How to study medicine in the Netherlands: a detailed guide for graduates of Russian schools

The Dutch medical education system

The system of higher medical education in the Netherlands is known for its rigorous structure and high quality. To become a qualified doctor (basisarts), students must complete two consecutive stages: a three-year bachelor’s program followed by a three-year master’s program. Only after successfully finishing the master’s degree and receiving the diploma is a graduate eligible to register as a doctor.

A central role in this system is played by University Medical Centers (UMCs), which are integrated complexes combining education, scientific research, and patient care. This integration allows students to gain knowledge and practical skills in a real clinical environment under the guidance of leading specialists.

The key element regulating admission to medical studies is the Numerus Fixus (fixed quota) system. Due to the huge demand for medical programs, universities set a strictly limited number of places. When the number of applicants exceeds the available spots—which is almost always the case for medical faculties—a competitive selection process is held to identify the most suitable candidates. This system is the main hurdle and requires applicants to have a thorough preparation and a strategic approach.

Navigating the numerus fixus challenge

The admission process for medical programs in the Netherlands is strictly regulated and centralized. Candidates must navigate a multi-stage procedure where every step is crucial.

Centralized application

The first and mandatory step for all applicants is to register and submit an application through the national online portal, Studielink. This portal serves as the single point of contact between the applicant and Dutch universities.

Unified application deadline

For all Numerus Fixus programs, including medicine, there is a strict, non-negotiable deadline: January 15, 23:59 Central European Time (CET). Missing this deadline automatically disqualifies a candidate from participating in the selection for the current academic year.

Application restrictions

National rules limit the number of Numerus Fixus programs an applicant can apply for to a maximum of two in any given academic year. However, for medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, and oral hygiene, a stricter exception applies: an applicant can apply to only one university per year. This rule makes the choice of university a complex, high-stakes decision, as a candidate has only one chance per admission cycle.

The ranking system

After the selection procedures are completed, all candidates receive a personal ranking number via Studielink on April 15. This number is determined by the university based on the applicant’s performance in the selection process. Places are offered to candidates with the best (i.e., lowest) ranking numbers until the quota is filled. If a high-ranked candidate declines their offer, the spot automatically goes to the next person on the list. This process continues until all places are filled.

Comparative analysis of university selection procedures

Despite the common framework, each university has its own selection methodology, requiring different types of preparation from applicants.

Leiden University: The program is taught in Dutch. The selection is a two-stage process. The first round consists of cognitive ability and personality tests. The top 500 candidates advance to the second round, which is a «study day»: applicants attend lectures, work on study materials in groups, and take a test at the end of the day on the material covered. Extracurricular activities, motivation letters, and recommendations play no role; only the test results matter. International candidates with an equivalent diploma are assessed via «Route B».
University of Amsterdam (UvA): The Geneeskunde (Medicine) program is taught in Dutch. The selection procedure is determined by the faculty and may include tests, assignments, and motivation letters. After registering in Studielink, applicants are automatically enrolled in the selection process. It is important to note that exchange students cannot take courses at the medical faculty.
University of Groningen: Starting from September 2025, the medicine program will be taught entirely in Dutch. Admission for the 2025-2026 academic year will be based on a lottery (loting) rather than a qualitative selection. This presents a unique opportunity for those looking to bypass competitive tests. A candidate may only participate in the lottery once. There are 400 places available.
Maastricht University: Offers programs in both Dutch and English. For 2025-2026, there are 359 places in total, with a maximum of 60 reserved for the English-taught track (BA MED). The selection involves a portfolio assessment and a test based on pre-assigned homework. Candidates are evaluated on competencies that align with the national training profile for doctors (Raamplan Artsopleiding).

Choosing a university is not merely a matter of personal preference; it is a critical strategic decision. Candidates must realistically assess their academic profile, language skills, financial situation, and personal strengths to select the one university where their chances of success are highest.

Table 1: Comparative analysis of selection procedures for medical faculties (2025-2026)

University	Language of Instruction	Places (2025-26)	Selection Method	Key Selection Components	Attempts
Leiden University	Dutch	~315	Two-stage test	Round 1: cognitive/personality tests. Round 2: study day with a final test.	2
University of Amsterdam (UvA)	Dutch	~350	Merit-based selection	Tests, assignments, motivation letter (determined by faculty).	2
University of Groningen	Dutch	400	Lottery (loting)	Random selection (draw).	1
Maastricht University	Dutch / English	359 (up to 60 for English)	Portfolio + test	Portfolio assessment, test based on homework assignments.	1

Academic and language requirements: meeting the Dutch standard

To participate in the Numerus Fixus selection, simply applying on time is not enough—you must also meet specific academic and language requirements.

Diploma equivalency

The primary academic requirement is a diploma equivalent to the Dutch pre-university education diploma (VWO). This is the standard against which all foreign secondary school certificates are measured.

The evaluation of foreign diplomas is handled by Nuffic, the Dutch organization for internationalization in education. This procedure can be initiated by the university after you apply, or by the student directly via the IDW.nl portal. It’s crucial to note that the evaluation can take up to four months, which adds pressure to the timeline. For instance, a Russian «Certificate of Secondary General Education» (Аттестат) is typically considered equivalent to a Dutch HAVO diploma, which is a level below VWO. This means that for direct admission to a university medical program, the holder of such a certificate will likely need to complete an additional year of university in their home country or a foundation year in the Netherlands.

