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Dream of studying at a top-ranked European university without the stress of the IELTS exam? The Netherlands offers an incredible opportunity for international students for the 2026-2027 academic year! Many Dutch universities, known for their high-quality, English-taught programs in fields like Engineering, Business Administration, Data Science, and International Relations, offer alternative ways to demonstrate English proficiency. The main benefits include access to globally recognized education, a vibrant multicultural environment, and various scholarship opportunities like the NL Scholarship. This flexibility allows you to focus on your application and academic goals. In this blog, we provide a comprehensive guide on the admission process, accepted alternatives, and top institutions offering this pathway, all in one detailed article.
This Blog Includes:
- How to Study in the Netherlands Without IELTS?
- Alternative English Proficiency Tests to Study in the Netherlands
- Top Universities to Study in the Netherlands Without IELTS
- Eligibility Criteria to Study in the Netherlands Without IELTS
- Scholarships for Study in the Netherlands Without IELTS
- Tips for a Successful Application to Study in the Netherlands Without IELTS
- Why Study in the Netherlands?
- FAQs
How to Study in the Netherlands Without IELTS?
While the Netherlands is an English-speaking country for studies, universities still need official proof of your English proficiency. Fortunately, there are several widely accepted alternatives to the IELTS exam for the 2026-2027 intake.
Here are some important points on how to study in the Netherlands without IELTS:
- Use other globally recognized English proficiency exams instead of IELTS.
- Universities widely accept TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English (CAE/CPE).
- The Duolingo English Test (DET) is accepted by a growing number of institutions.
- Get an exemption if you completed your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree fully in English.
- Exemption for degrees obtained in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, or New Zealand.
- Provide an Official Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate from your previous school/university as proof.
- Exemptions for certain high school qualifications like the International Baccalaureate (IB) or European Baccalaureate (EB).
- Always verify the specific alternative test or exemption policy directly with your chosen university/program.
- Waivers are more common for Master’s applicants who already hold an English-taught Bachelor’s degree.
- Some programs may accept a personal interview or internal assessment to judge your English skills, though this is less common.
Also Read: How to Apply for Bachelor’s Programs in the Netherlands
Alternative English Proficiency Tests to Study in the Netherlands
For international students looking to avoid the IELTS, Dutch universities offer flexibility by accepting a range of other well-known and convenient English proficiency tests. Here is a breakdown of the most commonly accepted Alternative English Proficiency Tests to study in the Netherlands:
| Alternative Test | Description | Typical Minimum Score Range (Bachelor’s/Master’s) |
| TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | A widely accepted, computer-based test that measures all four core skills (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing). | 80–100 Overall (Minimum 20-25 in each section) |
| Cambridge English Qualifications | Highly respected certificates, often accepted for life. | C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE) (Minimum score typically 180 or a C/Pass) |
| PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) | A fully computer-based test offering quick results (often within 48 hours). | 61–70 Overall (Varies by program and institution) |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | A convenient, on-demand online test accepted by a growing number of Dutch institutions, especially Universities of Applied Sciences. | 110–120 Overall (Varies significantly by university) |
| LanguageCert Academic | A secure, computer-based exam that is increasingly being accepted by universities, often including an online option. | 70–75 Overall (C1 Expert or B2 Communicator) |
Top Universities to Study in the Netherlands Without IELTS
The Netherlands is an excellent destination for international students, with almost all its research universities (WO) and universities of applied sciences (HBO) accepting alternatives to the IELTS. Here are the top-ranked Dutch universities, along with the degree levels they offer and the typical alternatives they accept instead of IELTS:
| University Name | Common IELTS Alternatives Accepted |
| Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) | TOEFL iBT (typically 90–100) Cambridge English (C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency) IELTS Waiver (see below) |
| University of Amsterdam (UvA) | TOEFL iBT (typically 92–100) Cambridge English (C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency) PTE Academic (for some programs) IELTS Waiver |
| Leiden University | TOEFL iBT (typically 90+) Cambridge English (C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency) IELTS Waiver |
| Utrecht University (UU) | TOEFL iBT (typically 90–95) Cambridge English (C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency) IELTS Waiver |
| Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) | TOEFL iBT (typically 90+) PTE Academic (for many programs) Cambridge English IELTS Waiver |
| Wageningen University & Research (WUR) | TOEFL iBT (typically 80-92) Cambridge English (C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency) IELTS Waiver |
| University of Twente (UT) | TOEFL iBT (typically 90+) PTE Academic (typically 62+) Cambridge English Duolingo English Test (for some programs) |
Also Read: Popular Universities in the Netherlands for International Students
Eligibility Criteria to Study in the Netherlands Without IELTS
While avoiding the IELTS is a significant step, you must still meet the core academic and visa-related eligibility criteria set by the Dutch government and the individual universities for the 2026-2027 intake.
