Studying in the Netherlands Without a Language Certificate
Studying in the Netherlands without a language certificate has always been a concern for applicants wanting to continue their education in the Netherlands without a language certificate. It is possible to study in the Netherlands without a language certificate only at a few universities under the following conditions:
- High GPA
- Proof of English proficiency without official certificate
- Very good academic record
- Check specific university requirements
Studying in the Netherlands without a language certificate may be possible for studies in schools. It is worth mentioning that studying in the Netherlands without a language certificate at the university level comes with risks such as difficulties in obtaining a visa, missing out on university scholarships, and more.
For more information about immigration to the Netherlands please contact the consultants of Malekpour Institute and receive a free initial consultation. In the comments section, you can also ask your questions and receive answers in a short time.
Conditions for studying in the Netherlands without a language certificate
Obtaining a language certificate has been an integral requirement for studying in schools and universities in Europe, and its importance has been emphasized. The conditions for studying in the Netherlands without a language certificate are limited and specific.
Most universities in the Netherlands require an IELTS certificate for admission, and if you do not have a language certificate, attending language courses at colleges in this country is a suitable option.
Some universities in the Netherlands offer programs for students with high GPAs where they can enroll in a college, complete the language course, and after reaching the desired language level and passing language exams, apply for studying in the Netherlands.
Why Study in the Netherlands?
Some of the countless advantages of studying in the Netherlands without a language certificate include:
- Academic Pathways
The Netherlands offers an array of curricula taught in English, eliminating language barriers. This abundance empowers you to explore a wide range of disciplines without the limitations of language restrictions.
- Global Connection
Acquiring knowledge in a linguistically inclusive environment broadens your horizons and strengthens global interconnections. You should interact with your peers from around the world, fostering cultural diversity and global interdependencies.
- Employability
Graduates emerging from Dutch higher education institutions often find themselves highly competitive in the global job market. Employers value the international exposure and adaptability gained from studying in the Netherlands.
- High Educational Standards
The Netherlands consistently earns high rankings in global educational excellence assessments. Your choice to pursue education within its boundaries assures you of a top-tier educational experience.
- Research Activities
Dutch universities have established a reputation for their research capabilities. Immersion in research endeavors, free from language barriers, enables you to benefit from avant-garde innovations and participate in global collaborative projects.
Studying in the Netherlands without a language certificate in schools
In the Netherlands, students can continue their education without a language certificate, especially at the primary level. Public, private, international, and religious schools accept children from age 5.
Primary education focuses on Dutch culture, life skills, self-esteem, math, cognitive development, and strong English and German instruction. After age 12, students move to secondary levels like VMBO, HAVO, and VWO, where over half the courses are taught in English, making the Netherlands ideal for international students.
Schools in the Netherlands provide reassurance to immigrant families that even if their children have studied in another language, learning English for them means entering a welcoming, calm, and friendly environment in Dutch schools.
Admission to Dutch colleges without a language certificate
Many international students complete high school and a one-year foundation course at Dutch colleges. While admission without a language certificate is challenging, accepted students join intensive programs with major-related courses and English training. Dutch colleges focus heavily on language development, especially Dutch and academic English.
These programs prepare students for university by enhancing skills like academic writing, discussions, and CV building. With affordable tuition and courses in Dutch, English, and German, many students start their language journey at Dutch colleges without delaying their studies.
Studying in the Netherlands without a language certificate at the bachelor’s degree
There are more than two thousand diverse language programs in Dutch universities and colleges, which seem to overshadow the requirement to study at all Dutch universities without a language certificate. Obtaining an IELTS certificate with a minimum score of 6, a 12-year diploma, and a GPA above 12 is indicative of a student’s pathway into bachelor’s degree in the Netherlands.
To study a German-language program in the Netherlands, you typically need a B1 or B2 German certificate. Dutch universities have different language requirements depending on the study level, so consulting a migration lawyer can help assess your chances of admission without a language certificate, especially for bachelor’s degrees.
