How to study law in the Netherlands

If you want to study law in the Netherlands, you usually start with a bachelor's degree, then continue with a master's. Dutch universities have some English-taught options, but many law programmes are in Dutch, especially at bachelor's level. The best place to start is the programme page of each university and the Dutch immigration and admissions sources.

Which law degrees exist

In the Netherlands, law is usually offered in two main levels:

• Bachelor's degree - usually 3 years.
• Master's degree - usually 1 year, sometimes longer for some specialisations.

The bachelor's gives you a broad base in Dutch, European and international law. The master's lets you focus on a field such as business law, criminal law, public law, European law or international law.

Not every master's gives the same professional path. If you want to become a lawyer in the Netherlands, check the route on the university page and also the Dutch Bar or the relevant professional body, because practice rules can depend on the country and the field.

Language and study format

Many bachelor's law programmes are taught in Dutch. English-taught law programmes are more common at master's level. Some universities also offer international law, European law or global law in English.

For English-taught study, universities usually ask for proof of English. This can be IELTS, TOEFL or another accepted test. The exact score depends on the programme, so check the admissions page.

If a programme is in Dutch, you will usually need Dutch language proof. This may be through NT2 or another recognised exam. Some universities also offer a preparatory year or language support, but this varies.

Typical entry requirements

Requirements depend on whether you apply for a bachelor's or a master's.

• For a bachelor's: you usually need a secondary school diploma that is considered equal to the Dutch VWO level. Universities check this themselves or through Nuffic guidance.
• For a master's: you usually need a relevant bachelor's degree in law or a closely related subject.
• Transcripts: most universities ask for grades and subject details.
• Motivation letter: common for master's applications and sometimes for bachelor's.
• CV: often required for master's programmes.
• Proof of language: English or Dutch, depending on the programme.

Some programmes are selective. Others are open if you meet the minimum entry rules. Always check whether there is extra selection, such as a review of grades, a motivation letter or a capacity limit.

Cost: tuition and living expenses

Tuition in the Netherlands depends on your status and the university. As a general rule, EU/EEA students usually pay the statutory tuition fee, while non-EU students usually pay a higher institutional fee. The exact amount changes by year and by programme, so check the university's tuition page before you apply.

To keep things practical, think in ranges rather than fixed numbers:

• EU/EEA students: typically a lower annual tuition fee, often in the statutory-fee range set by the Dutch government.
• Non-EU students: typically a much higher annual fee, often several times the EU/EEA rate.

Living costs are separate from tuition. In student cities, you should plan for rent, food, transport, insurance, books and personal costs. A common planning range is several hundred euros per month, and often around 1,000 euros or more per month in larger cities, especially if rent is high. The exact amount depends on your housing and lifestyle.

For visa or residence permit support, Dutch authorities may ask you to show enough money for living costs. Check the Dutch immigration authority, known as IND, for the current proof-of-funds rules.

Application timeline and steps

Start early. For many programmes, the process takes months, not weeks.

• 9-12 months before starting: choose universities, check entry rules, language needs and tuition.
• 6-9 months before: prepare transcripts, diploma documents, language test and motivation letter.
• Before the deadline: submit your application through the university portal or Studielink, if required.
• After admission: follow the university steps for housing, visa or residence permit, and final document checks.

Deadlines vary by programme. Some master's deadlines are in winter or spring for a September start. Some competitive programmes close earlier. Always check the programme page, because law deadlines can differ a lot between universities.

If you are a non-EU student, also check the immigration timeline. The university often helps with the residence permit process, but the rules come from the Dutch immigration authority, not from the university itself.

How universities look for candidates

In the Netherlands, universities often review applications directly. Some also search student databases and platforms to find candidates for specific programmes. They may look for your field, degree level, grades, language level and country.

That means you should make your profile clear and complete. Include:

• your current education level
• your field of interest, such as law, international law or European law
• your English level
• your transcripts and documents
• your country and graduation year

When your information is easy to read, admissions teams can quickly see whether you fit their programme. This does not guarantee contact or admission, but it can help them find you faster.

Common questions

Can I study law in English in the Netherlands?

Yes, but English-taught options are more common at master's level than at bachelor's level. Check each university's programme page to see the language of instruction and the required test.

Do I need Dutch to become a lawyer?

If you want to work in Dutch legal practice, Dutch is usually important and often necessary. For international or academic law paths, English may be enough for study, but always check the career rules for your target job.

Can I get a scholarship?

Maybe, but scholarships are limited and competitive. Check the scholarship's own site and the university funding page for the real rules, deadlines and eligibility. Never assume funding is automatic.

How Eduuro helps

Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, so admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.

You stay in control, and universities can contact you directly when they see a match.