Studying in the Netherlands for Saudis is a distinguished academic choice that combines the high quality of European education with the availability of thousands of study programs in English.
The Netherlands stands out as a leading destination for studying abroad thanks to its innovative educational system that focuses on critical thinking, teamwork, and practical application.
The best universities in the Netherlands attract thousands of international students from various parts of the world annually, including increasing numbers of Saudi students seeking a world-class educational experience.
Studying in the Netherlands is distinguished by an open and culturally diverse academic environment, where students study at globally ranked educational institutions that adopt modern teaching methodologies encouraging innovation and creativity.
The requirements for studying in the Netherlands combine clarity and flexibility, which makes it easy for Saudi students to plan their academic journey with confidence.
Whether you are looking for advanced engineering programs, postgraduate studies in business, or the social sciences, the Netherlands offers wide options that meet various academic interests and ambitions.
The advantages of studying in the Netherlands
Studying in the Netherlands for Saudis enjoys numerous advantages that make it a preferred destination for students seeking a distinguished European education in an open international environment.
Education in English
The Netherlands is considered the leading European country in offering study programs in English, as it provides more than 2,100 full study programs in English at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate level.
This enormous diversity makes studying in the Netherlands available to Saudi students without the need to learn the Dutch language, which saves time and effort and speeds up the process of enrolling in study.
The English programs at the best universities in the Netherlands cover almost all specializations, from engineering and science to business administration, the social sciences, and the arts.
These programs are taught by the same high academic standards as the Dutch programs, with specialized professors and advanced educational resources.
Also, the Dutch proficiency in English facilitates daily communication outside the campus, which makes adapting to life in the Netherlands easier for international students.
The international environment
Studying in the Netherlands is distinguished by great cultural diversity, as more than 122,000 international students from 170 countries study at the Dutch universities.
This global environment enriches the academic experience with multiple perspectives and enhances the cultural and social skills of Saudi students.
The requirements for studying in the Netherlands encourage interaction between students from different backgrounds through group projects and extracurricular activities.
The Dutch educational system adopts an interactive teaching methodology that focuses on student participation and open discussions, instead of traditional one-way lectures.
This approach develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills.
The Dutch universities also provide comprehensive support services for international students, including orientation programs, academic counseling, and assistance with housing and cultural adaptation.
The best Dutch universities
The Netherlands comprises a network of prestigious universities that are consistently classified among the world’s best 100-200 universities, which makes studying in the Netherlands for Saudis a valuable academic investment.
University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam is among the best universities in the Netherlands and the world, as it is classified among the world’s best 60 universities.
It was founded in 1632 and is located at the heart of the Dutch capital, and it offers more than 200 study programs in English in various specializations.
The university is famous for its excellence in the social sciences, the humanities, economics, law, and computer science.
Studying in the Netherlands at the University of Amsterdam is distinguished by a strong research environment and wide international partnerships with leading academic and industrial institutions.
The university provides Saudi students with modern facilities, huge libraries, and advanced laboratories.
Students also benefit from the university’s location in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, which is considered a global center for business, culture, and innovation, allowing wide opportunities for training and professional networking.
Delft University of Technology TU Delft
Delft University of Technology represents the first destination for Saudi students interested in studying engineering and technology in the Netherlands.
TU Delft is classified as the best technical university in the Netherlands and among the world’s best 50 universities, with special excellence in architecture, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, and computer science.
Studying in the Netherlands at Delft University of Technology is famous for the strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and practical applications.
The university provides advanced research projects in the fields of renewable energy, smart design, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
Students benefit from the university’s partnerships with leading tech companies and training opportunities in real industrial environments.
TU Delft offers diverse master’s and doctorate programs in English, with generous research funding opportunities for outstanding students.
Utrecht University
Utrecht University is among the most venerable and best universities in the Netherlands, as it was founded in 1636 and is consistently classified among the world’s best 100 universities.
The university is distinguished by the diversity of its academic programs, which include the natural sciences, the social sciences, the humanities, veterinary medicine, and law.
The university offers more than 90 master’s programs in English.
Studying in the Netherlands at Utrecht University is famous for the focus on interdisciplinary scientific research and addressing the major global challenges.
The university provides Saudi students with a stimulating academic environment with advanced research facilities and opportunities to participate in international projects.