Here are the complete eligibility criteria for international students wishing to study in the Netherlands, with a focus on the language requirement alternatives:
1. Academic Requirements
- Bachelor’s: Hold a high school diploma equivalent to the Dutch VWO level (e.g., IB, A-Levels).
- Master’s: Hold a relevant, recognized Bachelor’s degree.
- Specific Prerequisites: Meet any program-specific course requirements (e.g., specific grades in Mathematics or Physics).
2. English Language Proficiency (IELTS Alternatives)
- Waiver (Exemption): Completed a full degree (high school/university) taught entirely in English.
- Proof: Provide an official Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate.
- Also Waived: Degrees from USA, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.
- Alternative Tests: Submit satisfactory scores from accepted exams:
- TOEFL iBT (typically 80-100).
- PTE Academic (typically 61-70).
- Cambridge English (C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency).
3. Financial & Visa Requirements
- Sufficient Funds: Proof of money to cover tuition and one year of living expenses (as required by the IND).
- Acceptance Letter: Receive a formal Letter of Acceptance from a recognized Dutch university.
- Visa Application: Successfully complete the MVV (entry visa) and VVR (residence permit) application via the university.
- Health: Meet mandatory health requirements (e.g., a TB test upon arrival, where applicable).
Scholarships for Study in the Netherlands Without IELTS
Many top scholarships in the Netherlands accept the same IELTS alternatives (like a previous English-taught degree waiver or a TOEFL/PTE score) as the university admission process itself.
Here is a breakdown of the major scholarships available for international students in the Netherlands, including their coverage and eligibility, without specifically requiring IELTS.
| Scholarship Name | University & Level | Coverage | Eligibility Criteria | IELTS Alternative Status |
| NL Scholarship (Formerly Holland Scholarship) | All Participating Universities (WO & HBO) | EUR 5,000 one-time grant (Partial funding) | Non-EEA nationality; applying for a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s; excellent academic merit. | Accepts the university’s standard English proficiency proof (Waiver or Alternative Test). |
| Maastricht University NL-High Potential | Maastricht University (UM) – Master’s | Fully Funded (Tuition fee waiver, EUR 15,925–EUR 30,625 stipend, insurance, visa costs). | Non-EU/EEA; age 35 or younger; Excellent GPA (7.5/10 or higher); never studied for a degree in the Netherlands. | Accepts UM’s English proficiency proof (Waiver or Alternative Test). |
| Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) | Leiden University – Master’s | Partial Tuition Fee Waiver (EUR 10,000 to EUR 19,000) | Non-EEA; Top 10% academic performance; applied for a full-time Master’s program. | Accepts Leiden’s English proficiency proof (Waiver or Alternative Test). |
| TU Delft Excellence Scholarships (e.g., Justus & Louise van Effen) | TU Delft – Master’s | Full Tuition Fee Waiver and contribution towards living costs. | Excellent academic performance (often GPA 80% or higher); conditional admission to a TU Delft MSc program. | Accepts TU Delft’s English proficiency proof (Waiver or Alternative Test). |
| Radboud Scholarship Programme | Radboud University – Master’s | Tuition Fee Reduction (to the lower EU/EEA rate, approx. EUR 2,209) and covers visa costs. | Non-EEA; outstanding study results; fully admitted to an English-taught Master’s program. | Accepts Radboud’s English proficiency proof (Waiver or Alternative Test). |
| Amsterdam Merit Scholarships (AMS) | University of Amsterdam (UvA) – Master’s | Varies (e.g., Full Tuition Fee Waiver or partial reduction) | Non-EEA; excellent academic performance (top class/GPA equivalent); strong motivation. | Accepts UvA’s English proficiency proof (Waiver or Alternative Test). |
Tips for a Successful Application to Study in the Netherlands Without IELTS
Securing admission without the IELTS hinges on being meticulous with documentation and meeting all other requirements perfectly. Here are the top tips for a successful application to study in the Netherlands without IELTS for international students:
- Immediately request the Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate from your previous university; processing takes time.
