If you want to study nursing in the Netherlands, you will usually look at a bachelor degree first. There are also advanced or master's options, but those are often for people who already have a nursing or health-care background. The exact entry rules, language level and fees depend on the university and programme, so always check the official programme page and the Dutch immigration rules if you need a visa or residence permit.
What nursing study options exist
In the Netherlands, nursing is usually studied as a professional higher education programme. The main route for new students is a bachelor degree. After that, you may find master's level study, but these are often more specialised and may not lead directly to basic nurse training.
- Bachelor - the most common start for future nurses.
- Master's - usually for specialisation, leadership, education, research, or advanced practice.
- Shorter or bridging routes - sometimes available for students with a relevant background, but this varies a lot.
Some programmes are taught in Dutch because much of nursing practice happens in Dutch health-care settings. A smaller number of related health programmes may be in English, but do not assume every nursing degree is available in English. Check the language section on the programme page.
Typical entry requirements
Entry rules depend on the institution and the level of study. For a bachelor's degree, universities of applied sciences often ask for a secondary school diploma that is equivalent to the Dutch pre-university level required by the programme. They may also ask for subjects such as biology, chemistry, or maths, depending on the course.
- Secondary school diploma recognised by the university
- Proof of English if the programme is in English, often IELTS or TOEFL
- Proof of Dutch if the programme is in Dutch, often at B2 or similar level
- Motivation letter, CV, or interview in some cases
- Sometimes a health check, police certificate, or additional screening for internships
If you already have nursing training or a related diploma, ask the programme admissions team whether they accept credit transfer, exemptions, or direct entry to a later year. Do not guess - send your documents and ask for an official assessment.
English-taught or Dutch-taught
Many international students ask for English, but nursing is closely linked to patient care, placement settings, and Dutch law. That means Dutch-taught options are often more common than fully English-taught ones.
If you want an English-taught route, look carefully at:
- whether the whole programme is in English or only some modules
- whether clinical placements still require Dutch
- what language level is needed before you can start internships
- if the university offers Dutch language support during the course
A practical tip: even if your programme is in English, learning Dutch early helps a lot. You will usually need it for placement work, daily life, and future job options in health care.
Tuition and living costs
Tuition in the Netherlands depends on whether you are an EU/EEA student or a non-EU student. Public universities and universities of applied sciences usually have a lower statutory fee for EU/EEA students, while non-EU tuition is often much higher. The exact amount changes each year, so check the university's tuition page before you apply.
- EU/EEA students - usually the statutory tuition fee, which is commonly around the low thousands of euros per year.
- Non-EU students - often a higher institutional fee, which can be several times the statutory fee.
- Living costs - plan for rent, food, insurance, transport, books, and personal costs. Many students budget roughly the equivalent of a modest monthly student life, but city and housing choices matter a lot.
For the most reliable numbers, check three places: the university fee page, the Dutch immigration authority if you need a residence permit, and the scholarship provider if you plan to apply for funding. Housing is often the biggest cost, and student rooms can be hard to find in some cities, so start early.
Application timeline and documents
Start early. For many Dutch programmes, it is smart to begin researching 9 to 12 months before the start date. If you need a visa or residence permit, you should give yourself extra time for documents, housing, and possible language tests.
- 9 to 12 months before start - research programmes and entry rules
- 6 to 9 months before start - prepare diploma checks, language test, and documents
- Several months before start - apply through the university system or national application portal if required
- After offer - arrange housing, health insurance, visa or residence permit, and travel
Common documents include passport, diploma, transcript, language certificate, CV, and motivation letter. Some programmes may also ask for proof of previous health-care experience or an interview. Always use the official admissions page for the final list.
How universities choose students
Universities and universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands usually look at more than grades. They may want to see if you understand the profession, can handle practical study, and have the language level needed for placements.
- Academic results and diploma equivalence
- Language level
- Motivation and interest in nursing
- Relevant experience, if you have any
- Interview or selection test, for some programmes
Some nursing programmes have limited places. In that case, meeting the minimum requirements does not always guarantee a place. Apply early and read the selection rules carefully.
Common questions
Can I study nursing in the Netherlands in English?
Sometimes, but not always. Fully English-taught nursing programmes are less common than Dutch-taught ones. Check the programme language and the internship language rules on the official university page.
Do I need Dutch before I apply?
It depends on the programme. If the degree is in Dutch, you will need Dutch language proof. Even for English-taught study, Dutch is often useful or required for placements and patient contact.
Can I get a scholarship?
Maybe, but never assume it. Scholarship rules change and many awards are competitive. Check the scholarship's own website for who can apply, what it covers, and the deadline.
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. Eduuro is a register where you list yourself, and universities can contact you if they want to invite you to apply.
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.