Frequently Asked Questions

You can start your application via the page of the study programme you are interested in. Click on the pink button ‘apply now’ to start your application. You will be redirected to Studielink or the Saxion portal. Upload the required documents to complete your application.

Please try to log in via another browser or visit account.saxion.nl. You are able to contact the IT helpdesk via phone or fill in the form.

Please try to log in via another browser or visit account.saxion.nl. If this does not work, you can contact the IT helpdesk via phone or fill in the form.

Studielink is the Dutch national database for admission to higher education.

Saxion portal is the official software of Saxion.

Yes, please contact [email protected] via e-mail to discuss the possibilities.

This may be possible depending on your situation. Please visit the following page to read more about exemptions or contact [email protected]

Required documents differ per student/study programme. You'll be required to upload documents during the application process. If specific documents are missing, you will be informed via mail by Saxion.

You can find all the entry requirements here. Some study programmes request additional requirements, please make sure to check this on the page of the study programme you are interested in.

An overview of the deadlines can be found here. 

The best way to find out if you are eligible for admission is to start your application. This is free of charge. You can start your application by going to the study programme of your choice. On this page, you will find an 'apply now' button. Click on this button to start your application.

Once you have completed your application, you will receive email updates on the progress of your application. If we need any additional documentation from you, we will let you know.

Yes, you can apply as a non-EU/EEA student. We would like to welcome you at Saxion. We welcome students from all over the world each year. 

We recommend contacting the International Office via e-mail: [email protected] 

We cannot tell you whether it is possible to start in the second year of the programme. This will be decided once you have been admitted to the programme. From that point on, you can apply for an exemption.

Concerning study year 2024 - 2025:

NLS = NL Scholarship (€ 5.000)
STS = Saxion Talent Scholarship (€ 2.500)

For students in their second year on: Saxion Excellence Scholarship. 

For more information and eligible programmes please check here.

You can apply for the NL Scholarship / Saxion Talent Scholarship after you apply for your study programme. 

You can find all the information here.

Yes, if you apply via our website you will apply for the Saxion Talent Scholarship and NL Scholarship automatically. Nevertheless, you will only be nominated for one single scholarship. You only have to apply once for a Saxion Scholarship (STS/NLS). When we receive your application, we will first consider you for the highest possible scholarship for which you are eligible. If you are not selected for that scholarship, you will then be considered for the next one.

The scholarships provided by Saxion are not fully funded. The scholarship amounts varies from one scholarship to another. 

Concerning study year 2024 - 2025:
NLS = NL Scholarship (€ 5.000)
STS = Saxion Talent Scholarships (€ 2.500)

More information about the scholarships can be found here.

You can find an indication of what international students should count for living and studying in the Netherlands here.

Requirements could be your GPA and your English language skills. Please check the general and specific requirements for each scholarship offered by Saxion here. 

Your most recent complete grade list, which you use to enrol at Saxion. We will check the documents you upload on the Saxion application portal. Also, check the admission/entry requirements here.

It varies for each scholarship. Please check the information here.

IELTS, TOEFL (paper and internet-based), TOEIC and Cambridge English Score.

We will check the documents you uploaded on the Saxion application portal.

Also, check the admission/entry requirements here.

Applicants who are not required to hand in proof of their English level for their admission to the programme are considered for the scholarship with an IELTS of 6.0. If you feel your English level is higher than an IELTS 6.0 you have to take the IELTS test and submit the certificate before the deadline.
Check also the admission/entry requirements here.

In the Saxion portal where you can choose your English test, there is also the option to select ‘Exemption’.

You find the table of the English scores here.

You have to submit the required documents before the deadline of 1 May in the SIS portal. Due to the nomination process it is not possible to defer the deadline.

For more information about scholarships check here.

No, you do not need to submit a motivation letter.

NLS and STS: You have to apply between 1 November and 1 May.

For more information about scholarships check here.

NLS and STS: The result will be announced via e-mail within 30 days after the deadline of the 1st of May.

For more information about scholarships check here.

We aim to inform you about the result of the Saxion Talent Scholarship before the payment deadline. If a scholarship is granted to you, you will receive an adjusted invoice. If for some reason we were not able to inform you about the result of the scholarship on the payment deadline, you will have to pay the full package fee and you will receive a refund after arrival in the Netherlands and having a Dutch bank account.

Please note: In accordance with NLS regulations, the NL Scholarship cannot be deducted from the tuition fee. The NL scholarship amount will be added to the refund of the proof of financial means. The refund will be transferred to your Dutch bank account after arrival in the Netherlands.

