NETHERLANDS · HEERLEN
Open University of the Netherlands
public · Founded 1984 · Languages: nl, en
O
In short
The Open University of the Netherlands is a public distance-learning institution offering accredited online bachelor's and master's degrees in various fields. It provides flexible study options with relatively low fees and serves a diverse international student body.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1984
- Students
- 20,000
- International students
- 3,000
- Acceptance rate
- 90%
- Tuition (intl)
- €2–10k/yr
- Languages
- NL, EN
- Location
- Heerlen, Netherlands
The Open Universiteit (OU) is the Netherlands' public distance-learning university, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Heerlen. It offers fully accredited bachelor's and master's programmes in law, management, computer science, psychology, environmental sciences, educational sciences, health sciences, and arts and culture — all delivered online. Students can enrol on a module-by-module basis without a fixed enrolment window. OU serves around 20,000 students from across the Netherlands, Belgium, and internationally, and has graduated over 100,000 alumni since its founding. It is renowned for research in educational technology and open science, and is a founding member of the European Association of Distance Teaching Universities (EADTU). The university's flexible model is especially suited to working adults and career changers.
Why study here
- Fully flexible online study — no fixed class schedules or campus attendance required
- Public university fees — among the lowest in Europe for accredited bachelor's and master's degrees
- Study a single module to test a subject before committing to a full programme
- Programmes available in both Dutch and English, serving an international student body
- Strong research profile in educational technology and open science
Student life
Student life at OU is largely online — virtual learning communities, discussion forums, and online study groups connect students across the Netherlands, Belgium, and beyond. Study centres provide quiet workspaces and occasional in-person workshops. The university hosts online open weeks so prospective students can experience lectures before enrolling.
Fees
InternationalInternational (non-EEA) students pay the institutional rate: approx. €7,500–€10,000/year for full-time-equivalent bachelor's study, or per-credit-point pricing.
HomeDutch and EEA students pay the statutory tuition fee: €2,314/year (2024/25) for a 60 ECTS load. Module-based enrolment is also available.
LivingLiving costs in Heerlen are among the lowest in the Netherlands: approx. €700–€1,000/month for a single student.
OU charges per study point (ECTS credit) rather than a flat semester fee. Dutch students may be eligible for DUO student finance. No residential halls — primarily a distance-learning institution.
Admissions
Bachelor's entryMBO level 4 or equivalent secondary/vocational qualification; or 21+ with relevant work experience
Master's entryRelevant bachelor's degree or pre-master's bridging programme
No entrance examsOpen admission policy for most programmes
IELTS Academic6.0 (for English-medium programmes)
TOEFL iBT80 (for English-medium programmes)
University scholarships
OU Scholarship for International StudentsPartial fee waiver for eligible non-EEA applicants — contact admissions for details
Orange Tulip Scholarship (Netherlands)Partial to full tuition for students from select countries — offered through Nuffic
Accreditation
Accredited by the NVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders). Member of EADTU (European Association of Distance Teaching Universities).
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.
Programs
a selectionOpen University of the Netherlands · Netherlands
Boek Oral History: geschiedenis door de ogen van gewone mensen
This program explores how the experiences and stories of ordinary people contribute to a more complete historical record. It also delves into the methods for carefully documenting these personal narratives. Participants will learn about the value of oral history in understanding societal development from diverse perspectives.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Open University of the Netherlands · Netherlands
Cursussen
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Open University of the Netherlands · Netherlands
Korte studies
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Open University of the Netherlands · Netherlands
Master Data Protection and Privacy Law
This Master's program focuses on Data Protection and Privacy Law within the Dutch legal context, bridging the gap between law and technology. You will develop the skills to think critically at an academic level about responsible data processing policies and to identify legal questions early in the development of innovations, adhering to principles of privacy by design. The program prepares you for a career as a legal expert in data protection and privacy law, capable of addressing complex issues and advising on privacy-friendly solutions in both public and private sectors.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Open University of the Netherlands · Netherlands
Master Management
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Open University of the Netherlands · Netherlands
Master of Laws - Generic Master
The Generic Master of Laws program allows you to tailor your study path by selecting courses from various legal fields, rather than specializing in just one. This approach helps you develop a broad legal perspective, enabling you to analyze complex issues from multiple viewpoints. You will build upon the core principles of Dutch law, exploring themes across areas like private law, administrative law, criminal law, and international and European law. This flexibility allows you to design a program that aligns with your career goals, interests, or ambitions, preparing you to be an adaptable and versatile legal professional.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
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 tuition fees for international students at the Open University of the Netherlands?
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International (non-EEA) students pay an institutional rate, which is approximately €7,500–€10,000 per year for a full-time equivalent bachelor's study. Fees can also be charged per credit point.
Does the Open University of the Netherlands offer English-taught programmes?
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Yes, the Open University of the Netherlands offers accredited bachelor's and master's programmes in English, alongside Dutch-taught programmes. Specific English language proficiency test scores are required for admission to English-medium programmes.
What are the admission requirements for international students?
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For bachelor's entry, you typically need an MBO level 4 or equivalent qualification, or be at least 21 years old with relevant work experience. For master's programmes, a relevant bachelor's degree or a pre-master's bridging programme is usually required. Most programmes have an open admission policy with no entrance exams.
What is student life like at the Open University of the Netherlands?
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Student life is primarily online, with virtual learning communities and online study groups connecting students. Study centres offer quiet workspaces and occasional in-person workshops. The university also hosts online open weeks to give prospective students a feel for lectures.
Are there scholarships available for international students?
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Yes, the Open University of the Netherlands offers the 'OU Scholarship for International Students,' providing a partial fee waiver for eligible non-EEA applicants. The 'Orange Tulip Scholarship (Netherlands)' is also available for students from select countries.
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