch research universities declined slightly in 2025–26 after years of slower growth.
International enrolments at research universities fell by less than 0.5%, while the total number of international students at these institutions decreased by almost 1%. Universities of applied sciences also recorded a decline of almost 1% in new international enrolments.
This is an important shift.
The Netherlands is still a major international education destination, but universities are experiencing increasing pressure around capacity, language and international student numbers.
For prospective students, this means the old strategy of simply searching for an English-taught course and applying may no longer be enough.
How Many International Students Are Studying in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands had 129,764 international Bachelor’s and Master’s students enrolled in publicly funded research universities and universities of applied sciences in 2025–26.
Of these students:
72% came from the European Economic Area
28% came from outside the EEA
International students represented 17% of the total student population
International students represented 27% of the student population at research universities
International students represented 9% at universities of applied sciences
For Indian students, the most relevant figure is the non-EEA segment because Indian students generally fall under the non-EEA category.
Non-EEA students also face different tuition-fee structures and residence requirements compared with EEA students.
Is the Netherlands Still Good for International Students?
Yes, but the answer increasingly depends on what you want to study and where you want to study it.
The latest Nuffic report shows that international students continue to view the Netherlands positively.
The report notes that 76% of international students are satisfied or very satisfied with their studies. Students particularly value education quality, institutional support and interaction with other international students.
The Netherlands also offers opportunities for graduates who want to build their careers there.
Nuffic reports that five years after graduation, 25% of international students are still residing in the Netherlands.
However, accommodation and language remain important challenges for students considering staying after graduation.
So the question should not simply be:
“Is the Netherlands good?”
A better question is:
“Is the Netherlands the right destination for my course, budget and career plan?”
English-Taught Courses in the Netherlands: What Is Changing?
This is one of the most important findings for international students.
The Netherlands is known for its English-taught higher education, but English is not equally available across all levels and disciplines.
According to the latest Nuffic data, among Dutch research universities:
32% of Bachelor’s programmes were taught entirely in English
53% were taught entirely in Dutch
15% were taught in both English and Dutch
71% of Master’s programmes were taught entirely in English
20% of Master’s programmes were taught entirely in Dutch
9% of Master’s programmes used both English and Dutch
This creates a significant difference between Bachelor’s and Master’s applicants.
For Bachelor’s Students
Students looking for an English-taught Bachelor’s degree may have fewer options than they initially expect.
The availability of English varies considerably by subject.
Nuffic reports that only the Interdisciplinary and Engineering fields had a majority of Bachelor’s programmes delivered in English at research universities. Other fields were predominantly taught in Dutch.
This means Indian students planning a Bachelor’s in areas such as business, social sciences, law or other disciplines should check the actual language of instruction rather than assuming that the Netherlands offers the entire programme in English.
For Master’s Students
The situation is considerably different.
English dominates at Master’s level.
With 71% of research-university Master’s programmes taught entirely in English, international students have a much wider range of English-medium options.
This is one reason the Netherlands can remain particularly attractive for Indian students planning a Master’s degree.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in the Netherlands?
Cost is another major factor Indian students should evaluate before applying.
For 2026–27, Nuffic reports that non-EEA students generally pay institutional tuition fees.
Average institutional tuition fees are approximately:
Bachelor’s: €9,000–€20,000 per year
Master’s: €12,000–€30,000 per year
These are averages, not universal fees.
The actual amount depends on the university, programme and student’s circumstances.
Students also need to budget for:
Accommodation
Food
Local transportation
Health insurance
Study materials
Residence-related costs
Travel
Personal expenses
Therefore, Indian students should calculate the total cost of studying in the Netherlands, rather than comparing universities only by tuition fees.
Which Dutch Cities Attract the Most International Students?
The latest data also highlights where international enrolments are concentrated.
Among municipalities with the highest numbers of new international enrolments in 2025–26:
Amsterdam recorded 9,935
Maastricht recorded 5,737
Rotterdam recorded 5,013
Groningen recorded 3,835
Eindhoven recorded 3,244
Delft recorded 3,067
Utrecht recorded 2,865
This does not mean that the largest city is automatically the best choice.
For an international student, location should be evaluated alongside:
University reputation
Course curriculum
Tuition fees
Accommodation availability
Internship opportunities
Graduate employment prospects
Living expenses
Transport connectivity
A smaller Dutch city can sometimes make more sense financially and academically than choosing a destination purely because it is famous.
Netherlands Study 2026: What Does This Mean for Indian Students?
The latest numbers point towards a more selective environment.
The Netherlands is not closing its doors to international students. Instead, universities are dealing with questions around capacity, language of instruction and international enrolment.
Nuffic notes that from the 2025–26 academic year, Dutch universities have been able to introduce caps on new enrolments for English-taught modules within degree programmes, and a number of Bachelor’s programmes are applying module-specific caps for 2026–27.
For Indian students, this creates several practical implications.
1. Do Not Assume Every Course Is English-Taught
Always check the official programme language.
A university may offer several English-taught courses while offering other programmes primarily in Dutch.
2. Start Shortlisting Earlier
If a programme has limited capacity or specific admission conditions, waiting until the final application window can reduce your options.
3. Look Beyond University Rankings
A highly ranked university is not necessarily the best match for every student.
Course content, internships, location, fees and career outcomes should all be considered.
