Dutch universities earn praise—but housing and bureaucracy push students away
International students in the Netherlands report high satisfaction with the country's education system but still struggle with housing, paperwork, and making local friends, a new survey shows.
ResearchNed surveyed about 700 international students at Dutch universities for the student groups ISO, LSVb, and ESN.
While over 80% of students value the teaching, the results highlight deep-rooted problems that affect life outside of school.
Common issues include the lack of housing, difficult administrative tasks, and the gap between international students and their Dutch classmates. Even with these hurdles, many students want to stay in the country after they graduate.
Education rated highly
Most international students reported a positive academic experience.
Over 80% of students said that they were satisfied or very satisfied about the teaching quality. They also like that professors speak English well and that course details are clear before they sign up.
Many survey takers study at research-focused universities. A large number come from European countries.
Students also said that they appreciated the English-led courses. These programs attract people to the Netherlands.
Housing pressures persist
Housing emerged as one of the most pressing problems.
Nearly one in three students said it took them more than three months to secure accommodation, while many reported difficulty even finding available options.
Some respondents described discrimination in the housing market, including listings that explicitly stated 'no internationals.'
More than half said that they believed they were paying higher rents than Dutch students. Others reported falling victim to scams or fraudulent listings.
Satisfaction with housing information before arrival was low.
Only 39% of respondents were satisfied with pre-arrival housing guidance. Forty percent were unhappy with the information provided by universities, only 55% felt positive about their current living situation.
Some students said that institutions should not admit international students unless housing support is available.
Student accommodation is among the most expensive in Europe, and shortages are worsening as landlords exit the rental market following tighter regulations.
Bureaucracy frustrates students
Administrative systems were another major source of stress. Students reported difficulty accessing practical information in English, especially when dealing with government agencies and financial systems.
Many pointed to confusion around eligibility for student finance and long waiting times when contacting the Education Executive Agency, known as DUO.
Students also faced challenges navigating services from banks, municipalities, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service, and the Dutch tax office.
In some cases, international students turned to private companies for help with applications.
A Tilburg-based firm was reported to have charged students hundreds or even thousands of euros for assistance. The Public Prosecution Service described the company's practices as 'morally questionable,' while another report called them 'morally reprehensible,' though the activity was not found to be illegal.
Social barriers remain
Social integration remains uneven, particularly in interactions with Dutch students. Many respondents said that they had active social lives with other international students but struggled to connect with local peers.
Conversations often switched to Dutch, and some students felt excluded when Dutch students formed their own groups for coursework or social activities.
About 60% of respondents said that they found it difficult to interact with Dutch students.
Study associations were generally viewed as more welcoming, while traditional student clubs and fraternities were seen as less accessible.
Language barriers also played a role. Some students said that Dutch language courses were too expensive, limiting their ability to integrate more fully.
Well-being mixed overall
Students reported moderate levels of well-being.
On average, international students rated their mental health at 6.8 out of 10, similar to Dutch students.
Even so, about one-third said they did not feel at home in the Netherlands.
Despite these concerns, many respondents said that they still experienced friendship and happiness during their studies.
Future plans remain strong
Many international students are still considering a future in the Netherlands. More than half said that they were likely to stay in the country after graduation or return later.
Students cited work-life balance and career opportunities as key reasons for staying.
Those who were less inclined to remain often pointed to the Dutch climate as a drawback.
Policy debate continues
The findings come as the Netherlands continues to debate its approach to international students.
Recent government efforts have focused on limiting student numbers, and enrollment has declined for three consecutive years, according to Universities of the Netherlands.
At the same time, policymakers have signaled possible adjustments.
Plans to reduce the number of English-taught programs have been dropped, although caps on certain courses may still be introduced. There are also indications that universities could expand international intake again.
Student organizations say the focus should shift toward improving the overall student experience.
"If the Netherlands wants to attract international students, the system must also work for them," ISO president Sarah Evink said.
Calls for better support
Student groups argue that improving housing, administrative systems, and social integration is essential for maintaining the country's appeal.
They said that attracting international students should not be separated from ensuring that those students can live and study comfortably once they arrive.
The survey results suggest that while the Netherlands remains a popular destination for higher education, unresolved challenges continue to shape the experience of many international students.
