The Netherlands, known for its innovative education system and vibrant job market, offers international students exceptional work and study abroad programs in 2025.
With over 2,000 English-taught programs and an 82% expat satisfaction rate for business flexibility (InterNations, 2024), the country is a top destination for those seeking to balance education with professional experience.
Tuition fees for non-EU students range from €8,000 to €20,000 annually, but scholarships and work opportunities help offset costs.
The Dutch economy, projected to grow by 1.8% in 2025 (OECD), creates demand for talent in tech, logistics, and agriculture, with average part-time student earnings at €10–15/hour.
This guide explores the best programs, visa requirements, job prospects, and practical tips for international students aiming to work and study in the Netherlands.
Disclaimer: Program details, visa regulations, and job opportunities may change. Always check the latest information on official Dutch government websites like studyinholland.nl or government.nl.
Why Work and Study in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands combines academic excellence with a dynamic job market, making it ideal for international students. Universities like the University of Amsterdam and Delft University of Technology rank in the global top 100 (QS World University Rankings 2025).
The country’s education system emphasizes practical learning, with programs often including internships or research projects that align with industry needs. English is the primary language of instruction for most international programs, easing the transition for non-Dutch speakers.
The Dutch job market is equally appealing. With a low % unemployment rate of 3.6% (Statistics Netherlands, 2024), the Netherlands offers ample part-time work opportunities for students, particularly in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht.
Students can work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays, earning €10–15/hour in roles like retail, tutoring, or internships.
Beyond financial benefits, working while studying builds professional skills and networks, enhancing employability—70% of international graduates find jobs in the Netherlands within a year (Nuffic, 2024).
The Netherlands also offers a high quality of life, with a livability score of 81 (Henley Opportunity Index, 2025). Its multicultural society—Amsterdam hosts over 180 nationalities—ensures a welcoming environment for expats.
In addition to that, the country’s iconic canals, bike-friendly culture, and proximity to other European countries, as well as the Netherlands, have become a perfect base for academic and personal growth.
Top Work and Study Programs in the Netherlands for 2025
The Netherlands offers a variety of programs that integrate work and study, catering to diverse fields and student needs. Below are some of the best options for 2025.
University of Amsterdam – International Business and Management Studies
- Program Type: Bachelor’s degree with integrated internships.
- Duration: 3 years.
- Tuition: €9,500/year for non-EU students.
- Work Component: Mandatory internships in Years 2 and 3, often with multinational companies like Philips or Deloitte, plus part-time work allowance (16 hours/week).
- Why It is Great: Focuses on global business trends, with 80% of graduates securing jobs within six months (University of Amsterdam, 2024).
- Scholarship: Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (€2,500–5,000/year for top students).
- Application Deadline: May 1, 2025, for September start.
Delft University of Technology – MSc Computer Science with Industry Track
- Program Type: Master’s degree with industry collaboration.
- Duration: 2 years.
- Tuition: €19,600/year for non-EU students.
- Work Component: Research projects with tech firms like ASML or KLM, plus part-time work rights (16 hours/week).
- Why It is Great: Delft ranks 13th globally in engineering (QS 2025), and the program includes a thesis project with industry partners.
- Scholarship: TU Delft Excellence Scholarship (partial tuition waiver).
- Application Deadline: April 1, 2025, for September start.
Wageningen University – MSc Food Technology with Work Placement
- Program Type: Master’s degree with practical training.
- Duration: 2 years.
- Tuition: €18,700/year for non-EU students.
- Work Component: 6-month internship with companies like Unilever or Nestlé, plus part-time work rights.
- Why It is Great: Wageningen is the world’s top university for agriculture and food sciences (QS 2025), focusing on sustainable food systems.
- Scholarship: Wageningen University Excellence Scholarship (up to €10,000/year).
- Application Deadline: May 1, 2025, for September start.
Rotterdam School of Management – Erasmus University – MBA with Internship Track
- Program Type: MBA with professional experience.
- Duration: 1 year.
- Tuition: €54,000 for non-EU students.
- Work Component: Optional internship with companies like Shell or ING, plus networking events for job placements.
- Why It is Great: Ranked in the top 30 globally for MBA programs (Financial Times, 2025), with a 90% employment rate within three months.
- Scholarship: RSM MBA Diversity Scholarship (up to 50% tuition reduction).
- Application Deadline: Rolling, but apply by March 2025 for scholarship consideration.
Saxion University of Applied Sciences – International Hospitality Management
- Program Type: Bachelor’s degree with practical training.
- Duration: 4 years.
- Tuition: €8,900/year for non-EU students.
- Work Component: Mandatory internships in hotels or tourism firms, plus part-time work rights.
- Why It is Great: Focuses on practical skills for the hospitality industry, with placements in Amsterdam’s thriving tourism sector.
- Scholarship: Saxion Talent Scholarship (€2,500/year).
- Application Deadline: June 1, 2025, for September start.
Eligibility and Visa Requirements
Program Eligibility
- Academic: A high school diploma (for bachelor’s) or bachelor’s degree (for master’s) with a GPA equivalent to a Dutch 7/10 (approximately 3.0/4.0).
- English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+ for most programs.
- Work Experience: Required for some programs (e.g., MBA at Rotterdam School of Management needs 3+ years).
Visa and Work Permit
- Residence Permit: Non-EU/EEA students need a student residence permit, applied for by the university after admission.