Although studying in the Netherlands without a language certificate is limited, it’s not entirely impossible. However, top universities like the University of Amsterdam and competitive fields such as law require high-level English proficiency—often an IELTS score of 7.5.
Your choice of university and field of study directly affects the language certificate required. Some lower-tier institutions may offer limited opportunities to study without a certificate, but reputable universities strictly enforce language requirements.
Studying for a master’s degree without a language certificate in the Netherlands
A score of 6.5 or 7 in IELTS is required for admission to a master’s degree in the Netherlands. Choosing the Netherlands for a master’s degree is a dream for many young people.
While some believe it’s possible to study for a master’s in the Netherlands without a language certificate, having one greatly improves your chances and academic success. English is the main language of instruction, and most universities require proof of proficiency—though some may accept an IELTS score of 6.
Key benefits of studying in the Netherlands include 16 hours of part-time work weekly, top-quality education, English-taught programs, scholarships, and acceptance despite educational gaps. Although studying without a certificate is sometimes possible, it’s strongly recommended to apply only after obtaining one to fully benefit from your education.
Ph.D. study in the Netherlands without a language certificate
An IELTS score of 7, selecting a supervisor, and having a strong academic resume are prerequisites for admission to top universities in the Netherlands. Studying Ph.D. in the Netherlandswithout a language certificate means missing out on many of the advantages of this level and the opportunity to study at many of the great universities in the Netherlands, such as the University of Amsterdam, Eindhoven University of Technology, Utrecht University, and more.
Dutch universities are flexible with education gaps and age for Ph.D. admissions. Older applicants can easily gain entry, especially with a strong IELTS or TOEFL score. Earning a language certificate in your home country boosts your chances of admission and scholarships—some covering full tuition. Ph.D. students can also engage in research while studying and earn a high income in the Netherlands.
Required Documents for Studying in the Netherlands without a Language Certificate
To study in the Netherlands without a language certificate, you must have a confirmation and acceptance letter from the relevant university that allows you to study in this country without a certificate. In addition, it is necessary to provide the following documents to obtain admission:
- Carefully complete the admission application form, which is readily available on the official website of the university or college.
- Submission of transcripts from your prior education is mandatory.
- Try to describe your intentions for studying in the Netherlands as clearly as possible in the motivation letter so that your goals and intentions for studying are specified.
- Provide a resume that accurately emphasizes your educational achievements and extracurricular contributions.
- You must provide documents to prove your financial capability.
Risks of Studying Abroad in the Netherlands without a Language Certificate
Since studying in the Netherlands without a language certificate is referred to as “conditional acceptance,” it comes with significant repercussions for the applicant. Among the risks of studying abroad in the Netherlands without a language certificate are:
- Increasing the number of years of study
- Complexities and problems in obtaining a Dutch study visa
- Creating doubts and suspicions in the applicant’s file and the visa officer’s suspicion of the applicant’s motivation for immigration
- Waste of time and paying thousands of dollars for language classes
- Loss of scholarships and awards from Dutch universities
- Deprivation of studying at top Dutch universities
- Lack of the right to choose top and popular majors such as law and its trends
- Limitations of Dutch universities to conditional admission of students without a language certificate
- Lack of greater cooperation between universities with simultaneous language education and study
Scholarships for studying in the Netherlands without a language certificate
Securing a scholarship in the Netherlands without a language certificate is rare, especially at top universities. While scholarships are available at all levels—high school, college, and university—Dutch universities offer the most diverse options for bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs. Some are merit-based, and others are reserved for female students.
Sometimes, the amounts of scholarships in the Netherlands cover the entire tuition fees for students. Scholarships in the Netherlands are awarded to EU students as well as other international students. Ph.D. students in the Netherlands can reduce tuition costs through university scholarships and paid research positions. EU students also benefit from extended work hours during master’s and doctoral studies.
