Psychology is a popular subject in the Netherlands, and many universities offer English-taught options. If you want to study there, you need to check the level you want, the entry rules, and the cost for your passport group. The exact rules vary by university, so always use the programme page as your main source.
What psychology degrees you can study
In the Netherlands, psychology is usually offered at two main levels:
- Bachelor's degree - a first university degree, usually 3 years.
- Master's degree - a second degree, usually 1 or 2 years after a bachelor's.
Some universities also offer special tracks inside psychology, such as clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, educational psychology, or work and organisational psychology. The exact focus depends on the university.
If you are still in secondary school, you usually start with a bachelor's. If you already have a relevant bachelor's degree, you may look at a master's.
Typical entry requirements
Admission rules depend on the university and the type of degree. For bachelor's programmes, universities usually ask for a secondary school diploma that is equivalent to Dutch university entry. For master's programmes, they usually ask for a relevant bachelor's degree.
- Academic level - your diploma must match the programme level.
- English level - many English-taught programmes ask for IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test.
- Subject background - some master's programmes want psychology or a related field.
- Motivation or documents - you may need a CV, motivation letter, transcripts, and sometimes references.
Some Dutch universities use a selection process for psychology bachelor's programmes because demand is high. This can include grades, an online test, or other selection steps. Check the university's admissions page for the exact process.
English-taught options and language checks
Many psychology programmes in the Netherlands are taught in English, especially at master's level and at some bachelor's level. But not every university offers the same thing, and not every track is in English.
What to check on the programme page:
- whether the full programme is in English
- which English tests are accepted
- the minimum score they ask for
- whether your previous education was taught in English and can be used instead of a test
Even if the classes are in English, daily life in the Netherlands may still involve Dutch. For work placements, internships, or part-time jobs, some Dutch language can help.
Tuition and living costs
Tuition in the Netherlands depends on your nationality and the university. As a general guide, EU/EEA students often pay the statutory tuition fee, while non-EU students usually pay a higher institutional fee. The exact amount changes by year, so always check the programme page and the university's fee page.
- EU/EEA tuition - usually the lower statutory fee.
- Non-EU tuition - often several times higher than the EU/EEA fee.
For living costs, plan for rent, food, transport, books, and personal spending. A realistic monthly budget in the Netherlands is often in the mid-hundreds of euros or more, and it can be higher in cities with tight housing markets. The official advice from universities and the Dutch immigration authority is to budget carefully, especially for housing.
Check these official sources:
- the university's cost-of-living page
- the university's housing information
- the Dutch immigration authority if you need a residence permit
Application timeline and documents
Start early. For many programmes, the full process takes months, especially if you need a visa or housing. Deadlines vary, but international applicants often need to apply well before the start of the academic year.
A simple timeline:
- 6 to 12 months before start - compare universities and check entry rules.
- 4 to 8 months before start - prepare documents and apply.
- 2 to 4 months before start - wait for a decision, arrange housing, and handle visa or residence permit steps if needed.
Documents often include:
- passport copy
- secondary school diploma or bachelor's degree
- transcripts
- English test result
- CV
- motivation letter
- reference letters, if requested
For visa or residence permit steps, use the Dutch immigration authority and your university's international office. They explain what you need and when to submit it.
How universities find candidates
Many students wait for universities to find them. On eduuro.com, that can happen if you make a clear profile. Admissions teams search for students by field, level, country, English level, and documents.
To make yourself easier to find:
- write clearly that you want psychology
- add whether you want bachelor's or master's level
- include your current education and grades
- state your English level honestly
- upload the documents you already have
This does not replace the official application. It only helps admissions offices contact you first if they are looking for someone like you.
Common questions
Do I need Dutch to study psychology in the Netherlands?
Not always. Many programmes are in English, especially at master's level. Still, some universities, internships, or student jobs may ask for Dutch, so it helps to check each programme page.
Can I study psychology in the Netherlands with a non-EU passport?
Yes, if you meet the academic and language requirements and the university can admit you. If you need a visa or residence permit, check the Dutch immigration authority and the university's international admissions page.
Is psychology competitive in the Netherlands?
Often yes, especially at popular universities. Some bachelor's programmes use selection because demand is high. Apply early and follow the university's steps closely.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents. Admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
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.