As an EU citizen, you pay the statutory fee (wettelijk collegegeld) of approximately 2,694 EUR per year (the 2026-27 national rate), exactly like a Dutch student. For comparison, a non-European student pays between 13,000 and 18,000 EUR per year at bachelor's level. The EU advantage is the main reason the Netherlands offers the best value for money in Europe for a European student.

Yes. A Romanian secondary-school diploma (and equivalent EU diplomas) is recognized thanks to shared membership of the European Union and is accepted as a qualification for admission to bachelor's studies in the Netherlands. Some programs may require specific subjects at an advanced level (for example mathematics for engineering or economics) and a minimum grade average. In addition to your diploma, you will need proof of English such as IELTS or TOEFL for programs taught in English.

You apply through Studielink, the national enrollment platform used by all Dutch universities. You create an account, choose the program and university, then complete your application directly on the university's portal (motivation letter, transcript, English certificate). For programs with Numerus Fixus (limited places, such as Medicine or Psychology) there is a separate selection procedure and an earlier deadline, usually 15 January.

Yes, with no problem. The Netherlands has more than 2,100 programs taught entirely in English, around 30% of all bachelor's degrees, the most in continental Europe. You do not need Dutch to study, and English is spoken everywhere in daily life. You only need proof of English proficiency (usually IELTS 6.0-6.5 or the TOEFL equivalent) for admission. WIB note: the Dutch Wet internationalisering in balans law, currently being phased in, aims to rebalance internationalisation and may gradually reduce some English-taught programmes; check the exact language of your programme when you apply.

Numerus Fixus means a fixed number of places for high-demand programs, such as Medicine, Psychology, Dentistry, or certain business programs. For these programs you are not admitted automatically: there is a selection based on grades, motivation, and sometimes additional tests. The Numerus Fixus deadline is earlier than the rest, usually 15 January, so it is important to plan ahead.

The cost of living is approximately 900 to 1,300 EUR per month, depending on the city. Amsterdam is the most expensive, especially for accommodation, while cities like Groningen, Maastricht, or Eindhoven are more affordable. The budget covers accommodation, food, transport (the bike is king in the Netherlands), and other expenses. Many students work part-time, which as an EU citizen is allowed without any work permit restrictions.

Yes. As an EU citizen you have the right to live and work in the Netherlands without a visa. In addition, graduates have access to a 12-month orientation visa (zoekjaar) dedicated to finding a job. The Netherlands has a strong job market, especially in tech, engineering, business, and the life sciences, with major employers such as ASML, Philips, ASR, and international companies headquartered in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

It depends on your field. For engineering and technology: TU Delft or TU Eindhoven. For business and economics: Erasmus Rotterdam or Maastricht. For a strong comprehensive profile: University of Amsterdam, Utrecht, or Groningen. For the most international experience and learning in small groups: Maastricht, with its Problem-Based Learning method. All 8 universities are public and you benefit from the reduced statutory EU fee at each one. A mentor can help you choose based on your academic profile.