What is Studielink & How to Use it for Applying to Dutch Universities?

Does your Dutch university require a Studielink application? If it does, you need to check out what is Studielink, how to use it and how to apply through it to study in Netherlands. Check out the article and get all related details on how to apply via Studielink.

If you are an international or even an EU or non-EU applicant, you may have to apply via Studielink application portal to study in Netherlands. Majority of universities, including top universities in Netherlands require its applicants to apply via Studielink portal. This is a common application portal which accepts first stage admission applications from students for different Dutch university types.

Studielink is a free application portal and there are no sign up or application submission charges. It basically acts as the initial scrutiny before it passes on the application to the university of application. So here applicants submit their ID to sign up, then add previous academic background, choose university and course and submit the application.

The next step is where the university comes into picture. It is a long process, and we have covered every possible detail for those applying for the first time through Studielink. Would like to know more? Then check out how to apply through Studielink account in this article.

What is Studielink?

Studielink is a common application portal, used by Dutch universities for higher education admissions. New applicants can shortlist their universities and courses and apply via Studielink portal first. Studielink is not just for application submission; applicants can re-register at a new university, update their data, and track their current applications. 

More than 50 universities in Netherlands accept initial admission applications via Studielink. Once applications are submitted via Studielink, they are then sent to the respective university for further scrutiny.

Types of Courses to Apply for through Studielink

There are five types of courses for which admission requests can be made through a Studielink account. These include HBO or universities of applied sciences and WO or research universities. There are both UG and PG level courses available for admission. Get more details below:

• HBO Associate Degree: 2-year, practical, career-focused programme (120 ECTS)
• HBO Bachelor: 4-year, professionally oriented degree (240 ECTS)
• HBO Master: 1-2 year, professional-oriented postgraduate degree, often while working.
• WO Bachelor: 3-year, academic, research-driven degree (180 ECTS).
• WO Master: 1-2 year specialization following a WO bachelor degree.

List of Universities Accepting Studielink Application

For those who are planning to apply to universities in Netherlands can check out who all accept admission applications via Studielink. These are not just public universities of Netherlands, but others as well. 

This is the complete list of universities that accept applications via Studielink. Exactly, there are 57 Dutch universities that require Studielink applications from international students.

How to Apply for Universities in Netherlands through Studielink

Before heading to the Studielink website, first check if the university of application accepts it through Studielink account. If it does, log on to https://www.studielink.nl to start the application process. Here is a step wise application process for Studielink international students:

1. Studielink Sign Up

As first time applicants, Studielink sign up is needed. Applicants can go ahead and create an account without DigiD as mentioned below. If you already have a DigiD, you can continue with its login to access the application.

There is a process to sign up on Studielink, it is not like the usual sign up that is mostly followed.

2. Studielink Login Credentials

To create Studielink log in credentials, applicants have to click a clear picture of the information page of their passport. Image, country details and passport validity are important info necessary to create an account.

Choose your nationality, then scan your passport information page. Based on passport, information will automatically be added in personal details fields. You just have to check and confirm them. After confirming details, it will take 2-3 hours to confirm your student profile after which you can start filling the application for admission.

3. Begin Adding Previous Academic Background

Wait for student ID creation on Studielink NL. Once credentials are created, you will get an email for verification. Click that and your account will be active. Now login and you will get a question related to your previous academic completion. 

If you have completed your education, click yes or no if not. Then it will ask you to add your previous academic background that you have completed.

4. What and Where to Study on Studielink Portal

Next is application where you will see drop downs for course, university, academic load and language of instruction. You will have to select from fields as they are necessary and then move on to the next step.

If you are applying for a numerous fixus programme, you will see 'Numerous Fixus Programme' written at immediate right side of academic load (full time in a box with a timer icon).

5. Confirm Your Course and University Options

Based on your selection Studielink will finally confirm it from you. If you don't want to make any more changes, submit your application.

If you apply to multiple programs, you will to confirm it multiple times in the same way through Studielink account.

6. Submit Funding Option - Self or Other

Before Studielink sends you application request to the respective university, you need to answer how you will fund your education in Netherlands. You get two options, select one. 

No more details are required at this stage for funding. Once you do this, your application will be submitted. Studielink application fee is zero. Keep checking your messages on My Studiielink on dashboard and track your application.

7. Wait for the NL University to Get Back with Decision

After you submit your application to the desired university, in case TU/e, you will get a confirmation message like this:

The university will then assess your application and profile. If they are satisfied, they will send you an offer letter. Before this, you will have to send an admission application fee to your university via university portal. The admission application fee at Dutch universities is between €50-€100.

8. Pay the Tuition Fee Upon Application Acceptance at Studielink

In case the university accepts your application for admission, you pay the application fee and come back to My Studielink account. Here the payment link on the dashboard will get activated. 

Choose how you wish to pay, add bank details, give Studielink authorisation and pay your fees. This is how Indian or international students can apply via Studielink.

Important Points to Know Before Applying via Studielink Account

There is a certain process that universities in Netherlands follow before giving admission to students. Studielink plays a major role here. Before applying via Studielink know what all you need to take care of:

• All applicants have to first register through Studielink, the national central database. 
• Studielink then sends the application to universities. You will have to submit the application on Studielink before proceeding with specific university instructions.
• High demand courses (like Medicine or Computer Science) have limited admission seats. Admission is decided via a competitive selection process rather than first come, first served basis.
• These high demand courses are termed as numerous fixus. You cannot apply to more than two courses at a time.
• These programs do not have a cap on student numbers. If you meet the minimum academic and English language requirements, you are automatically accepted.
• Applications for Numerus Fixus programs close early on January 15. For most other programs, the deadline is typically April 1 or May 1.

Studielink To Do List

Before applying to Dutch universities, here is what you will need to do through Studielink account:

Studielink applications are simple and do not require much effort. You just need to know your choices for study and simply apply. If your university accepts your application, come back to Studielink to complete the rest of the formalities. If you are interested in studying at Netherlands or need help with your Studielink applications, sign up for free Shiksha Abroad Counselling or drop in your comments below.