Netherlands
Destination guide for African students
750+
English-taught masters
€900–1,400
Avg. monthly cost
1 year
Orientation year visa
Top Scholarships
Orange Tulip Scholarship
Partial to full funding for students from select countries. Run through Dutch embassies and universities.
Holland Scholarship
€5,000 award for non-EEA students starting a bachelor's or master's. Many Dutch universities participate.
Erasmus Mundus
Joint master's across 2–3 European universities. Many consortia include Dutch institutions.
NFP (Netherlands Fellowship Programmes)
Full funding for professionals from developing countries. Managed by Nuffic.
Visa Requirements
African nationals require a Dutch student visa (MVV + residence permit). Your Dutch university processes the application on your behalf through the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) — you do not apply independently.
Timeline: The IND process takes approximately 4 weeks once your university submits. Your university submits after you accept your offer and pay the deposit (if any).
Health insurance: Once you are in the Netherlands and have a BSN (citizen service number), you must take out Dutch health insurance (€130–200/month) or a student-friendly expat insurance plan.
Cost of Living
| Expense | Amsterdam | Other cities |
|---|---|---|
| Room/studio rent | €900–1,400 | €400–700 |
| Groceries | €200–280 | €180–250 |
| Transport (OV-chipkaart) | €80–150 | €60–120 |
| Health insurance | €130–200 | €130–200 |
Housing in Amsterdam is extremely competitive. Delft, Groningen, Enschede, and Maastricht are significantly more affordable and have excellent universities.
Post-Study Options
After graduating, you can apply for a Zoekjaar (Orientation Year) visa — one year to find work or start a business, with no employer sponsorship required. If you secure a job at a recognised sponsor company, you can transition to a Highly Skilled Migrant permit, which is a pathway to a Dutch permanent residence permit after 5 years.
Why the Netherlands?
- ✓750+ English-taught master's programmes — no Dutch required for most fields.
- ✓Dutch people are among the most proficient English speakers in Europe.
- ✓Wageningen (agriculture), TU Delft (engineering), and Erasmus (economics) are world-ranked.
- ✓Strong tech ecosystem in Amsterdam and Eindhoven.
- ✓Convenient travel across Europe via train and budget airlines.