NETHERLANDS · WILLEMSTAD
University of the Netherlands Antilles, Curacao
public · Founded 1970 · Languages: Dutch, English, Papiamentu
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In short
The University of Curacao (UoC) is Curacao's principal public university, offering diverse programs in a unique Caribbean setting. It provides an affordable higher education experience with qualifications recognized within the Dutch system.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1970
- Students
- 2,500
- International students
- 200
- Acceptance rate
- 70%
- Tuition (intl)
- €4–9k/yr
- Languages
- DUTCH, ENGLISH, PAPIAMENTU
- Location
- Willemstad, Netherlands
The University of the Netherlands Antilles, now known as the University of Curacao (UoC), is the principal public university of Curacao, an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Based in Willemstad, the university has served as the primary higher education institution for the island since around 1970. The university offers programs in law, economics, social sciences, engineering, and education, with instruction in Dutch, English, and Papiamentu. Following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010, the institution was reorganized as the University of Curacao. The UoC serves the local labor market and aims to contribute to the socioeconomic development of Curacao and the wider Caribbean region.
Why study here
- Study in a unique Caribbean setting with a multilingual academic environment (Dutch, English, Papiamentu).
- Access affordable higher education in a territory linked to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
- Benefit from a practically oriented curriculum tied to the needs of the Caribbean economy.
- Experience the vibrant culture of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage city.
- Gain qualifications recognized within the Dutch higher education system.
Student life
Student life at the University of Curacao is closely tied to the vibrant culture of Willemstad and the island of Curacao. The campus offers a relatively small, community-oriented environment. Students can enjoy Caribbean beaches, water sports, and Curacao's rich multicultural heritage in their free time.
Fees
InternationalAnnual tuition for international students is approximately EUR 4,000-9,000 depending on faculty and program level. Contact the university for current fee schedules.
HomeLocal Curacao students typically pay subsidized tuition rates.
LivingMonthly living costs in Willemstad, Curacao are approximately USD 1,200-1,800 for a student, including housing, food, and transport.
The institution is primarily oriented toward local Caribbean students. International enrollment is limited. Instruction is in Dutch, English, and Papiamentu.
Admissions
LanguageDutch proficiency required for Dutch-medium programs; English proficiency for English-medium programs.
QualificationsSecondary school diploma or equivalent; VWO or equivalent for most bachelor's programs.
IELTS6.0 for English-medium programs
TOEFL79 iBT
University scholarships
Government Scholarships (Curacao)Varies; offered by the government of Curacao for local students
Accreditation
The University of Curacao is recognized by the Ministry of Education of Curacao and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
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 programs are offered at the University of Curacao?
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The university offers programs in law, economics, social sciences, engineering, and education. Instruction is provided in Dutch, English, and Papiamentu.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
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Annual tuition fees for international students range approximately from EUR 4,000 to EUR 9,000, depending on the faculty and program level. It is recommended to contact the university directly for the most current fee schedules.
What are the living costs for students in Willemstad?
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Monthly living expenses in Willemstad are estimated to be between USD 1,200 and USD 1,800, covering housing, food, and transportation.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
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For programs taught in English, international students typically need an IELTS score of 6.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 79.
What qualifications are needed for admission?
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Applicants generally need a secondary school diploma or equivalent. For most bachelor's programs, a VWO diploma or its equivalent is required.
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