Studying in the Netherlands: Why More Indian Students Are Choosing It Over the UK

A one-year master’s degree in the UK can now cost more than £30,000 in tuition alone, even before accommodation and other living expenses. Compare that with universities such as TU Delft or the University of Amsterdam, where many comparable master’s programs cost between €13,000 and €20,000.

That difference is changing the way many Indian families approach study-abroad planning. Instead of asking, “Which UK university should I choose?”, they’re increasingly asking, “Should I consider the Netherlands instead?”

Why More Indian Students Are Choosing the Netherlands

When students compare the Netherlands and the UK, cost is often the deciding factor. The availability of English-taught programs also makes the transition easy for international students.

Delft University of Technology now ranks 48th globally, while the University of Amsterdam ranks 60th in the QS World University Rankings 2027—placing both institutions alongside several respected UK Russell Group universities. You’re reducing the cost of your degree without affecting academic quality.

There’s another trend influencing student decisions as well. Canada’s significant reduction in international student permits has encouraged many families to look beyond the traditional Canada-UK-Australia route. As highlighted in ACHIVIA’s article on Canada’s 50% drop in Indian student permits, Europe—and particularly the Netherlands—has become one of the biggest beneficiaries of this shift. While the UK hasn’t introduced similar restrictions, rising tuition and living costs have made students explore more affordable alternatives.

Netherlands vs UK Tuition Fees in 2026

This is where the financial comparison becomes much clearer.

Non-EEA students in the Netherlands generally pay institutional tuition fees of €8,000–€20,000 annually for bachelor’s degrees and €12,000–€30,000 for master’s programs.

In comparison, international students in the UK typically pay £11,400–£38,000 for undergraduate programs and £9,000–£30,000 for postgraduate degrees, per UCAS’s international student finance guidance.

With exchange rates hovering around ₹110.048 per euro and ₹128.636 per pound (as of 11th August 2026, as per currency exchange rates), the overall cost difference becomes significant for many Indian families.

Living expenses are fairly comparable, although housing in Amsterdam remains particularly competitive. Students should budget upwards of €600 per month even for shared accommodation.

The UK’s Student Visa, annual Immigration Health Surcharge, and later Graduate Visa fee can add thousands of pounds to the total cost beyond tuition, making it important to compare the complete financial picture rather than tuition fees alone.

Post-Study Work Opportunities: Netherlands vs UK

One of the biggest differences between the two destinations is what happens after graduation.

The UK’s Graduate Visa allows international graduates to stay and work for two years without needing a job offer.

The Netherlands offers a one-year Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) permit, which can be applied for within three years of graduation—even if you’ve temporarily left the country.

Although the UK offers a longer post-study work period, the Netherlands provides an easier transition into long-term employment. Graduates who secure qualifying jobs during the Orientation Year can move onto the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa, benefiting from a reduced salary threshold of around €3,122 gross per month (2026).

Students comparing long-term career opportunities should also explore ACHIVIA’s guide on post-study work opportunities by country.

Best Universities and Courses in the Netherlands and the UK

Students planning careers in engineering, data science, AI, sustainability, and technology will find excellent opportunities in the Netherlands.

Universities such as TU Delft, Wageningen University, and Eindhoven University of Technology are internationally recognized for their industry-focused STEM education.

The UK, meanwhile, continues to present unmatched depth in fields such as law, finance, economics, humanities, business, and management. Institutions including LSE, UCL, Warwick, and Manchester continue to attract students seeking globally recognized qualifications.

Specifically for business and finance programs, ACHIVIA’s guide on the best countries to study finance and accounting abroad compares institutions such as the Rotterdam School of Management with London’s leading finance universities.

Several ACHIVIA students have successfully pursued both routes, including Prapti Mohanty (UCL), Chinmay Sahoo, and Nechal Goel (University of Warwick).

Part-Time Work While Studying

Part-time employment can greatly improve the overall return on investment.

Students in the Netherlands may work up to 16 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during June, July, and August. Many universities also integrate internships into their programs.

IELTS, SOP, and Application Requirements

Whether you’re applying to the Netherlands or the UK, two components matter most—your IELTS score and your Statement of Purpose (SOP).

Most universities require an IELTS band between 6.5 and 7.5 for masters.

ACHIVIA’s IELTS coaching programs help students achieve competitive scores, while its SOP guidance helps applicants avoid common mistakes, such as generic essays and weak personal narratives.

Students can also use ACHIVIA’s SOP and Essay Editing Service to strengthen applications for both destinations.

Which Country Should You Choose?

The better destination depends entirely on your educational objectives, career plans, and budget.

Choose the Netherlands if you’re looking for lower tuition fees, strong STEM programs, excellent research opportunities, and a realistic pathway into European employment.

Choose the UK if you want a well-known university name, more program choices, and the flexibility of an 18 months Graduate Visa after graduation.

Rather than relying on reputation alone, compare the complete cost—including tuition, accommodation, visa expenses, scholarships, and post-study work opportunities—before making your decision. If these tasks sound tedious, ACHIVIA can help you sort them out.

If you’re still choosing between the Netherlands and the UK, compare your shortlisted universities by total cost, career opportunities, and long-term goals—not just rankings. ACHIVIA: A personalized counseling session can help you compare options, estimate costs, and find the best fit for your goals. Book a free counseling session with ACHIVIA to receive a personalized comparison based on your academic profile, budget, and preferred courses. Once you’ve shortlisted your destination, ACHIVIA can also assist with university selection, SOP review, resume editing, and visa guidance.