- Documents: Passport, proof of admission, financial proof (SEK 10,314/month, approximately €900 for 10 months), health insurance.
- Cost: €210 application fee.
- Processing Time: 1–3 months; apply by May 2025 for a September start.
- Work Rights: Students can work 16 hours/week during the semester and full-time from June to August. No separate work permit is needed, but employers must apply for a work permit (TWV) if the job exceeds 16 hours/week during the semester.
- Post-Graduation: The Orientation Year Visa allows graduates to stay for one year to seek employment, costing €320.
Job Opportunities While Studying
The Netherlands offers students a range of part-time jobs, helping cover living costs and gain experience.
Types of Jobs
- Retail and Hospitality: Roles in cafés, restaurants, or hotels (e.g., Starbucks, Hilton) pay €10–12/hour.
- Tutoring/Teaching: English tutoring or assisting at language schools earns €12–15/hour.
- Internships: Program-related tech, finance, or logistics internships often pay €500–1,000/month.
- Freelancing: Graphic design, translation, or content creation through platforms like Fiverr (earnings vary).
Where to Find Jobs
- University Job Boards: Most universities (e.g., TU Delft, University of Amsterdam) have career centers with listings.
- Online Platforms: Randstad.nl, Indeed.nl, and StudentJob.nl are popular for student roles.
- Networking: Attend career fairs like the Amsterdam Career Days (March 2025) or join student associations.
Earnings and Impact
- Students working 16 hours/week at €12/hour earn €768/month, covering a significant portion of living expenses (€1,200–2,000/month).
- Working also builds skills like time management and cultural adaptability, as seen in a Nigerian student who worked at a café in Utrecht while studying at Saxion, later securing a full-time role in hospitality after graduation.
Living in the Netherlands: Costs and Culture
Cost of Living
- Housing: €400–800/month (student dorms or shared apartments).
- Food: €200–300/month (cooking at home; eating out costs €15–25/meal).
- Transport: €50–100/month (biking daily; public transport with OV-chipkaart).
- Miscellaneous: €100–200/month (books, leisure).
- Total: €1,200–2,000/month, depending on the city (Amsterdam is pricier than Enschede).
Cultural Adaptation
- Language: English is widely spoken, but learning basic Dutch (e.g., via Duolingo) helps with daily life and job prospects.
- Biking Culture: Biking is the norm—invest in a second-hand bike (€50–100) to get around.
- Social Norms: Dutch culture values directness and punctuality, as well as being on time and straightforward in communication.
Lifestyle Benefits
- Explore Dutch culture through events like King’s Day (April 27) or the Keukenhof tulip festival (March-May).
- Travel easily to nearby countries like Belgium or Germany on weekends, with train tickets starting at €20.
Scholarships and Financial Support
Holland Scholarship
- Amount: €5,000 (one-time grant).
- Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA students enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s program.
- Application: Apply through your university after admission; deadlines vary (typically March–May 2025).
Orange Tulip Scholarship
- Amount: Partial to full tuition waivers (varies by university).
- Eligibility: Students from specific countries (e.g., India, Indonesia, Brazil).
- Application: Apply via Nuffic Neso offices by April 1, 2025.
University-Specific Scholarships
- Many universities offer merit-based scholarships, such as the TU Delft Excellence Scholarship or the University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship, ranging from €2,500 to €10,000/year.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
High Competition for Jobs
- Solution: Start early—apply for jobs 2–3 months before arriving. Highlight language skills (e.g., English, Spanish) and adaptability on your CV.
- Example: A Brazilian student at Wageningen secured a research assistant role by networking at a university career fair.
Housing Shortages
- Solution: Apply for student housing through university portals or platforms like Kamernet.nl as soon as you are admitted. Consider smaller cities like Enschede for lower costs.
- Tip: Budget €500–600/month for housing to secure a spot in popular cities.
Cultural Adjustment
- Solution: To build a support network, join student associations (e.g., Erasmus Student Network). Be open to Dutch directness—it is a cultural norm, not personal.
- Example: An Indian student in Rotterdam struggled initially but found community through a local cricket club.
Why Work and Study in the Netherlands?
Combining work and study in the Netherlands offers a unique opportunity to gain a world-class education while building professional experience in a global hub.
A Pakistani student I know studied International Business at the University of Amsterdam, worked part-time at a tech startup, and landed a full-time role at Deloitte after graduation, earning €45,000/year. The experience boosted her career and allowed her to explore Europe, from Amsterdam’s canals to Paris’s Louvre.
The Netherlands’ focus on innovation, sustainability, and multiculturalism prepares students for global careers. With 60% of Dutch companies actively hiring international talent (Nuffic, 2024), graduates have strong job prospects, whether staying in the Netherlands or returning home.
The cultural experience—biking through tulip fields, enjoying stroopwafels, and connecting with a diverse community—adds to the journey.
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Work and study abroad programs in the Netherlands 2025 are your gateway to academic and professional success. Research programs, apply by spring 2025, and prepare for a student visa. Begin today—update your CV, explore university websites like studyinholland.nl, and connect with current students for insights. Your Dutch adventure awaits!
For more details, visit studyinholland.nl, nuffic.nl, or government.nl. Your global career starts here!
Sources:
- InterNations (2024): www.internations.org
- QS World University Rankings (2025): www.topuniversities.com
- Statistics Netherlands (2024): www.cbs.nl
- Nuffic (2024): www.nuffic.nl
- Henley Opportunity Index (2025): www.henleyglobal.com
