In short
Foundation University is a private institution offering career-focused undergraduate and postgraduate programs with an emphasis on applied learning and industry relevance. It provides comprehensive academic and career services to support students and facilitates graduate employment through employer partnerships.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 2000
- Students
- 3,000
- International students
- 300
- Acceptance rate
- 70%
- Tuition (intl)
- €6–12k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Location
- Netherlands
Foundation University is a private institution providing career-oriented undergraduate and postgraduate programs with emphasis on applied learning and industry relevance. The university supports students with comprehensive academic and career services and maintains employer partnerships to facilitate graduate employment.
Why study here
- Career-focused programs designed with direct industry input.
- Small class sizes and personalised academic support.
- Strong career counselling and employer partnership network.
- Flexible entry pathways for domestic and international students.
- Emphasis on practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.
Student life
Foundation University offers an engaged student community with academic clubs, career fairs, and social events. Student support services include academic advising, counselling, and internship placement assistance.
Fees
InternationalInternational students typically pay EUR 6,000–12,000 per year depending on the program.
HomeDomestic student fees vary by program; financial aid may be available.
LivingLiving costs vary by location; students should budget for accommodation, food, and transport.
Contact the admissions office for current fee schedules and scholarship availability.
Admissions
Academic qualificationsSecondary school completion or equivalent
English proficiencyRequired for non-native speakers
IELTS5.5 minimum
TOEFL iBT72 minimum
University scholarships
Merit ScholarshipPartial tuition waiver for high-achieving students
Accreditation
Foundation University holds accreditation from the relevant national higher education authority.
For international students
NetherlandsStudent visa & funds
Non-EU students cannot apply for their own residence permit; only an IND-recognised institution (a registered sponsor) submits the application on their behalf. The permit is issued for up to five years and stays valid for three months after the programme ends. For university and HBO students the IND requires proof of at least €1,130.77 per month (the 2026 study norm) for living costs, held by the student or guaranteed by the institution. Students must also keep satisfactory progress — at least 50% of annual credits — to retain the permit.
Working while you study
Non-EU students may work a maximum of 16 hours per week during the academic year, or alternatively full-time during June, July and August. In either case the employer must first obtain a work permit (TWV) from the UWV before the student starts; the student cannot apply for it themselves. Internships that are a formal, graded part of the degree are exempt from the TWV requirement when a tri-party agreement is in place, as is volunteering with a Volunteer Declaration.
After you graduate
After a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD at a Dutch institution, non-EU graduates may apply for the orientation year permit (zoekjaar), valid for one year and not extendable. During this year the holder may work freely — no employer TWV is needed — and may also freelance or start a business. The application must be made within three years of graduating. Graduates of a foreign university ranked in the global top 200 can also qualify with English proficiency at IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
English tests
- IELTS6.0–6.5 for bachelor’s; 6.5–7.0 for most master’s; specialist master’s up to 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBT80–90 for bachelor’s; 90–100 for master’s; some research universities require 100
Main intakes
SeptemberFebruary
Typical living cost
€1,200/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
Scholarships
for Netherlands
full fundingDutch Research Council (NWO)
NWO Rubicon Programme
For researchers who have recently completed (or are about to complete) a PhD, who want to gain research experience at a foreign institution (or at a Dutch institution if coming from abroad). It is a postdoctoral programme; applicants must have obtained their doctorate within the last ~12 months and apply through NWO with a host.
full
Funding
€180k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingNuffic (Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) Scholarships
Open to mid-career professionals who are nationals of, and currently living and working in, one of the listed OKP partner countries. Applicants must have proficiency in English or French, be in work that aligns with one of the priority areas designated for their country, be able to show they will use and transfer their new knowledge within their employing organization, and agree to comply with the obligations and conditions of the OKP. A limited number of awards is granted to motivated female and male professionals.
full
Funding
€40k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Groningen
Welcoming International Talent (WIT) PhD Fellowship
Open to Early-Stage Researchers of any nationality who, at the call deadline, have no more than four years of full-time-equivalent research experience and have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree. Applicants must hold a qualification that grants access to doctoral studies, meet the MSCA mobility rule (not having lived or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the previous three years), and have at least certified B2-level English.
full
Funding
€32k
Max
Mar 18, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMaastricht University
UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship
Open to non-EU/EEA and Swiss nationals under 35 who have conditional admission to a participating master's programme affiliated with a Brightlands campus, have not previously enrolled in Dutch higher education, and demonstrate strong academic performance.
full
Funding
€31k
Max
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMaastricht University
Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship
Open to talented students from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname who have applied for admission to a participating full-time Master's programme at Maastricht University, meet the programme's admission requirements, have not previously studied for a degree in the Netherlands, and are no older than 35 on the cycle's start date.
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingDelft University of Technology (TU Delft)
Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship
For exceptional non-EU/EEA students applying for an MSc programme at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) with an excellent academic record. The scholarship is merit-based and competitive; you apply for it after applying for admission to an eligible TU Delft master's, by the deadline (commonly 1 December).
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Dec 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the typical tuition fees for international students at Foundation University?
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International students can expect to pay between EUR 6,000 and EUR 12,000 per year, with fees varying based on the specific program of study. It is recommended to contact the admissions office for the most current fee schedules and details on financial aid.
What academic qualifications are required for international students to apply?
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International applicants generally need to have completed secondary school or an equivalent qualification. Additionally, proof of English proficiency is required for those who are not native English speakers.
How does Foundation University support its international students' career goals?
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Foundation University emphasizes career-oriented programs designed with industry input and offers strong career counseling services. The university also maintains an employer partnership network to help facilitate graduate employment opportunities.
Are there scholarship opportunities available for international students?
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Yes, Foundation University offers scholarships such as the Merit Scholarship, which provides a partial tuition waiver for students demonstrating high academic achievement. Information on availability and application can be obtained from the admissions office.
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