You can request for a bank details form by mailing the International Office ([email protected]) so we can refund the scholarship amount to you.

Yes, Saxion is participating in the StuNed scholarships programmes. Please check this link to get more information about these scholarships programmes.

Yes, under the condition that your new study programme is eligible for the scholarships you have been granted for.

No, we cannot. The scholarships assessment is done based on the details on your submitted scholarship application.

Every country has their own grading system. Check here regarding the Diploma per country. You need to convert your GPA to the grading system.

GPA score in % calculated. GPA is an abbreviation for "grade point average," which typically calculated by adding all the numbered grades you've received and dividing them by the number of credits you've taken.

(Please note that we do not need a GPA per subject, we only need the overall GPA score in %) 

For example: You have a GPA of 3.6 (out of 4), your GPA % is 100 / 4 * 3.6 = 90%

Please check here for more Saxion Scholarship information and the required English / GPA requirements. 

You can find an overview of the total costs here. 

You can find more information about the living expenses on this page: https://www.studyinnl.org/finances/daily-student-expenses-and-cost-of-living-in-the-netherlands

As a first year EU/EEA student you will be able to pay in instalments. As a first year non-EU/EEA student you need to pay the total amount directly. You will be able to pay in instalments from the second year on. You can find more information about how to pay via our website.

Within the SEPA area

If you have a Dutch bank account or a bank account within the SEPA area, you can issue a digital (direct debit) authorisation* through Studielink. As soon as you can enter your payment details, you will receive a message from Studielink that a new To Do activity is ready in your To Do list. 

In this manual, you can subsequently read how you can issue the digital (direct debit) authorisation.

Your authorisation must be submitted before the 1st of September  to start your studies at Saxion. If you have not met all registration conditions and terms of payment before the 1st of September, your enrolment at Saxion will be cancelled and you will not be able to start your studies at Saxion.

Outside the SEPA area (non-EU/EEA students)

If your bank is located outside the SEPA area, you do not have the required details (IBAN) to issue the authorisation through Studielink. If you are a first-year student and you received your acceptance letter from the International Office, you can pay the full amount with the invoice you received in this letter. If you are a re-enrolling student and only have a non-SEPA bank account, you can pay the tuition fees in full via bank transfer or issue a paper authorisation. You can pick up the form for doing so at the student desk.

If Saxion does not receive your payment in time, your enrolment is at risk. If we are forced to cancel your enrolment due to non-payment, you will also lose your right to a scholarship.

If the registered address of your bank is in the Netherlands, you will have the option in Studielink to appoint someone else to pay your tuition fees. 

In that case (or when an employer is going to pay your fees) you must issue the  authorisation  yourself through  Studielink and pay the tuition fees yourself. Subsequently, you can settle the payment with the other party.   

If you want to make a payment, always mention your student number in the payment.

• Bachelor, Associate degree and Master: 
  NL54 RABO 0129 6240 63, BIC RABONL2U
• International Students:
  NL35 RABO 0377 7114 11, BIC RABONL2U

The proof of financial means is an amount of money which has been decided by the Dutch Immigration Services (IND). This regulation requires NON-EU students to show they have sufficient financial means to pay for the relevant costs and support themselves during their entire study period in the Netherlands.

This is an amount which consists of five parts and covers all study costs. This includes:

• Tuition fee
• Saxion Housing
• Insurance
• Visa / Residence permit costs
• Proof of Financial means

Unfortunately, there won't be a reduced tuition fee for Ukrainian students who will start at Saxion for the first time in the academic year 2024-2025. This means that these students have to pay the higher institutional fee.

Saxion has been able to make an exception for the group of students that were enrolled at another Dutch Higher institution before or during academic year 2022-2023. For the students who need to pay the higher institutional fee, Saxion does offer the possiblity to apply for a Saxion scholarship. Please find more information about the scholarships here.

Saxion offers scholarships for first-year non-EU students. Please check out the following page: https://www.saxion.edu/studying-in-the-netherlands/finance-your-studies/scholarships  Please be aware: the amount of the scholarship does not cover the total package fee (and may not be rewarded before the deadline of payment). 

This depends on your nationality and personal situation. Please go to this page to find out if you require a visa: Want to know if you need an entry visa and/or residence permit? You can use the Residence Wizard on the website of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) 

If you want to stay in the Netherlands for longer than 90 days, and you do not have EU/EEA nationality, you need to have a residence permit based on your study.