The university is located in the historic city of Utrecht at the heart of the Netherlands, which facilitates access to Amsterdam and other European cities, and provides a high quality of life with living costs lower than the capital.
The education system
The Dutch higher education system is distinguished by diversity and quality, with two main types of educational institutions serving different needs and goals of students.
Research universities
Research Universities focus on advanced academic research and scientific theories, and they offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs.
The Netherlands comprises 13 research universities, all of them globally ranked and offering wide programs in English.
The requirements for studying in the Netherlands at these universities include strict academic admission standards and specific language requirements.
The bachelor’s programs at the research universities take three years, the master’s one to two years, and the doctorate usually four years.
These universities are the optimal choice for Saudi students interested in pursuing an academic or research career, or who seek to obtain an in-depth theoretical education in their specialization.
The best universities in the Netherlands of this type include the universities of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology, Utrecht, Leiden, Groningen, and Eindhoven University of Technology.
Universities of applied sciences
The Universities of Applied Sciences focus on professional training and practical skills, and they offer bachelor’s and master’s programs oriented toward the labor market.
The Netherlands comprises more than 40 universities of applied sciences offering programs in fields such as business, applied engineering, design, health, and the arts.
The bachelor’s programs at the universities of applied sciences take four years, including mandatory training periods at companies and institutions.
Studying in the Netherlands at these universities is an excellent choice for Saudi students who seek to enter the labor market directly after graduation with strong practical skills.
These programs provide an ideal balance between theory and application, with real projects and strong industrial partnerships that facilitate employment after graduation.
Admission requirements
The requirements for studying in the Netherlands are characterized by clarity and transparency, with specific requirements that ensure the readiness of Saudi students for academic success in the Dutch educational environment.
IELTS/TOEFL requirements
English language proficiency is a basic condition for admission to the English programs at the best universities in the Netherlands.
Most universities require for the bachelor’s an IELTS score of no less than 6.0-6.5, or TOEFL iBT with a score of 80-90.
As for the master’s programs, they usually require IELTS 6.5-7.0 or TOEFL iBT 90-100, with differences according to the specialization and the university.
Some universities also accept Cambridge English, Pearson PTE Academic, or Duolingo English Test certificates.
Some universities exempt Saudi students holding certificates from English-speaking educational institutions from the language tests.
Students are advised to verify the specific requirements of each program early and prepare for the tests with enough time to achieve the scores required for studying in the Netherlands for Saudis.
The academic GPAs
The requirements for studying in the Netherlands differ in terms of the required academic GPAs according to the institution and the program.
For Saudi high school graduates applying for bachelor’s programs, most universities require a GPA of no less than 80% in high school, with a focus on the subjects related to the desired specialization.
Some competitive programs may require higher GPAs reaching 90% or more.
For the master’s programs, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a related specialization with a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.0 out of 4.0 or its equivalent is usually required.
Some prestigious programs at the best universities in the Netherlands require higher GPAs and additional requirements such as recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and a CV.
Some programs may also require additional aptitude tests such as the GRE or GMAT, especially in the specializations of business, engineering, and science.
The tuition fees
The study costs for studying in the Netherlands for Saudis are considered reasonable compared with other destinations such as the United States or Britain, with differences according to the study stage and the specialization.
The bachelor’s fees
The annual tuition fees for the bachelor’s programs at the best universities in the Netherlands for international students range between 6,000 and 15,000 euros, depending on the specialization and the university.
The programs in the humanities and social sciences are usually in the lower range (6,000-9,000 euros), while the engineering, medical, and technical programs may reach 15,000 euros per year.
The universities of applied sciences are generally less costly than the research universities, with their fees ranging between 7,000 and 11,000 euros per year.
These fees usually include registration, access to the university facilities, and student services.
Some specialized programs in fields such as arts or medicine may be higher in cost.
The requirements for studying in the Netherlands in terms of costs are competitive, especially when looking at the quality of education provided.
The master’s fees
The annual tuition fees for the master’s programs in studying in the Netherlands range between 8,000 and 20,000 euros for international students.
The business administration, economics, and law programs usually range between 10,000 and 18,000 euros, while the advanced engineering and medical programs may reach 20,000 euros per year or more at the prestigious universities.
Some specialized master’s programs such as the MBA may cost between 25,000 and 45,000 euros for the full program.
However, studying in the Netherlands for Saudis remains a good economical choice when compared with similar programs in America or Britain.
