Study in the Netherlands · September 2027 and February 2028 intakes

Your Netherlands 2027 plan from Nepal, made clear.

Free, honest counselling from NEC, helping Nepali students since 2001. We check your profile, help you meet the early Dutch deadlines, explain the full cost and prepare your residence permit documents with you.

Canal boats and historic houses in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

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In short

Studying in the Netherlands in 2027: the short answer

The main intake is September 2027, and some programmes also start in February 2028. You apply through Studielink and each university's own portal, usually by 1 April or 1 May for non-EU students, and some programmes close as early as 15 January. Once you accept an offer, the university applies for your entry visa (MVV) and residence permit for you. You need an English score (usually IELTS 6.0 to 6.5) and money for tuition plus about €1,131 a month for living costs.

Intakes

September 2027 (the main intake). Some programmes also start in February 2028.

Money to show

Your first year's tuition, plus about €1,131 a month (around €13,570 a year) for living costs, the 2026 IND amount for university students.

English score

IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 for most programmes, or TOEFL iBT. Some research universities ask for 6.5 to 7.0.

When to start

Now. Many non-EU deadlines are 1 April or 1 May 2027, and some are 15 January 2027.

Why the Netherlands

A degree that works for your career

The Netherlands offers high-quality, English-taught degrees in one of Europe's most international countries.

World-ranked universities

Universities such as Delft, Amsterdam, Leiden and Utrecht rank among Europe's best, and Dutch degrees are recognised worldwide.

Work while you study

Non-EU students can work up to 16 hours a week during the year, or full-time in June, July and August. Your employer needs a work permit for you.

Stay and work after you graduate

The Orientation Year (zoekjaar) gives graduates up to 1 year to look for work or start a business in the Netherlands.

See our full Netherlands country guide →

Two kinds of university

Research universities focus on theory and research, and universities of applied sciences on practical, career-focused learning.

What universities and the IND look for

What a strong case looks like in 2027

Dutch universities choose students carefully, and once they accept you, the IND checks your residence permit application through the university. The applications that succeed show these six things clearly.

Good academic results

Solid marks in your last qualification, in a subject that leads naturally to your chosen course.

Good English scores

A strong IELTS, PTE or TOEFL result that meets the visa and university requirements comfortably, not just the minimum.

Funds for the first year

Money for your first year's tuition and living costs, from a clear and genuine source, ready to transfer to the university.

Commitment to finish your intended course

You have researched your course and career well, you are passionate about it, and you plan to complete the full course.

A clear career outcome

You know what the degree leads to after graduation, and it matches your interests and background.

A high-quality education provider

Check the rankings, search for reviews and look for facilities that suit your needs before you choose where to apply.

Entry visa (MVV) and residence permit

What you need for your visa in 2026–27

Once your profile is strong, this is what goes into your student visa application, and how we prepare each part with you.

01

University admission

You need an unconditional offer from a Dutch university that is a recognised sponsor. We help you apply to at least two, so you always have a backup.

02

Motivation letter and documents

Most programmes ask for a motivation letter and CV, and some ask for references or an interview. We help you show clearly why the course and the Netherlands fit your career plan.

03

Money for study and living

Proof of about €1,131 a month for living costs (the 2026 IND amount for higher education), plus your tuition. Many universities ask you to transfer this money to them before they apply for your permit. Our review team checks every document.

04

English test score

Most programmes ask for IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 or TOEFL iBT, with minimum scores in each section. Check whether your programme accepts PTE. Our IELTS classes help you reach the score you need.

Book an IELTS mock test for Rs 100 →

05

Permit applied for by your university

Once you pay your tuition and living-cost deposit, your university applies to the IND for your MVV and residence permit. The fee was about €254 in 2026, and your university confirms the exact amount.

06

MVV collection and TB test

When the IND approves, you collect your MVV entry visa from the Dutch embassy that serves Nepal. After you arrive, you register with your city and take a TB test, which Nepali nationals need.

What Nepali students should know for 2027

Higher tuition for non-EU students

Non-EU fees have risen fast, and a further rise of about 8.9% has been proposed for 2027–28. Plan with each university's 2027–28 fee.

Fewer English-taught bachelor's places

Some universities now limit places on English-taught bachelor's programmes. English-taught master's programmes remain widely available.

First-year fees paid up front

Non-EU students usually cannot pay tuition in instalments in their first year, so plan the full amount before you apply.

Rules change often. These figures were checked in November 2026 against IND, Nuffic and university information. Your counsellor confirms the latest rules before you apply.

Official source: IND, studying in the Netherlands →

Study in NL, the official Nuffic guide →

Your 2027 timeline

When to apply for September 2027 and February 2028

Dutch deadlines are early, and your university needs time to apply for your permit. Work back from your intake so every document is ready.

