Admission procedures

For specific procedures always first check the website of the institution where you are planning to enrol.

You can enrol at government-funded research universities and universities of applied sciences via the enrolment wizard on www.studielink.nl. (To begin, click on one of the flags to choose your language.) International students enrolling from abroad will receive an e-mail that needs to be printed out and sent, together with a copy of their passport, to the institute of higher education or to the DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (DUO, Department of Education, which administers the national system of student grants). Once the institute of higher education or DUO has received your details, your enrolment is complete. Have your diploma(s) and accompanying lists of marks ready when you fill out the wizard.

If you are not planning to enrol in a degree programme funded by the Dutch government, you can enrol directly at the institution of your choice.

Always first check with the relevant programme to make sure your diplomas are valid for admission.

Diploma recognition
What are your diplomas worth in the Netherlands? To find out, simply apply to the university of your choice, which will then apply for a credential evaluation on your behalf. If your diplomas are accepted for the study programme of your choice, you can enrol.

Requesting a credential evaluation from an ordinary education institute generally does not entail any costs. You can also submit an application free of charge through the Centre for Work and Income (UWV WERKbedrijf), as long as you are registered with that authority as a job seeker.

If you request a credential evaluation on your own or through a private education institute, it will cost you around 115 euros.

For more information, visit the site of the Information Centre for Credential Evaluation.

Checklists
The Nuffic website provides a checklist for preparing to study in the Netherlands. If you come to the Netherlands to live, work or study, you are likely to have some questions about the arrangements you need to make. The website New to Holland guides you to the relevant government organisations.