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Do you want to study in a Dutch University? Then, you must be aware of the term Numerus Fixus for studies. Numerus Fixus in Latin means fixed number. In the Netherlands, the term is used to refer to a system of undergraduate admission process. There is a fixed restriction on the number of seats available for popular degree programs. Hence, a decentralised system is followed, where universities set their own selection processes. Consequently, gaining admission requires more than meeting the minimum grade. You must undergo a multi-stage selection process.
This blog covers everything you need to know about the Numerus Fixus for studies. You will learn its meaning and key points, the selection process, courses, top universities, and their deadline. Aside from that, you can also learn about the non-numerus fixus programs. Keep reading to learn more about them.
This Blog Includes:
- What is Numerus Fixus for Studies?
- Numerus Fixus Selection Process for Studies
- Which Courses Are Numerus Fixus?
- How Many Numerus Fixus Programmes Can I Apply To?
- Top Universities Requiring Numerus Fixus for Studies
- How to Apply to Numerus Fixus Programs for Studies?
- Netherlands University Application Deadline 2025
- What Does “No Numerus Fixus” Mean?
- FAQs
What is Numerus Fixus for Studies?
Numerus Fixus is the selection process (consisting of an entrance exam) that students have to go through for undergraduate admissions at a Dutch university. Both national and international students can be subject to this process. Instead of relying only on open admission, universities with a Numerus Fixus program set a maximum number of available places and select students based on multiple criteria such as exams, essays, grades, or interviews.
The key things to remember are as follows:
- Most English-taught programmes do not require Numerus Fixus
- However, if a programme is popular, then you will be subject to the Numerus Fixus (irrespective of language). For example, Psychology, International Business Administration, and Artificial Intelligence.
- You can apply to a maximum of 2 Numerus Fixus programs per year.
In the Netherlands, this unique selection process conducted by universities is also called a “decentralised selection process, or limited enrollment.
Numerus Fixus Selection Process for Studies
The Netherlands University’s admission process emphasises holistic assessment. Each university (and sometimes each program) has its own selection process. The selection process consists of an entrance exam that is divided into different parts.
Each university is required to conduct an entrance examination based on one cognitive (knowledge/skill-based) criterion and at least one non-cognitive (motivation/fit-based) criterion. This is explained in the table below:
| No | Component | Function (What it tests) |
| 1 | Written Test / Exam | Cognitive: Subject-specific knowledge, comprehension, logical thinking, and analytical skills. |
| 2 | High School Grades | Cognitive: Past academic performance and consistency. |
| 3 | Motivation Letter / Essay | Non-Cognitive: Passion for the subject, self-reflection, and understanding of the program’s demands. |
| 4 | Interview / Assessment Day | Non-Cognitive: Personality, communication, critical thinking under pressure, and suitability for the field. |
This means one university can focus heavily on the MCQ test based on required study materials, while the other (or even the same university for a different program can emphasise the written essay or motivation letter.
You can see that the written test is a part of the overall selection process. However, it is not the only requirement to clear the exam and secure a high ranking spot.
Which Courses Are Numerus Fixus?
Mainly, only popular courses require you to undergo the Numerous Fixus selection tests for studies. Some of the popular courses include:
- Artificial intelligence or AI
- Psychology
- Medicine
- International Relations
- International Business Administration
- Physiotherapy
- Computer Science (new)
- Other specialised fields, like Clinical Technology or Biomedical Sciences (depending on the institution)
How Many Numerus Fixus Programmes Can I Apply To?
You can apply for a maximum of 2 courses under the Numerous Fixus Program.. However, for healthcare-related programs (Medicine and Physiotherapy), you can only apply to one course.
Studylink (the main application portal) gives students the option to apply for 4 subjects. However, you can only apply for up to two Numerus Fixus Programmes. The other two must not be popular courses.
Is Psychology Numerus Fixus?
Yes. Students enrolling in Psychology are subject to the Numerus Fixus program for studies. This is a very popular course in the Netherlands. Hence, whether you are taking the course in English or Dutch, you are subject to this requirement. Most universities have made this mandatory for psychology courses.
To apply for a Bachelor’s in Psychology, you will have to take an online assessment, an entrance exam, submit a motivation letter, and your high school grades will also be considered. After the section procedure, a ranking number will be provided; based on this, you will be granted or denied admission.
Top Universities Requiring Numerus Fixus for Studies
Some of the top universities that follow the decentralised selection process are provided below. Their QS World Ranking, and the common programs for which this process is also provided. The key selection criteria are also explained.
| No | University | QS World Rank 2025 | Common Numerus Fixus Programs | Key Selection Criteria |
| 1 | Delft University of Technology | =47 | Clinical Technology, Nanobiology (joint with Leiden/EUR) | Previous academic performance (VWO-5 grades), motivation, and suitability test |
| 2 | University of Amsterdam | 53 | Medicine, Psychology, PPLE | Online tests, motivation letter, and prior academic results |
| 3 | Utrecht University | =103 | Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Technology | Selection day, online assignments, academic results, performance ranking |
| 4 | Leiden University | =119 | Medicine, Psychology, IR&O, Clinical Technology | Online assessments, grade review, ranking |
| 5 | Eindhoven University of Technology | =140 | Architecture, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering | Selection day/online test, VWO-5 grades, motivation |
| 6 | Erasmus University Rotterdam | =140 | Medicine, IBA, Psychology, IBEB, Clinical Technology, Nanobiology | Online tests, prior education review, and ranking number |
| 7 | University of Groningen | =147 | Medicine, Dentistry, Psychology, IRIO | Online test/exam, high school grades, and motivation |
| 8 | Wageningen University & Research | =153 | Few NF programs (check life sciences) | Academic performance, program-specific selection (e.g., portfolio) |
| 9 | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam | =194 | Medicine, Dentistry, Psychology | Selection test/assessment, high school grades |
| 10 | Maastricht University | 239 | Medicine, Psychology, International Business, European Law School | Cognitive test, academic achievements, motivation/suitability assessment |
How to Apply to Numerus Fixus Programs for Studies?
