If you want to study a bachelor's degree in English in the Netherlands, you have many options, but not in every field and not at every university. English-taught bachelor's programmes are common in areas like business, economics, engineering, social sciences, computer science, and international studies. The exact list changes, so always check the university's admissions page and the official study finder used by Dutch universities.
How common are English-taught bachelor's programmes?
The Netherlands is one of the European countries with the most English-taught higher education. Many universities offer at least some bachelor's degrees in English, especially research universities and universities of applied sciences with an international profile.
Still, not all bachelor's programmes are in English. In some subjects, Dutch is still the main language, especially where students will work mainly in Dutch after graduation.
- Common in English: business, economics, finance, computer science, engineering, international relations, psychology, liberal arts, and data-related fields.
- Less common in English: teacher training, nursing, social work, law in the Dutch legal system, and some health professions.
- Some universities offer a mix: an English track, a Dutch track, or a programme where the first year is broad and later specialisation changes the language mix.
Which fields have the most choice?
If you are looking for many programme options, start with broad international fields. These usually have the largest number of English-taught bachelor's degrees.
- Business and economics - one of the biggest groups of English-taught programmes.
- Computer science and IT - often available in English, especially at research universities.
- Engineering and technology - many international programmes, though not every specialism is in English.
- Social sciences - international studies, politics, psychology, and communication often have English options.
- Life sciences and sustainability - some Dutch universities offer English bachelor's degrees in these areas.
Use the university's own programme pages to see the exact content. In the Netherlands, similar names can hide very different courses, specialisations, or admission rules.
What does it usually cost?
Tuition in the Netherlands depends on your nationality and on the university. The most important split is usually between EU/EEA students and non-EU students.
For EU/EEA students, tuition is often close to the statutory rate set by the Dutch government. This is usually much lower than the rate for non-EU students, but the exact amount changes by year, so check the official Dutch government page and the university's fee page.
For non-EU students, universities usually charge an institutional tuition fee. This is often several times higher than the EU/EEA rate. The exact amount varies a lot by programme and university, so never rely on a general number from a third-party site.
- EU/EEA students: check the Dutch government's official tuition information and the university fee page.
- Non-EU students: check the programme page for the institutional fee.
- Additional costs: books, housing, health insurance, visa or residence permit costs, and sometimes a deposit.
If you need a scholarship, check the scholarship provider's own website. Scholarships are competitive and may cover only part of the cost.
What language level do you need?
Most English-taught bachelor's programmes ask for proof of English. The exact test and score depend on the university and programme.
- Common tests: IELTS, TOEFL iBT, and sometimes Cambridge English.
- Some universities accept certain prior education in English as proof, but not always.
- Requirements can differ for the same university if the programme is selective or has extra academic demands.
If you are not sure whether your diploma counts, check the admissions page for your country or ask the university admissions office directly. Do not assume a school with English lessons is enough proof. The programme may still ask for an official test.
How to compare programmes and contact universities
A good search starts with the official programme pages, not with social media or rankings. The Dutch system is clear, but details matter.
- Make a list of fields you like, such as business, engineering, or psychology.
- Check whether the programme is at a research university or a university of applied sciences.
- Read the admission page for your diploma type, subject requirements, and English proof.
- Look at tuition, housing options, and whether the city suits your budget.
- Check deadlines early, especially if the programme is selective or has a numerus fixus.
When you contact a university, keep your message short. Say what you want to study, which diploma you have, your English level, and whether you are an EU or non-EU applicant. Ask one clear question at a time.
Useful questions to ask:
- Do you accept my diploma for this programme?
- Which English test do you accept?
- Is there a selection process or entrance test?
- What documents should I prepare first?
Common questions
Can I do a full bachelor's degree in English in the Netherlands?
Yes, many programmes are fully in English. But not all are. Always check the exact language of instruction on the programme page.
Do I need Dutch to study there?
Usually not for an English-taught bachelor's. But Dutch can still help with daily life, part-time work, and internships. Some programmes also include Dutch language classes.
How do I know if I am eligible?
Check the admissions page for your diploma country, subject requirements, and English level. If the page is unclear, contact the university admissions office before you apply.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
You stay in control, and you can compare interest from different universities before you decide what to do next.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.