Most master’s programs take one year (60 ECTS) or two years (120 ECTS), which affects the total cost of the certificate.
Living costs
The living costs represent an important part of the budget of Saudi students when planning to study in the Netherlands, and they differ according to the city and the personal lifestyle.
Student housing
Housing is considered the largest item in the living budget when studying in the Netherlands for Saudis.
The cost of student housing ranges between 300 and 700 euros per month depending on the city and the type of housing.
The best universities in the Netherlands provide assistance in searching for housing through specialized websites such as Room.nl and Kamernet, but the competition for housing is strong especially in the major cities.
The Dutch universities provide diverse student housing options including single rooms in shared apartments, independent studios, and managed university housing.
Saudi students are advised to start searching for housing as soon as they are accepted, as applying early is preferred to ensure better options.
Some universities provide a housing guarantee for international students in the first year, which facilitates the process of moving and adapting to the requirements of studying in the Netherlands.
Amsterdam and Rotterdam
The living costs differ noticeably between the Dutch cities. In Amsterdam, the most expensive Dutch city, the Saudi student needs a monthly budget ranging between 1,200 and 1,500 euros, including housing (500-700 euros), food (250-350 euros), transport (50-100 euros), the mandatory health insurance (about 100 euros), and personal expenses.
In other cities such as Rotterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven, and Groningen, the costs decrease by 15-25%, where the monthly budget ranges between 900 and 1,200 euros. Housing in these cities is cheaper by about 150-200 euros per month compared with Amsterdam, while maintaining a high quality of life and proximity to the best universities in the Netherlands. Students also benefit from student discounts on public transport and cultural and sports activities.
The Dutch scholarships
The Netherlands provides diverse scholarship opportunities that help Saudi students bear the costs of studying in the Netherlands and facilitate access to European higher education.
Holland Scholarship
The Holland Scholarship is among the most famous and important scholarships available for international students, including Saudi students. This scholarship provides a one-time funding of 5,000 euros to cover part of the tuition fees or living costs. The scholarship is funded in partnership between the Dutch Ministry of Education and the participating universities, and it targets outstanding bachelor’s and master’s students from outside the European Economic Area.
The requirements for studying in the Netherlands to obtain the Holland Scholarship differ slightly between universities, but they generally require academic excellence and admission to one of the best universities in the Netherlands participating in the program. The participating universities include most of the research universities and the major universities of applied sciences. Saudi students are advised to apply early as the number of scholarships is limited and the competition for them is strong, with application deadlines usually ending in February or March.
In addition to the Holland Scholarship, many Dutch universities offer their own scholarships, such as the Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship, the TU Delft Excellence Scholarship, and the Utrecht Excellence Scholarships. Fully funded doctorate research scholarships from Dutch research organizations such as NWO are also available. Saudi students can also benefit from the Saudi scholarship program, which covers the costs of studying in the Netherlands for students accepted at the accredited universities.
The visa
Traveling to study in the Netherlands for Saudis requires obtaining a student visa and a residence permit, which is an organized process done through clear procedures.
The MVV procedures
Saudi students need two types of permits to study in the Netherlands: the temporary entry visa MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) and the residence permit VVR. The good news is that most of the best universities in the Netherlands offer a combined procedure that allows obtaining both in one process. The university handles submitting the application on behalf of the student to the Dutch immigration service IND, which greatly simplifies the process.
The documents required to obtain the MVV include the admission letter from a recognized Dutch university, a valid passport, financial proof showing the ability to bear the living costs (about 11,500 euros per year), a good-conduct certificate, and a medical examination in some cases. The visa application fees are about 350 euros, and the processing usually takes 4-12 weeks.
After the approval of the application, the Saudi student receives the MVV at the Dutch embassy in Riyadh or Jeddah, and must travel to the Netherlands during the visa’s validity (usually 90 days). Upon arrival, the student registers at the local municipality and obtains the actual residence card VVR, which enables them to reside and study throughout the duration of the program. The requirements for studying in the Netherlands require maintaining the student’s status through commitment to academic progress and not changing the program without notifying the authorities.
Student life
Student life when studying in the Netherlands is distinguished by diversity and activity, with wide opportunities for social integration and personal growth alongside academic achievement.
The best universities in the Netherlands provide a vibrant student environment with hundreds of clubs and student associations that cover diverse interests from sports and arts to technology and volunteer work. The Dutch universities encourage the balance between academic and social life, with regular events such as orientation days for international students, cultural festivals, group trips, and sports activities.