- Ensure the MOI clearly states English was the sole language of instruction and examination.
- Confirm your chosen alternative test (TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, Duolingo) is accepted by your specific university and program.
- If taking a test, aim for the higher end of the score range for competitiveness and scholarship eligibility.
- Check if the university accepts the online/home version of alternative tests like the TOEFL iBT.
- Register on Studielink and fully complete the application on the university’s individual portal.
- Non-EU/EEA students must apply early (ideally by March/April) to allow time for the visa procedure.
- Note that scholarship deadlines are often the earliest (Dec 1st – Feb 1st) and must be met.
- Officially translate and certify any non-English/Dutch academic documents.
- If offered an interview as an assessment, practice speaking to demonstrate fluent English communication.
Also Read: Public vs Private Universities in the Netherlands
Why Study in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is a top choice for international students due to its high-quality education, vibrant international environment, and excellent career prospects. Here are the important reasons why you should consider studying in the Netherlands:
- Dutch universities consistently rank among the top globally, offering internationally recognized degrees.
- The Netherlands has the highest English proficiency in non-native English-speaking countries, making daily life and studies seamless.
- It boasts the largest selection of English-taught programs in Continental Europe (over 2,000+ courses).
- Focus on Problem-Based Learning (PBL), encouraging critical thinking, teamwork, and practical application of knowledge.
- Home to major multinational companies (e.g., Shell, Philips, Unilever) and a thriving job market.
- Graduates can apply for a one-year ‘Orientation Year’ visa to search for a job or start a business.
- Generally affordable tuition fees and cost of living compared to the US, UK, and Australia.
- A highly international and open society with students from over 160 countries, perfect for global networking.
- Central location allows for easy, affordable travel to major European cities like Paris, Berlin, and Brussels.
- Consistently ranked among the safest and happiest countries in the world, offering a welcoming environment.
FAQs
Yes, it’s possible to study in the Netherlands without IELTS, as many universities accept alternatives. You can usually submit scores from other standardized English proficiency tests like TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, or Cambridge English Qualifications. Furthermore, some institutions may grant an exemption if your previous education was fully taught in English or require a successful personal interview to assess your English skills.
English language proficiency is mandatory for a Netherlands student visa, and while IELTS is one of the most commonly accepted tests, it is not always the only option. You generally need to provide an accepted English test score (like IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English) to your university for admission, and the minimum required score (often an IELTS band of 6.0 or higher) will vary depending on your program and institution. Therefore, an English language test score is required, but you might have alternatives to IELTS depending on your specific university and course.
No, generally you cannot study in the Netherlands for free, as tuition fees apply to all students. While fees are significantly lower for EU/EEA students (the statutory fee), non-EU/EEA international students face much higher institutional fees. However, you can secure scholarships—some of which are fully funded—from the Dutch government or specific universities (like the NL Scholarship, Excellence Scholarships, etc.) to significantly reduce or entirely cover the cost of your tuition and, in some cases, your living expenses.
Related Reads
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