Required subjects

In addition to the diploma’s overall level, there are strict subject-specific requirements. A candidate must demonstrate VWO-level knowledge in four subjects: biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. If any of these subjects are missing from your diploma or were not studied at the required level (so-called «deficiencies»), you must compensate for them by passing exams at recognized institutions like CCVX or through state exams (Staatsexamens).

Language requirements

Dutch Language: For admission to Dutch-taught programs (Leiden, UvA, Groningen), proof of Dutch proficiency is required. The standard is passing the state exam Staatsexamen NT2, Programma II, which corresponds to level B2 on the CEFR scale.
English Language: Proficiency in English is required for English-taught programs (e.g., Maastricht) and is often an additional requirement for Dutch-taught programs. Accepted tests include IELTS (Academic) and TOEFL (iBT), with specific score requirements varying by university.

Foundation year programs

For students whose diplomas are not equivalent to the VWO level, a one-year foundation program is a viable pathway. A prime example is the VASVU program at VU Amsterdam. It offers intensive Dutch language training (an entry-level of A2-B1 is required) and all the necessary science subjects, preparing students for university entrance exams. Other preparatory courses are available, but it’s essential to verify that their certificate grants admission to a research university, not just a university of applied sciences.

The admission process for an international student presents a «double barrier.» On one hand, you must undergo the lengthy Nuffic diploma evaluation to confirm VWO equivalency. On the other, you must meet the strict January 15 deadline for the Numerus Fixus application. These two processes run in parallel, and applicants often submit their application before receiving official confirmation from Nuffic. This requires navigating a period of uncertainty and means you should start the diploma evaluation process as early as possible—ideally, a year before you plan to apply.

Financial planning for medical students

Studying in the Netherlands requires a significant financial investment, especially for students from non-EU/EEA countries.

Tuition fees

There is a major difference in tuition fees. EU/EEA citizens pay a government-regulated statutory fee. In contrast, other international students pay an institutional fee, which is substantially higher. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the institutional tuition fee for medicine for non-EU/EEA students is approximately €32,000 per year at both Maastricht University and the University of Groningen.

Cost of living

In addition to tuition, you must budget for living expenses. The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) requires students to prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves. For 2025, this amount is set at €1,094.12 per month for university students.

The cost of living varies significantly by city. Amsterdam is the most expensive, where rent for a single room can easily exceed €800-€1000 per month. Groningen, on the other hand, is considered one of the most affordable student cities, with total monthly living expenses (excluding tuition) averaging between €800 and €1,000. Leiden and Maastricht fall into the mid-range, though Maastricht has relatively high rental costs for its size.

Table 2: Approximate monthly living expenses for students by city (2025)

Expense Category	Amsterdam (€)	Groningen (€)	Leiden (€)	Maastricht (€)
Accommodation (room)	800 — 1100	450 — 700	500 — 750	500 — 700
Food/Groceries	200 — 250	150 — 250	180 — 250	180 — 250
Health Insurance	110 — 130	100 — 120	110 — 130	100 — 120
Transport (bike/public)	50 — 100	30 — 60	40 — 80	40 — 80
Study Materials	50 — 80	50 — 80	50 — 80	50 — 80
Personal/Leisure	150 — 250	150 — 200	150 — 250	150 — 200
TOTAL (approx. per month)	1410 — 1910	930 — 1410	1030 — 1540	1020 — 1430

Securing your stay: the student residence permit

After successfully passing the selection and being admitted to a university, the process of obtaining legal status to live in the Netherlands begins.

The university as your sponsor

For students from non-EU/EEA countries, the university acts as their official sponsor. After you are admitted and have paid the tuition fees, the university will initiate the application for your entry visa and residence permit on your behalf.

Proof of financial means

A key requirement is proving you have sufficient financial resources. For 2025, a student must show they have €1,094.12 per month, which totals €13,129.44 for a full academic year. The most common method of proof is transferring this total amount to the university’s bank account. The university then provides the necessary confirmation to the IND.

Required documents

A valid passport.
An antecedents certificate (a statement regarding your criminal record).
Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g., the university’s bank statement).
A Dutch health insurance policy.

The application process

The procedure involves several steps. First, the university submits the application to the IND. Once it’s approved, you must visit the Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country to obtain a provisional residence permit, also known as an entry visa (MVV). Upon arrival in the Netherlands, you must register at the local municipality (gemeente) where you live and then visit an IND office to provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) and collect your residence permit card.

Recommendations for applicants

Start early: The diploma evaluation and language learning process should begin at least 18-24 months before your planned application date.
Choose strategically: Since you can only apply to one university for Medicine per year, your choice must be based on a realistic assessment of your own strengths in the context of the specific university’s selection criteria, as well as your language and financial capabilities.
Have a backup plan: Given the extremely high competition for Numerus Fixus places, it’s wise to also apply to other, non-quota programs (such as in biomedical sciences) or to consider a foundation year.

Егор Кугно