Below is a list of top scholarships for studying in Dutch universities and high schools.
| Scholarship Name | Priority Group | Level | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leiden University Scholarship | Non-EEA students | Bachelor’s & Master’s | Full tuition (€15,000) |
| Radboud University Scholarship | Non-EEA students | Bachelor’s & Master’s | Tuition reduction, accommodation, health insurance |
| Utrecht University Scholarship | Outstanding students | Bachelor’s & Master’s | Tuition assistance or €11,000 living allowance |
| University of Groningen Scholarship | Outstanding students | Master’s | Tuition, books, travel, and health insurance |
| TU Delft Scholarship | Talented students | Master’s | Tuition and living allowance |
| University of Amsterdam Scholarship | Outstanding non-EU students | Master’s | €2,500 tuition and living allowance |
| Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) Scholarship | Non-EEA & non-EU students | Master’s | €1,500 tuition assistance |
| The Hague University Scholarship | Talented students | Bachelor’s | Two-thirds of tuition fees |
| Toptal STEM Scholarship | High school and university girls in STEM fields | High School, Bachelor’s, Master’s | $5,000 allowance |
| BeArt Presets Scholarship | High school and university girls | High School, Bachelor’s, Master’s | $2,500 allowance |
List of Dutch Universities That Do Not Require a Language Certificate
No Dutch university unconditionally accepts all international students without a language certificate. Many top-ranked universities require language proof to maintain their reputation. Applicants aiming to study without a certificate should consult an expert lawyer to identify eligible universities and programs. You can find a list of the best universities in the Netherlands with global rankings in the table below:
| No. | University Name | World Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delft University of Technology | 182 |
| 2 | University of Amsterdam | 185 |
| 3 | University of Groningen | 190 |
| 4 | University of Twente | 219 |
| 5 | Wageningen University | 240 |
| 6 | Leiden University | 263 |
| 7 | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam | 316 |
| 8 | Utrecht University | 324 |
| 9 | Eindhoven University of Technology | 382 |
| 10 | Radboud University | 495 |
Student Visa for the Netherlands Without a Language Certificate
The Netherlands issues student visas for both school and university levels, with language certificates playing a key role in visa approval. A minimum IELTS score of 5.5 can increase your chances. Master’s programs are more popular among international students due to higher scholarship opportunities and the ability to work part-time, helping reduce study and living costs.
The most important steps to obtain a Dutch student visa include:
- Choosing a university to study at
- Sending documents and applying for admission to the university after visiting its website
- Convincing the university and receiving an acceptance letter
- Visit the Dutch embassy and complete the documents
- Authentication and fingerprinting by making a prior appointment with the embassy
- Participating in an embassy interview in English
- Receiving a visa
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Studying in the Netherlands Without a Language Certificate
- In short, what does studying in the Netherlands without a language certificate mean?
It means that an applicant with a high GPA and an outstanding academic background receives admission from a Dutch university, but during a 1-2 year period before starting their studies, they must attend language classes at colleges.
- What is the most important challenge that an applicant faces when studying in the Netherlands without a language certificate?
Difficulty in obtaining a student visa.
- What factors determine the type of language certificate required and its score for studying in the Netherlands?
The field of study, level, and university you attend.
- Which universities in the Netherlands allow study without a language certificate?
Studying in the Netherlands without a language certificate is usually easier at lower-tier universities.
- Why is it suggested that applicants obtain a language certificate in their home country before migrating to the Netherlands?
Because obtaining a language certificate at Dutch colleges extends the student visa processing time.
Conclusion:
Having a language certificate is a key proof of skill and essential for studying in the Netherlands and obtaining a student visa. While some Dutch universities allow limited admission without a language certificate through language courses after entrance exams, this option is rare. To explore studying without a certificate, consulting an immigration lawyer is crucial.
Malekpour Institute recommends securing a language certificate before applying and offers expert guidance and quick answers to your questions about studying in the Netherlands without one.