4. Understand Your Total Budget
Tuition is only one part of the cost.
Accommodation can significantly affect the total budget, particularly in popular cities.
5. Plan for Your Career, Not Just Admission
If your objective is to build an international career, consider the industries around your university, internship possibilities and the skills your programme will develop.
Are English-Taught Master’s Degrees Still a Strong Option?
For many international students, yes.
The latest data shows that English remains the dominant language for Master’s programmes at Dutch research universities.
This makes the Netherlands particularly interesting for students from India who want European education without necessarily studying an entire degree in Dutch.
However, students should also think beyond classroom language.
Learning some Dutch can become valuable for students who want to integrate into local society or explore employment opportunities after graduation.
Nuffic identifies language and accommodation as two of the largest barriers for international graduates who want to stay in the Netherlands.
So English may be sufficient for the degree, but Dutch language skills can still become a useful career asset.
What Should Indian Students Check Before Applying?
Before selecting a Netherlands university, create a checklist covering five areas.
Academic Fit
Does your previous qualification meet the programme’s entry requirements?
Course Fit
Does the curriculum actually match your intended career?
Language
Is the programme completely taught in English, partly in English or primarily in Dutch?
Financial Fit
Can you comfortably manage tuition and living costs for the entire study period?
Career Fit
Does the destination offer access to the industries and professional opportunities you are targeting?
This five-part assessment can prevent a common study-abroad mistake: choosing a university first and trying to justify the decision later.
How ACHIVIA Can Help With Netherlands Study Planning
For students considering the Netherlands, the biggest challenge is often not finding universities.
It is finding the right combination of university, programme, budget and career direction.
ACHIVIA can support students through different stages of the study-abroad process.
Profile Evaluation
Your academic background, test scores, work experience and career goals can be assessed before university shortlisting.
University and Course Shortlisting
Instead of selecting institutions only on rankings, ACHIVIA can help students evaluate universities based on academic fit, programme structure, location, tuition and career objectives.
Test Preparation
Students may need English-language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo, depending on the university and programme.
ACHIVIA provides test-preparation support to help students prepare for applicable requirements.
Application Support
From organising academic documents to preparing applications, students can receive structured assistance throughout the university application process.
SOP and LOR Support
A strong application should explain why the student has selected a particular course and how it connects with their future plans.
ACHIVIA can assist students with SOP and LOR preparation as part of the application process.
Financial Planning
Students can evaluate tuition, living expenses, scholarships and education-loan requirements before committing to a university.
Visa Guidance
ACHIVIA can help students understand the applicable student residence and visa documentation requirements and prepare their application accordingly.
Accommodation and Pre-Departure Support
Planning accommodation, insurance, forex and other practical requirements before departure can make the transition easier.
The objective is not simply to get an admission letter.
It is to help students build a study-abroad plan that makes academic and career sense.
Netherlands Study 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Netherlands still accepting international students in 2026?
Yes. The Netherlands continues to host a large international student population. Nuffic recorded 129,764 international Bachelor’s and Master’s students in publicly funded Dutch higher education in 2025–26.
Is the Netherlands good for Indian students?
The Netherlands can be an attractive destination for Indian students, particularly for Master’s programmes taught in English. However, students should evaluate programme availability, tuition, accommodation and career opportunities before applying.
Are Bachelor’s degrees in the Netherlands taught in English?
Some are, but students should not assume that every Bachelor’s programme is available in English. Nuffic reports that 32% of Bachelor’s programmes at Dutch research universities were taught entirely in English in 2025–26.
Are Master’s degrees in the Netherlands taught in English?
Many are. According to Nuffic, 71% of Master’s programmes at Dutch research universities were taught entirely in English in 2025–26.
How much does it cost to study in the Netherlands for international students?
For non-EEA students, average institutional tuition fees were reported at approximately €9,000–€20,000 per year for Bachelor’s programmes and €12,000–€30,000 for Master’s programmes for 2026–27.
Are international student numbers falling in the Netherlands?
International enrolment growth is slowing. Nuffic reports that new international enrolments at research universities fell by less than 0.5% in 2025–26, while the total number of international students at research universities fell by almost 1%.
Should I learn Dutch if I study in the Netherlands?
It is not necessarily required for an English-taught degree, but learning Dutch can be useful for social integration and may help students who want to explore longer-term career opportunities in the Netherlands. Nuffic identifies language as one of the barriers international graduates face when considering staying in the country.
Final Takeaway
The Netherlands is still a major international education destination, but its study-abroad landscape is changing.
The latest Nuffic data shows a country that continues to attract large numbers of international students while simultaneously experiencing slower international enrolment growth and increasing pressure around English-taught education and institutional capacity.
For Indian students, the biggest takeaway is simple:
Do not choose the Netherlands just because it has a reputation for English-taught education.
Check the exact programme.
Check the language.
Check the total cost.
Check the university’s admission requirements.
And most importantly, check whether the programme supports the career you want to build.
For students planning to study in the Netherlands, ACHIVIA can help bring these decisions together through profile evaluation, university and course selection, test preparation, application support, SOP and LOR guidance, financial planning, visa guidance and pre-departure assistance.
The Netherlands may still be a strong study destination in 2026 and beyond.
But for the next generation of international students, being strategic may matter more than simply being international.
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