If you already have a valid residence permit in the Netherlands, you do not need a residence permit based on your studies.

If you are officially admitted to study at Saxion, the next step will be to have a look at the immigration process. The International Office will apply for your visa and/or residence permit. This application will start from June on. You will have to:

• Hand in the required documents as stated here
• Fulfil the payment mentioned on the invoice

This depends on the nationalities. Please contact [email protected] and attach a copy of the passports.

If you want to stay in the Netherlands after graduation to find a job, you can apply for a search year/orientation year residence permit. You can apply for this residence permit via the IND (Dutch Immigration Services). 

You can find more information about a search year via this page: https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/work/residence-permit-for-orientation-year

For the duration of your study programme if you continue to meet the requirements.

All the information about the regulations for keeping your residence permit and what happens after graduation or cancellation can be found on this page.

Saxion International Office acts as an intermediary and has no influence whatsoever on the outcome or duration of the visa application process.

As a non-EU student:

As a non-EU student you will have to arrange insurance when living in the Netherlands. Students are free to choose any insurance company, but if you are a new (first year) non-EU student coming from abroad Saxion can facilitate this for you by applying for a student insurance. The AON Student Insurance Complete+ package offers coverage for your health, travel and stay. 

Please, check this link for more information about the fee structure.

Please be aware the start date of the AON insurance Complete+ will be on the 15th of August. It is your own responsibility to arrange additional insurance in case you will arrive in the Netherlands before the 15th of August.

For the following study year(s), students must arrange their own health insurance. An international student is free to choose any insurance company or can extend the AON Student Insurance via Aon.
Please visit www.aonstudentinsurance.com for more information and application.

As an EU/EEA student:

European Health Insurance Card 

EU and EEA students with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) need to be aware that EHIC covers only necessary health care and therefore might not cover all health care you need or want.  

Read the conditions, how to apply, how to use the EHIC in the Netherlands and more about the European Health Insurance Card here.

Saxion provides a lot of tips and tricks on mysaxion.nl about finding a part-time job, what to think about and how to arrange this as an international student.

Furthermore, Saxion's Career Services are here to help you with your career choices. During your studies, you will make choices that will affect your career, such as: choosing an internship, deciding on the specialisation within your programme, or choosing your graduation topic. Career Services supports all Saxion students in making these choices and supports students in finding an internship, graduation assignment or in preparing for their career choices after their studies.

You have different options. You can choose to start your career in the Netherlands or enrol for a Master's programme. 

The preparatory semester/year is not being offered currently due to a redesign. It is unknown whether and when it will be available again. 

Yes, Saxion does offer Dutch language courses. Learn more about the Dutch language courses on this page, or contact [email protected].

You can apply for housing arranged via Saxion or you can try to arrange housing by yourself. 

More information about finding housing can be found here!

You can apply via our website. Please make sure to first read all the information like general terms and conditions, reservation procedure and payment information before you start your application. 

• You can only apply if you have been ‘Admitted’ or ‘Conditionally admitted’ to your Saxion programme.
• You have not been residing in the Netherlands before.
• You are not from the neighbouring municipalities: Grafschaft Bentheim, Kreis Steinfurt, Kreis Borken, Kreis Coesfeld, Münster, Kreis Warendorf, Landkreis Osnabrück
• The duration of the rental agreement for Bachelor and Short degree students is from 21 August 2023 to 1 August 2024. As for Master students, this is 21 August 2023 till 15 August 2024. For other programmes, please contact [email protected]
• It is not possible to terminate your rental contract before the end date.
• It is not possible to prolong the rental contract; you will need to find your own accommodation after the end date of your rental agreement.

The living expenses of an international student living in the Netherlands are between 800 and 1100 euros a month. More information can be found here: https://www.studyinnl.org/finances/daily-student-expenses-and-cost-of-living-in-the-netherlands

You will be informed via e-mail about the follow-up of the process, including more information about the invoice and when to pay.

You will be informed via e-mail. This will be around the 19th of August.

We provide you with a lot of tips and tricks on how to find housing, but also how to avoid scams.

You can find all the information about the rooms and what is included here: https://www.saxion.edu/studying-in-the-netherlands/practical-matters/accommodation/type-of-room

You can fill in a complain via: https://mijn.saxion.nl/students/knowledgebase/topics/for-all-programmes-studenten/life-in-the-netherlands/housing?question=housing 

All services for international students can be found here: https://www.saxion.edu/studying-in-the-netherlands/services

You can find more information on the following page. As soon as you study at Saxion, we can send you the official procedure on how to visit a family doctor/dentist, you can request this via [email protected] 

Please contact your SLB'er, dean or visit the Service Point to arrange an appointment. 