The Dutch cities are distinguished by being bicycle-friendly, which is the main means of transport for students, which saves transportation costs and promotes a healthy lifestyle. The Netherlands also provides a strategic location at the heart of Europe, which allows Saudi students the possibility of traveling easily to neighboring countries such as Belgium, Germany, and France during holidays and vacations.
The universities provide comprehensive support services for international students, including academic, psychological, and professional counseling, and assistance in writing the CV and preparing for job interviews. There are also active Saudi student communities in most university cities that provide support and advice to new students and organize social events that strengthen the bonds between Saudi students in the Netherlands.
Work for students
The requirements for studying in the Netherlands allow international students to work part-time during the study, which helps in covering part of the living costs and acquiring valuable practical experience.
Saudi students are allowed to work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year, and full-time during the summer months (June, August, and September). Work requires obtaining a work permit (TWV) from the employer, which is a relatively simple process. The minimum wage in the Netherlands ranges between 6 and 12 euros per hour depending on age and the type of work, which enables students to earn 400-600 euros per month by working part-time.
The best universities in the Netherlands provide employment assistance offices that help students find suitable job opportunities, whether inside the campus or at local companies. The common jobs for students include working in restaurants and cafés, private tutoring, working in retail shops, and being a research assistant at the university. In addition to the financial benefits, working part-time provides an opportunity to practice the Dutch or English language, build a professional network, and understand the Dutch work culture.
After graduation, Saudi students can apply for a job-search permit for one year (Orientation Year), which allows them to stay in the Netherlands and look for full-time work in their field of specialization. This period provides a valuable opportunity to apply the skills gained during studying in the Netherlands and acquire international work experience before returning to the Kingdom or moving to other opportunities.
Frequently asked questions about studying in the Netherlands for Saudis
How much does studying in the Netherlands cost?
The cost of studying in the Netherlands for Saudi students ranges between 6,000 and 15,000 euros per year for the bachelor’s, and 8,000 to 20,000 euros for the master’s, depending on the specialization and the university. Added to that are living costs ranging between 900 and 1,500 euros per month depending on the city and lifestyle, which makes the total annual cost between 17,000 and 35,000 euros.
Are all the programs in English?
The Netherlands offers more than 2,100 full study programs in English, which is the largest number in any non-English-speaking country in Europe. However, not all programs are available in English, especially at the bachelor’s level where some specializations are taught in Dutch only. Most master’s programs at the best universities in the Netherlands are available in English, especially in the technical, scientific, and business administration specializations.
What is the best university in the Netherlands?
The University of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology, and Utrecht University are considered among the best universities in the Netherlands, all of them classified among the world’s best 100 universities. The choice of the best depends on the desired specialization, as TU Delft excels in engineering, Amsterdam in the social sciences and humanities, and Utrecht in the natural sciences and veterinary medicine.
How do I obtain a scholarship?
To obtain a scholarship for studying in the Netherlands, Saudi students must apply early for the Holland Scholarship via the targeted university’s website, usually in February or March. The application requires prior admission or a simultaneous submission of the university admission application, in addition to proof of academic excellence. It is also advised to search for scholarships specific to each university, doctorate research scholarships, and to apply for the Saudi scholarship program for the accredited Dutch universities.
How much does housing in Amsterdam cost?
The cost of student housing in Amsterdam ranges between 500 and 700 euros per month for a room in a shared apartment, or 700 to 1,000 euros for an independent studio. Amsterdam is the most expensive Dutch city in terms of housing, while the costs decrease by 20-30% in other cities such as Rotterdam, Utrecht, or Eindhoven, where shared housing can be found for 350-500 euros per month.
Studying in the Netherlands for Saudis represents an exceptional opportunity to obtain a distinguished European education in an open international environment, with the availability of thousands of programs in English and reasonable costs compared with other destinations. By choosing one of the best universities in the Netherlands and meeting the specific requirements for studying in the Netherlands, Saudi students can benefit from an innovative educational system that focuses on critical thinking, practical application, and readiness for the global labor market. The Netherlands combines academic quality, a strategic location at the heart of Europe, and a high quality of life, which makes it an ideal destination for ambitious students seeking a rich global educational experience that contributes to achieving their professional goals and supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