When the number of students applying for a course exceeds the number of seats available, the university follows the Numerus Fixus. To apply for such programs, you can follow the general application process below:
- Contact your university: Either visit the university page or contact the university admission team to understand if there is a decentralised selection process for your course.
- University decision: The university will tell you if you can submit your application through Studylink or if they want to conduct their own review before you submit your application. Follow their instructions.
- Understand the application timeline: Applications through Studylink have to be submitted before the deadline. This is usually around January 15th of the year.
- Limited Selection: Know that you can only choose up to 2 numerus fixus programmes per application cycle.
- Selection process: The University selection process takes place. The university will provide you with the necessary information regarding the application.
- Ranking Number: Once the selection process is over, you will be granted admission to the University. This ranking number will be allocated to you via Studylink. The ranking criteria totally depend on the university and the course you are enrolling in.
- Accept the offer letter: If you are provided an offer letter, you have to accept the same within 2 weeks. Delay means the offer letter will be given to some other student.
- No selection required: At times, if the number of applicants is less than the expected number of applicants, all applicants will be provided a seat without the selection process. In this case, too, you need to accept the offer letter within 2 weeks.
- Acceptance letter: Once you are accepted to the university, you will receive a notification of acceptance.
Studylink (the official Netherlands University admission portal) has provided the detailed steps on how you can apply to your selected course via StudyLink. You can view this by visiting their official website: Study Link.
Netherlands University Application Deadline 2025
The University application process is a little different for the Numerous Fixus programs. Now that you have understood the application process, let’s look at the key deadlines. The deadlines are provided below:
| No. | Criteria | Date |
| 1 | Numerus Fixus Application Deadline | January 15, 2025 (23:59 CET) |
| 2 | Selection Period | January 16 – April 14, 2025 |
| 3 | Ranking Announcement | April 15, 2025 |
| 4 | Place Acceptance Deadline | Within Two (2) Weeks of the Offer |
Also Read: Cost of Living in the Netherlands
What Does “No Numerus Fixus” Mean?
This means the University does not have a Numerus Fixus for studies. There is no competitive selection process, like entrance exams or a ranking procedure. The application process is open, and you can enrol in the university as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. As long as you meet the requirements, there is guaranteed admission for you!
However, it is important to note that most non-Numerus Fixus programs have a final deadline for enrollment (via StudyLink) around May 1st. On the other hand, the fixus programs often have early deadlines like January 15th, 2025.
When you are applying for a No Numerous Fixus program, you do not have to write a motivation letter that is required, or even take the entrance exam. The acceptance is based on meeting the program requirements.
Non numerus Fixus Studies: Top Programmes
Non-numerous fixus studies programmes are easy to enrol in. Direct admissions are possible. Here we have listed some of the top universities and the top courses that do not come under the limited selection process. Usually, the deadline for applications for these programs is around April to May 1st each year.
| No. | University | Top Non-Numerus Fixus Programs (BSc/BA) |
| 1 | Delft University of Technology | Aerospace Engineering, Applied Earth Sciences, Applied Mathematics |
| 2 | University of Amsterdam | Business Administration, Media and Information, Artificial Intelligence |
| 3 | Utrecht University | Global Sustainability Science, International and European Law, Computing Science |
| 4 | Leiden University | International Studies, Urban Studies, Liberal Arts and Sciences |
| 5 | Wageningen University & Research | Food Technology, Environmental Sciences, Plant Sciences, Tourism (Academic BSc) |
| 6 | University of Groningen | International Business, Communication and Information Studies, Spatial Planning and Design |
| 7 | Erasmus University Rotterdam | International Bachelor Arts and Culture Studies, Econometrics and Operations Research |
| 8 | Eindhoven University of Technology | Data Science and AI, Automotive Technology, Embedded Systems |
| 9 | Maastricht University) | Biomedical Sciences, European Public Health, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence |
| 10 | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) | Business Analytics, Communication Science, Law in European and International Context |
The Numerus Fixus program is set by universities in the Netherlands, as it enables them to choose the best candidates for the limited seats. Therefore, if you are an international or national student enrolling in an English-taught or Dutch-taught program, you are subject to this criterion. Popular in-demand courses include Artificial Intelligence, Psychology, and Medicine.
Also Read: How Can International Students Get PR in the Netherlands?
A university can have different criteria for different programs. Hence, some selection criteria might be focused on written tests and grades, while others might focus on MCQs and a motivation letter. The exact requirements depend on the university. The good news is that many universities are offering these programs. You can also go for non-numerus fixus programs if you are interested in other courses.
FAQs
The cost of studying in the Netherlands totally depends on the course, the level of study, and the university you are enrolled in. If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you need around EUR 6,000 to 15,000. On the other hand, if you are enrolled in a postgraduate course, you need to spend around EUR 6,000 to 15,000 as tuition fees for international students.
The best course for you is subjective and depends on your strengths and career goals. Nevertheless, in the Netherlands, the best courses are Business/Management, Natural Sciences, and engineering-related.
It is not difficult to get admission to a university if you meet the entry requirements. However, the competitiveness comes when you are applying for numerous fixus courses. These courses are academically intense, and there are limited seats available for them.
Yes. International students can apply for jobs. After you graduate, you can apply for a one-year “Orientation Year” residence permit. During this time, you can search for employment in your related course. Once you get a job offer, you can apply for a work permit and start working in the Netherlands.
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