Do you offer extra services for students with a disability?

University of Applied Sciences (HBO)

Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) are hands-on and prepare students for specific professions, with a 4-year bachelor's degree. A student may choose a UAS over a research university because they prioritise practical training and applied learning opportunities, which are emphasised in the curriculum of these institutions. They may also value a more direct connection to other students, lecturers, the job market and a clear occupational direction.

You can find more information via: https://www.saxion.edu/studying-in-the-netherlands/open-days/the-differences-between-a-university-of-applied-sciences-and-a-research-university

If you want to learn applied knowledge and gain practical experience, a University of Applied Sciences will be an excellent fit for you. You will gain tons of practical experience, use your knowledge and build your professional network. This will give you a good chance of finding a suitable job after graduation.

Please find an article about this topic here: https://www.saxion.edu/studying-in-the-netherlands/open-days/the-differences-between-a-university-of-applied-sciences-and-a-research-university

After graduation, you will obtain a worldwide recognized degree. They may have different names, depending on the type of programme. Some examples:

-Bachelor of Arts (BA)

-Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA);

-Bachelor of Education (BEd);

-Bachelor of Science (BSc);

-Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). 

The degree you receive is an internationally recognized degree, aimed for the Dutch labour market. With this diploma you can immediately start working in the Dutch labour market at the appropriate level. 

The Bachelor degrees at Universities of Applied Sciences and Research Universities have the same value, and the same Educational Level (NLQF/EQF level 6). The distinction between Applied Sciences and Research universities is common in the Netherlands, but not in many other countries.

After obtaining your bachelor's degree, you can start your career or enrol for a master's degree programme. You can pursue a master's programme at Saxion or you can enrol for a master’s programme at a research university.

You can pursue your master's at a research university like the University of Twente (UT), located in our region. With your Saxion bachelor's degree, you can transfer to a one- or two-year master's programme at UT. However, given the disparity between HBO-bachelor's and WO-master's, a pre-master's programme is a prerequisite.

As a non-EU student:

As a non-EU student you will have to arrange insurance when living in the Netherlands. Students are free to choose any insurance company, but if you are a new (first year) non-EU student coming from abroad Saxion can facilitate this for you by applying for a student insurance. The AON Student Insurance Complete+ package offers coverage for your health, travel and stay. 

Please, check this link for more information about the fee structure.

Please be aware the start date of the AON insurance Complete+ will be on the 15th of August. It is your own responsibility to arrange additional insurance in case you will arrive in the Netherlands before the 15th of August.

For the following study year(s), students must arrange their own health insurance. An international student is free to choose any insurance company or can extend the AON Student Insurance via Aon.
Please visit www.aonstudentinsurance.com for more information and application.

As an EU/EEA student:

European Health Insurance Card 

EU and EEA students with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) need to be aware that EHIC covers only necessary health care and therefore might not cover all health care you need or want.  

Read the conditions, how to apply, how to use the EHIC in the Netherlands and more about the European Health Insurance Card here.

Liability insurance covers for you and your family members for damage to others and their belongings. 

Saxion strongly advises European students (EU/EAA) to take out third-party liability insurance to cover any accidental damage or harm caused to other persons or property during your study in the Netherlands, for which you are held responsible. 

The usual coverage against liability is up to the amount of € 500,000. 
You are free to choose any insurance company you want/like.

If requested, the International Office can arrange this insurance for you through AON.  The cost for this insurance is € 32,- per year. If you would like us to arrange this insurance, you can transfer the additional amount of € 32,- to Saxion, before 31 August.

Need assistance? Please contact, [email protected].

If you start with a parttime job, you are obligated to take out the Basic Dutch Health Insurance. If you do not arrange this before the start of your job, you will get fined. 

If you do not know what insurance company you like to apply at, please check this page: https://www.independer.nl/zorgverzekering/info/health-insurance

If you are a non-EU student who takes out the AON insurance via Saxion. Please take the following steps:

1. Apply for the Basic Dutch Health insurance with the start date of your parttime job

2. Mail the policy sheet including start date to Saxion [email protected]

3. We wil cancel your current AON insurance and send you the bank details form.

4. Make sure to fill in the bank details form and send this to: [email protected] 

5. Finance will refund the amount you were entitled to.

Please visit this page: https://ind.nl/en/ukraine/temporary-protection-directive-ukraine