September 2027 intake

November 2026 to January 2027: free counselling, book your English test and shortlist programmes.

January to April 2027: apply through Studielink and each university before its deadline (15 January, 1 April or 1 May).

April to June 2027: accept your offer and transfer your tuition and living costs. Your university then applies for your permit.

July to August 2027: collect your MVV, get your NOC and fly to the Netherlands.

February 2028 intake

May to July 2027: free counselling and your English test.

July to October 2027: apply to programmes that start in February, before their deadlines.

October to November 2027: accept your offer, pay the deposit, and your university applies for your permit.

December 2027 to January 2028: collect your MVV, get your NOC and fly to the Netherlands.

These dates are a general guide. Our counsellors will give you exact deadlines for your chosen university and course.

Common visa worries

Honest answers to the questions students ask us most

I have a study gap. Will my visa be refused?

Not automatically. What matters is a clear, documented explanation of what you did in the gap (work, training, family responsibilities) and why this course makes sense for your career now.

My grades are low. Is the Netherlands still possible?

Dutch universities look closely at grades, especially research universities. Universities of applied sciences and foundation years can be good routes. We find the option that fits your marks.

See Dutch universities and options →

I was refused a visa before. Can I apply again?

Yes, but you must declare it. We review your refusal letter, fix the reasons it gave and only apply again when your file is genuinely strong.

My family will sponsor me, partly with a loan. Is that enough?

Family sponsors are accepted, but the money for tuition and living costs usually has to be transferred to the university or shown in your own account. We check this with you before you apply.

How long does the visa take?

Your university applies for you, and the IND usually decides within a few weeks, up to a legal maximum of 90 days. Apply to universities early so there is time before your course starts.

Can you guarantee my visa?

No one can, and anyone who promises is not being honest with you. What we do promise: a genuine, well-documented file and a straight answer if your profile needs more work first.

How NEC gets you there

Six clear steps, one counsellor with you all the way

1

Free counselling

We look at your marks, English, family finances and career goals, and tell you honestly how strong your case is today.

2

Offers from two or more universities

We apply for you and explain every condition in your offer letters.

3

Motivation letter and interview

We help you write a strong motivation letter and CV, and prepare you for any interview.

4

Finances checked in-house

Our review team checks that every financial document is genuine, traceable and sufficient.

5

Deposit and residence permit

We guide your tuition and living-cost transfer, and track your residence permit with your university.

6

MVV collected, then pre-departure

We help you collect your MVV and get your NOC, and prepare you for life in the Netherlands.

Where to apply

Popular Dutch universities for Nepali students

From research universities to universities of applied sciences, these are popular choices for Nepali students. Your counsellor shortlists the options that fit your course, marks, budget and career plan.

Delft University of Technology

Delft · Research university

Top-ranked for engineering, architecture and technology.

Visit the TU Delft website →

University of Amsterdam

Amsterdam · Research university

A broad choice of programmes in business, social sciences and data science.

Visit the University of Amsterdam website →

Leiden University

Leiden and The Hague · Research university

The oldest Dutch university, strong in law, sciences and international studies.

Visit the Leiden University website →

Utrecht University

Utrecht · Research university

Known for sciences, health and sustainability.

Visit the Utrecht University website →

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Rotterdam · Research university

Well known for business, economics and management.

Visit the Erasmus University Rotterdam website →

University of Twente

Enschede · Research university

A technical university strong in engineering, computer science and business.

Visit the University of Twente website →

Hanze University of Applied Sciences

Groningen · Applied sciences

Practical degrees in business, engineering and health.

Visit the Hanze website →

The Hague University of Applied Sciences

The Hague · Applied sciences

Career-focused programmes in business, IT and international studies.

Visit The Hague University website →

Fees, entry requirements and intakes vary by course. Our counsellors will give you the current details for each option.

Get your free Netherlands plan

Tell us a little about yourself. A counsellor will contact you within one working day to go through your options: courses, universities, total cost and the visa steps. Your first session is free, with no pressure.

“Avash guided me through every step and helped complete my entire process within just one month. Everything was smooth, efficient, and stress-free.” — Sushant Shrestha, NEC student
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Questions students ask us

Is the first counselling session really free?

Yes. We look at your marks, budget and goals and suggest courses and universities that fit, with no obligation to continue.

When should I start for September 2027?

As early as possible. Offers, scholarships and visa processing all take time, so starting this month gives you the best choice of universities and a calm, complete visa file.

My IELTS or PTE score isn't ready. Can I still start?

Yes. We can plan your course and universities now, and our IELTS and PTE classes and mock tests help you reach the score you need.

See our IELTS classes →

Prefer WhatsApp? Message a counsellor on 9802364830 →
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