Planning to study in the Netherlands and worried about expenses? You’re not alone. With more than 3,500 Indian students enrolled in Dutch universities, the Netherlands has quickly become a popular study destination.
The good news: Indian students can fund their dream education in the Netherlands through an education loan, either secured (with collateral) or unsecured (without collateral). In this guide, we’ll cover everything, from costs and eligibility to loan options, interest rates, and the application process.
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Why Choose the Netherlands for Higher Education?
The Netherlands is among Europe’s most student-friendly countries:
- Affordable tuition compared to the US, UK, and Canada.
- 2,100+ English-taught programs across top universities.
- 95% of the Dutch population speaks English, making daily life easier.
- Work while studying: part-time (16 hours/week) or full-time during the summers.
- Post-study stay option: a 1-year residence permit for job hunting or entrepreneurship.
Do you also have Sweden on your list? Read our guide on Netherlands vs Sweden for Indian Students and make an informed decision.
Cost of Studying in the Netherlands
Here’s what Indian students can expect:
Tuition Fees
- Bachelor’s programs: €6,000 – €15,000/year
- Master’s programs: €8,000 – €20,000/year
- Private universities: Up to €30,000/year
Living Expenses (Monthly)
- Accommodation: €400 – €1,000
- Food: €150 – €170
- Transport: €40 – €80
- Internet: €30 – €50
- Miscellaneous: €150 – €200
Total yearly cost: €10,000 – €20,000 (approx. ₹9–18 lakh).
Get an Education Loan 10X Faster than Banks.
If you’re planning to secure an education loan, understanding the process can make a big difference. Check out Education Loan Eligibility, Interest Rates and How to Apply
Education Loan Options for Netherlands
You can apply for education loans in the Netherlands, both with and without collateral. The following are the details:
Education Loan With Collateral For Netherlands
- Requires property, FD, or insurance as security.
- Higher loan amounts approved (up to ₹1.5 crore with SBI).
- Lower interest rates: 8.5% – 10.5%.
- Longer repayment tenure: up to 15 years.
- Popular lenders: SBI, Union Bank, Bank of Baroda.
Education Loan Without Collateral For Netherlands
- No security needed.
- Loan amounts: up to ₹50 lakh (depends on lender & course).
- Interest rate for education loan in Netherlands: 10.5% – 13.5%.
- Processing is faster, but interest is higher.
- Providers: Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, IDFC First, HDFC Credila, Avanse, Prodigy Finance.
Eligibility for Netherlands Education Loan
- Must be an Indian citizen, 18 years old or older.
- Admission secured in a recognised Dutch university.
- Accepted into a full-time job-oriented course (UG, PG, diploma, MBA, MS, MCA, etc.).
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or equivalent).
- Co-applicant required (parent/guardian).
- Strong repayment prospects (especially for unsecured loans).
Get an Education Loan with Higher Chances of Approval
Documents Required for Education Loan for Netherlands
Student Documents
- Admission/offer letter.
- Cost of study statement.
- Academic transcripts (Class 10, 12, graduation if applicable).
- Entrance test results (IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT).
- Aadhaar, PAN, Passport (mandatory for abroad).
- 2 passport-size photos.
Co-applicant Documents
- KYC: Aadhaar, PAN, address proof.
- Income proof: salary slips, ITR/Form 16 (last 2 years).
- Bank statements (last 6 months).
- Statement of assets & liabilities.
Collateral (if secured loan)
- Property papers, FD receipts, or insurance bond.
Gathering the right documents can speed up your education loan approval. Use the helpful checklist in Documents Required for Education Loan to ensure you’re prepared before applying.
Education Loan Process for Netherlands
Here’s how Indian students can apply:
1. Research & Compare lenders (public, private, NBFC, or international).
2. Check eligibility for Netherlands education loan.
3. Collect documents (student + co-borrower + collateral, if any).
4. Apply online/offline with preferred bank or NBFC.
5. Loan sanction after verification (7–15 days).
6. Disbursement: amount sent directly to the university or to the student’s account.
Tip: Apply 3–6 months before your course begins to ensure smooth visa processing.
Best Banks & Lenders for Netherlands Student Loans
The following table compares a few top bank options for Netherlands education loan:
Repayment Terms
- Secured loans: Up to 15-year repayment, with a moratorium period equal to the study period plus 12 months.
- Unsecured loans: Up to 10 years repayment, moratorium = study period + 6–12 months.
- Prepayment allowed (terms vary by bank).
What Reddit Users Say About Loans for the Netherlands
Reddit User in r/india shared:
“Help for a Loan for Studying in the Netherlands. I secured a PhD position at the University of Amsterdam's Psychological Methods department. My contract starts on April 1, 2023, and I will be getting a good salary of €2,500 per month. However, I don’t have much savings to cover my initial expenses, such as travel, essentials, and a visa. I’m considering a ₹3–4 lakh loan to cover my expenses until my first salary. Am I eligible for a student loan since I’m not technically studying but already employed?”
Insight:
This is a common grey area. While education loans for the Netherlands are meant for tuition and academic expenses, some students or early-career researchers with stipends face initial cash-flow issues. Since this PhD position is salaried, the borrower technically doesn’t fall under “student loan” eligibility. Instead, short-term personal loans or bridge financing options are more practical.
What Do We Infer?
- Education loans require proof of tuition and admission; they may not apply if the candidate is fully salaried.
- For initial settlement (travel, visa, housing deposits), a small-ticket personal loan or NBFC’s flexible education loan product may be better.
- International lenders (like Prodigy Finance) focus on tuition financing, so that they won’t help here.
- Banks may reject an “education loan” in such cases, but can approve a personal loan at ~11–15% interest.
Tip:
If you’re in a similar situation, a salaried PhD but needing initial cash support, consider comparing low-interest personal loans or short-term NBFC loans as alternatives to a full-fledged education loan. This avoids rejection and ensures quick disbursal before travel.
Scholarships in the Netherlands
Apart from loans, students can apply for:
- Holland Scholarship (up to €5,000).
- Erasmus+ scholarships.
- University-specific scholarships (TU Delft, Leiden, Groningen).
- Indian government scholarships (National Overseas Scholarship, JN Tata Endowment).
The Netherlands offers world-class education at a reasonable cost, but managing tuition and living expenses can still be overwhelming. With the proper study abroad loan for Netherlands, you can focus on academics and career growth, not financial stress.
With Propelld, securing your education loan for Netherlands is faster, easier, and student-first. Apply with Propelld now and take the first confident step toward your global education journey.
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