How Americans Apply to Dutch Universities: Studielink Explained

How Pathways approaches this

In our work, we usually begin with the university's own admissions office and published international-student requirements. If that university then requires a national portal, registration system, credential service or pre-enrollment step, we build it into the application plan. The portal supports the application; it does not replace checking the university itself.

Step 1: Find the program and read the university’s own page

Study in NL advises applicants to check the institution’s website for the exact program before applying. Admission requirements and application steps vary by institution and program.

Step 2: Register in Studielink if the institution requires it

For most programs, applicants first register through Studielink. It is the official Dutch registration and application portal for higher education.

Step 3: Complete institution-specific steps

A Studielink registration does not necessarily complete the application. Universities may require their own portal, document upload, matching activity, selection process or additional forms.

Deadlines can differ

Study in NL lists 15 January as the general deadline for numerus-fixus programs and 1 May for other programs, while warning applicants to confirm the exact deadline with the institution because it may vary.

How Pathways helps

We map each Dutch program’s steps, requirements and deadlines into one application tracker so families can see what is handled in Studielink and what must be completed directly with the university.