Studielink: How to Apply to Dutch Universities

What Studielink is

Studielink is the national online system used to apply for and enrol in higher education in the Netherlands. You register your study choice there, and your chosen institution then contacts you about its own admission steps. Always read the international admissions page of your university too, because documents and language requirements are set by each institution.

Studielink deadlines

Studielink states these deadlines for the start of the academic year:

Applying by the deadline gives you the right to admission if you meet the admission requirements. Some programmes require a study choice check, such as an interview, taster session or questionnaire; skipping it without a valid reason can forfeit that right. Your university may set earlier deadlines for non-EU students, for example for visas and housing, so check its page.

Source: Studielink: make sure you are on time.

Numerus fixus programmes

Numerus fixus programmes have a limited number of places and use a selection procedure. Their deadline is earlier than for other programmes, and universities describe extra steps such as a motivation letter or selection day. Read the institution's page for the programme you want; examples are published by Dutch universities such as Radboud University and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

DigiD or another login for international students

Studielink requires DigiD. Its own page says that only if you are not eligible for a DigiD because you are not an official resident of the Netherlands can you continue to use a Studielink username and password. DigiD needs a Citizen Service Number (BSN). Studielink's page does not spell out more for international applicants, so read Studielink: DigiD required for Studielink and your university's international admissions page before you register.

How to apply, step by step

• Choose the programme and check its admission requirements, including English level, on the university site.
• Create your Studielink account and register your study choice before the deadline.
• Follow your institution's instructions for uploading documents. Typical documents are diplomas, transcripts, ID and an English test result; the exact list is set by the university.
• Complete the study choice check or selection step if the programme has one.
• Accept your offer and finish enrolment as instructed by the institution.

English-proficiency tests

Dutch universities set their own English requirements, usually accepting TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic at a minimum score that depends on the programme. Confirm the number on your programme page. See our universities accepting TOEFL list and the IELTS fee guide for costs, then book early so your score arrives before your document deadline.

Common mistakes

• Waiting for 1 May when your programme is numerus fixus (15 January).
• Assuming an international applicant can skip DigiD without checking the Studielink page.
• Registering on Studielink but never uploading documents to the university.
• Not taking the study choice check when required.

FAQ