">Applications to study in the Netherlands are processed through the centralised StudieLink system, which opens at the beginning of the school year – a year before you are planning to start your course.
Dutch universities have a number of application deadlines. Some of them will accept applications until the very last minute, whereas others – particularly the Research Universities – have set cut-off points on 15 January and 1 May – depending on the course you intend to study.
Dutch universities also have different requirements. Some will expect candidates to submit a whole range of documents, including
- Secondary school reports
- Examination results (as soon as you receive them)
- A personal statement /letter of motivation
- Academic references.
However, this is not the case with all universities, and some only expect you to send in the basic StudieLink application form, along with translations of your reports.
What do Dutch universities focus on?
Research universities will be particularly interested in your references, grades, academic achievements and the motivational letter in which you explain why you wish to study a specific course.
Universities of Applied Science are looking for students who are interested in a practical education, and therefore these universities pay particular attention to the assessments you send it, which will determine to a great extent whether or not you are offered a place.
Dutch universities do not have a standardised set of requirements – each institution is looking for something specific in its applicants.In order to get a clearer idea of what each university is looking for, take advantage of our course database, or get in touch with Elab so that we can begin the application process, together – Study in Netherlands!
