North Holland
Amsterdam
The capital and the only Dutch city in the QS Best Student Cities 2027 (19th). Home to the University of Amsterdam (QS 60th) and VU Amsterdam, with an international, career-focused atmosphere.
World-class, English-taught degrees in the heart of Europe. One degree. 29 countries. Endless possibilities.
In the world's top 100 (QS 2027)
Amsterdam in QS Best Student Cities 2027
Main intakes
Part-time work, or full-time in June, July and August
Orientation year to find work after graduation
Your university applies for your MVV and residence permit
Student residence permit fee (2026)
Living funds required for 12 months (IND 2026)
We have been guiding Nepali students to Dutch universities for more than 10 years, and the Netherlands remains one of the most predictable student visa systems we work with. Your university applies for your visa and residence permit for you, and a complete file is usually approved in about 2 weeks. What separates a smooth journey from a stressful one is preparation: the right type of university, properly legalized documents and early housing. Here is how we take our students through the process to study in the Netherlands from Nepal.
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A Genix counsellor walks every stage with you — legalization in Kathmandu, the IND file and the MVV trip to India — so nothing is left to chance.
Where you would live
The Netherlands is small, so every major student city is within about 2 hours by train. Each city offers a different mix of universities, lifestyle and rent.
North Holland
The capital and the only Dutch city in the QS Best Student Cities 2027 (19th). Home to the University of Amsterdam (QS 60th) and VU Amsterdam, with an international, career-focused atmosphere.
South Holland
A modern business city with Europe's largest port, home to Erasmus University Rotterdam (QS 148th). TU Delft, the country's top-ranked university (QS 48th), is a short train ride away.
Utrecht
A friendly, central student city with canals and cycling everywhere, home to Utrecht University (QS 113th). Amsterdam is only about 30 minutes away by train.
Groningen
A lively northern city where students are a big part of daily life, home to the University of Groningen (QS 157th). Rents are generally lower than in Amsterdam or Utrecht.
Dutch universities offer hundreds of English-taught programs. Business, IT, data science, engineering, logistics and hospitality are among the most popular choices for Nepali students.
A one-year preparation program for students whose +2 does not yet meet a university's entry requirements. It builds your academic English and subject knowledge.
A 4-year practical degree at a university of applied sciences (HBO), or a 3-year academic degree at a research university.
A bridging program, usually one semester to one year, that prepares HBO or international bachelor's graduates for a research-university master's.
A 1–2 year postgraduate degree, mostly 1 year at research universities, and a strong route into a European career.
Student essentials
Two types of universities: research universities (WO) for academic study, and universities of applied sciences (HBO) for practical, career-focused study. Each academic year is worth 60 ECTS credits, recognized across Europe.
After graduating, apply for the 1-year orientation year permit within 3 years of finishing your studies. During that year you can work for any employer without a separate work permit.
Choose a consultancy approved by Nepal's Ministry of Education, with a real office you can visit and honest advice. Genix has guided students since 2009, charges zero processing fee and only recommends IND-recognized institutions.
FAQS
Yes. Nepal's +2 is at about the level of a Dutch HAVO diploma, which is accepted for bachelor's programs at universities of applied sciences (HBO). Research universities often ask for more, so some students start with a foundation year.
For 2026, you need €13,569.24 or €15,000 for 12 months of living costs, plus your first year's tuition. Most universities ask you to transfer this money to them, and they pay the living costs back to you after you arrive.
Most Dutch universities ask for IELTS, PTE or TOEFL, and the required score depends on the program. Genix offers IELTS and PTE preparation in Kathmandu if you need it.
Yes. With a work permit (TWV) from your employer, you can work up to 16 hours a week during studies, or full-time in June, July and August. If you work, Dutch basic health insurance becomes compulsory.
At a Dutch embassy or consulate in India, usually New Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru, as named in your IND approval letter. There is no MVV service in Nepal.
The IND usually decides a complete application in about 2 weeks, with a legal maximum of 60 days. The MVV sticker then takes up to 10 working days in India, so start at least 3 months before your intake.
Yes. You can apply for the 1-year orientation year permit within 3 years of graduating. It lets you work for any employer without a separate work permit while you look for a long-term job.
Yes. The NL Scholarship gives €5,000 in the first year to non-EEA students at participating universities, and many universities offer their own merit scholarships. Deadlines are early, so apply as soon as possible.
Yes. Nepal is not on the exempt list, so you must take a TB test at the local health service (GGD) within 3 months of arriving.
Most Dutch universities refund what you have paid, usually within about 2 weeks of the refusal. They normally keep the IND visa fee (€254 in 2026) and may also deduct a small administration fee, often around €150. Refund rules differ by university, so we go through your university's policy with you before you transfer any money.
Your university pays it into your Dutch bank account. First you register with your municipality, then you open a Dutch bank account. Depending on how quickly you finish these steps, the money usually arrives 2 weeks to 2 months after you land, so bring enough to cover your first weeks.
Legally you can, but we usually don't recommend it during your studies. You must apply for them yourself and support them financially, the IND can take up to 3 months to decide, and your partner is not allowed to work on that permit. Many of our students finish their studies, start a job, and then bring their family.
It is possible, but it takes time. You generally need at least 5 years of continuous legal residence, a non-temporary permit (such as a work permit) when you apply, a passed civic integration exam and a stable income. Study years count only partly, for example half towards EU long-term residence, so most students reach PR by working in the Netherlands after graduation.
Talk to a Genix Education counsellor and get a personalised plan — course, institution, funds, visa and scholarships.