Dutch universities report about 17,600 new international first-year students, up around 6%, and say more students are choosing Europe because of developments in the United States
Preliminary enrolment figures released by Universities of the Netherlands (UNL) and the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences (VH) show a rise in new international first-year students at Dutch universities for the current academic year. According to NL Times, citing ANP, the number is about 17,600, up around 6% after three years of decline. Universities link part of the increase to students "increasingly choosing to study in Europe due to developments in the United States."
Key Facts at a Glance
- New international first-year university students: About 17,600, up about 6%, after three years of decline. The figures are preliminary
- New bachelor's students at Dutch universities (all nationalities): Over 58,000, up about 3.5%
- New students at universities of applied sciences (all nationalities): 109,300, up 1.9%
- Technical programmes at universities: New enrolment up more than 11%. Technical master's programmes at universities of applied sciences are up nearly 50%, from about 1,100 to about 1,600
- Language and culture programmes at universities: Down nearly 8%
- Reason given: Universities attribute part of the rise in international students to choices to study in Europe because of developments in the United States
- What the report does not say: How many of the new students are from India, which nationalities grew most, and how the figures split between bachelor's and master's levels for international students
What this means for applicants
The figures are not about Indian students specifically, and they cover first-year university students, not every international student in the Netherlands. They are still a useful signal. For the first time in three years, Dutch universities are seeing growth in new international students, and they say Europe is picking up students who might previously have considered the United States. This matches the pattern behind Germany's record Indian enrolment, which we reported earlier.
The technical programmes are growing fastest, with engineering and technology courses up more than 11% at universities. For Indian applicants with technical backgrounds, that is the part of the Dutch system seeing the most demand, which suggests competition for places may be strong. Applicants should not read the growth as easier admission, since universities may have limits on places in some programmes.
Because the numbers are preliminary, final figures may differ. Students should check programme-level deadlines, language requirements and the residence permit process with the university and the official Dutch sources before applying.
What you can do
- Shortlist early. Check admission deadlines for September 2027 entry, since programmes in technical fields are in demand.
- Compare Europe options side by side. Look at the Netherlands, Germany, France and Ireland on tuition, living costs, programme language and post-study options.
- Check programme and permit requirements. Confirm English-language and academic requirements, and the residence permit steps, with the university and official Dutch sources.
- Prepare funds and documents in good time. Keep transcripts, language results and financial evidence organised.
- Treat the figures as a trend, not a promise. They are preliminary and do not describe any single programme.
IRS Study Abroad, Kottayam, helps students compare European destinations, choose the right programme and prepare accurate applications and visa files. Our team can help you shortlist Dutch and other European universities for the 2027 intake.
Source: NL Times, "Slight uptick in new students registered at Dutch universities" (November 10, 2026), citing preliminary figures from Universities of the Netherlands and the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences, via ANP. Figures are preliminary; check UNL and Nuffic for final numbers.
