Intakes in the Netherlands at a glance
Quick read
- The Netherlands has one main intake in September and a small February intake for selected programmes.
- Non-EU deadlines are early: TU Delft opens on 15 October and closes on 15 January 2027 for its most popular master's programmes (1 April for the rest).
- At the University of Amsterdam, non-EEA master's applicants must register in Studielink by 5 February 2027 and apply by 15 February 2027 for some programmes.
- Scholarship deadlines come even earlier: Leiden's Excellence Scholarship and TU Delft's Van Effen Scholarship both close on 1 December 2026.
- The university applies for your residence permit, which usually takes about two weeks once filed.
Dutch universities start almost every bachelor's and master's programme in September. A small number of master's programmes, mostly at universities of applied sciences and a few research universities, also take students in February.
Applications start in Studielink, the national registration system, and continue in each university's own portal. Because the university has to file your residence permit, deadlines for non-EU students are earlier than for European students, often between January and April for a September start.
Types of intakes in the Netherlands
September intake
Main intakeAlso called: Fall intake
- Classes start
- Late August to early September
- Applications open
- From about 1 October of the previous year
- Typical deadlines
- Non-EU: commonly 15 January to 1 April; programmes with a fixed number of places (numerus fixus): 15 January
- Courses available
- Almost every bachelor's and master's programme
Good for: Nearly all students. It is the only intake for most research-university programmes.
February intake
Limited coursesAlso called: Spring intake
- Classes start
- February
- Applications open
- From about May of the previous year
- Typical deadlines
- Commonly 1 September to 1 October for non-EU students
- Courses available
- Selected master's and some programmes at universities of applied sciences
Good for: Students whose chosen programme offers a February start.
Upcoming intakes in the Netherlands from 23 Oct 2026
February 2027
Closing soonFebruary 2027, selected programmes only
Apply by: Most non-EU deadlines have passed
Only a handful of programmes, and most closed in September or October 2026.
September 2027
Applications openLate August to early September 2027
Apply by: Scholarships by 1 December 2026; TU Delft popular programmes by 15 January 2027; others between February and 1 April 2027
The main intake. Applications opened in October 2026, so apply now if you want a scholarship.
September 2028
Plan aheadLate August to early September 2028
Apply by: October 2027 to April 2028
Use the extra year to strengthen your profile and prepare for scholarship deadlines in late 2027.
Status is worked out from the date this page was updated. Courses can close early once they are full, so treat each date as the latest safe point, not a target.
Not sure which intake you can still make?Tell us your course and marks and our counsellor will check which the Netherlands intakes are realistic for you.
Month-by-month plan for the September 2027 intake
September to October 2026
Shortlist programmes and check each one's non-EU deadline, entry requirements and whether it has a fixed number of places.
October to November 2026
Take your English test and register in Studielink.
By 1 December 2026
Apply for programmes linked to big scholarships, such as Leiden's LExS and TU Delft's Van Effen.
December 2026 to January 2027
Apply to selective programmes (TU Delft's popular master's close 15 January) and numerus fixus bachelor's.
February to April 2027
Apply to remaining programmes (UvA: 15 February for some; TU Delft others: 1 April). Accept your offer.
April to June 2027
Pay tuition and the residence permit fee; the university files your permit application.
June to August 2027
Find housing early, collect your MVV entry visa if needed, and book flights.
Late August 2027
Arrive for the introduction week and register with your municipality.
How to choose the right intake
- 01
Programme intake
Most programmes start only in September. Check before you plan for February.
- 02
Scholarship deadlines
Big scholarships close in December, nine months before the start. Plan backwards from them.
- 03
Selective programmes
Numerus fixus bachelor's programmes have a 15 January deadline and a selection process.
- 04
Housing
Student housing is scarce in Amsterdam, Utrecht and Delft. An early application gives you more time to find a room.
Application deadlines at universities in the Netherlands
| University | Intake | Deadline | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delft University of Technology (popular MSc programmes, non-EU) | September 2027 | 15 January 2027, 23:59 CET (applications open 15 October 2026) | Check date |
| Delft University of Technology (other MSc programmes, non-EU) | September 2027 | 1 April 2027, 23:59 CEST | Check date |
| Delft University of Technology (Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship) | September 2027 | 1 December 2026 | Check date |
| University of Amsterdam (MSc International Development Studies, non-EEA) | September 2027 | Studielink by 5 February 2027; application by 15 February 2027, 17:00 CET | Check date |
| Leiden University (Leiden University Excellence Scholarship) | September 2027 | 1 December 2026 | Check date |
| University of Amsterdam (Amsterdam Merit Scholarship) | September 2027 | Usually 15 January for September entry; check the programme's scholarship page | Check date |
Dutch universities set deadlines programme by programme, and non-EU deadlines are earlier than EU ones. Check the official programme page.
Eligibility and documents to keep ready
What you usually need to apply
- For bachelor's: Class 12 from CBSE or ISC with good marks in the right subjects; some universities ask for a foundation year with state boards.
- For master's: a relevant bachelor's degree, often with a minimum grade; research universities may not accept all three-year degrees.
- IELTS Academic (often 6.5) or TOEFL iBT.
- Motivation letter, CV and references for most master's; GMAT or GRE for some business programmes.
- Proof of funds of about €1,130 a month for the residence permit (2026 figure).
Documents checklist
- Passport
- Class 10 and 12 certificates
- Bachelor's transcripts and degree certificate (for master's)
- English test score report
- Motivation letter
- CV
- Two references
- Proof of funds or scholarship letter
- Birth certificate (for the residence permit, if requested)
Want us to check your documents?Our counsellor will go through your file before you apply, so a missing paper doesn't cost you an intake.
Intakes in the Netherlands: FAQs
What is the main intake in the Netherlands?
September. Almost every programme starts then, and February starts are limited.
When do applications open for September 2027?
Many universities open in October 2026. TU Delft opened on 15 October.
Why are non-EU deadlines earlier?
The university has to apply for your residence permit, which takes time.
What is Studielink?
The national registration system for Dutch higher education. You register there first and then complete the university's own application.
What is numerus fixus?
A programme with a fixed number of places and a selection process. The deadline is 15 January.
Sources
- TU Delft: MSc dates and deadlines (international diploma) (opens in a new tab)
- TU Delft: scholarships (opens in a new tab)
- University of Amsterdam: application and admission (example programme) (opens in a new tab)
- Leiden University: Excellence Scholarship (opens in a new tab)
- IND: student residence permit (opens in a new tab)
- IND: required amounts (opens in a new tab)
Researched on 23 Oct 2026. Universities change dates every year, so confirm each deadline on the official page before you apply.