Most Popular Studies for Expat Students in the Netherlands (And Why Everyone Chooses Them)
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Every year, thousands of international students come to the Netherlands with the same question:
What should I study?
And very often, they end up choosing the same types of programmes.
Not by coincidence.
The most popular studies among expat students are not just “interesting” they are practical, internationally recognized, and often lead to real job opportunities after graduation.
If you’re trying to figure out what direction to take, this guide will show you what most expats choose and more importantly, why.
Why the Netherlands Attracts So Many International Students
The Netherlands has become one of Europe’s top study destinations for a reason.
More than 2,000 programmes are taught in English
The education system is internationally recognized
The job market is strong in sectors like tech, business, and logistics
In 2024–2025 alone, there were over 130,000 international students, making up around 16.6% of all students
This means you’re not alone but it also means competition is real.
1. Business & Economics (The #1 Choice)
If there is one field that dominates, it’s business.
Studies like:
International Business
Finance
Marketing
Economics
are consistently the most chosen by international students
Why this is so popular:
Many programmes are in English
Broad career opportunities
Easy to apply internationally
Career paths:
Consulting
Finance / fintech
Marketing & growth
Supply chain & logistics
At universities of applied sciences, International Business is one of the most enrolled programmes
2. Engineering & Technology
The Netherlands is a highly innovative country — and it shows in student choices.
Popular studies:
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Science
Engineering is consistently in the top 3 most chosen fields among international students
Why students choose this:
Strong demand in the job market
High salaries after graduation
Direct connection to companies
Career paths:
Software engineering
Data science
Renewable energy
Technical R&D
Important: Many of these roles are also among the hardest to fill in the Dutch labour market.
3. Psychology & Social Sciences
This is one of the most surprising ones but also one of the biggest.
Psychology is actually: the most popular individual study programme among international students
Why it attracts so many students:
Many English-taught programmes
Broad application (HR, UX, research)
Interesting mix of theory and real-life behaviour
Reality check:
Some career paths (like clinical psychology) require Dutch language skills.
Many students eventually move into:
HR
UX research
Behavioural data roles
4. IT & Computer Science
This is one of the fastest-growing fields.
Popular studies:
Computer Science
Data Science
Artificial Intelligence
Cybersecurity
Why it’s exploding:
Huge shortage of tech talent
High salaries
English is often the working language
Career paths:
Software development
Data analysis
AI engineering
Cybersecurity
This is one of the few fields where you can build a strong career in the Netherlands without speaking Dutch.
5. Life Sciences & Health
The Netherlands is known for innovation in health, food, and science.
Popular studies:
Biomedical Sciences
Public Health
Nutrition & Food Technology
Why students choose this:
Strong research environment
Global relevance
Meaningful career paths
Career paths:
Biotech
Medical research
Public health organisations
Important: Some healthcare professions require Dutch certification and language skills.
6. Creative & Media Studies
This field is especially popular at universities of applied sciences.
Popular studies:
Media & Communication
Design
Creative Business
Arts
In fact, language & culture / creative fields are among the top 3 at applied universities
Why students choose this:
Practical learning
Portfolio-based admission
International environment
Reality:
More flexible career paths
Often freelance-based
Less predictable income
What Most Students Don’t Realise
Choosing a “popular” study doesn’t mean it’s the right one for you.
Many students:
Follow trends
Choose what others pick
Focus only on job opportunities
And end up:
Unmotivated
Switching studies
Feeling stuck again
What Actually Matters When Choosing
Instead of asking:“What is popular?”
Ask:
What fits my personality?
What kind of work do I want daily?
Where do I see myself in 3–5 years?
And most importantly:
Talk to people already studying or working in that field.
That will give you more clarity than any ranking or list.
FAQ
What is the most popular study in the Netherlands for expats?
Business and economics are the most popular overall, while psychology is the most chosen individual programme.
Which studies have the best job opportunities in the Netherlands?
Engineering, IT, and business-related studies offer the strongest job prospects.
Can I study in English in the Netherlands?
Yes. There are more than 2,000 English-taught programmes available.
Is it easy to stay in the Netherlands after studying?
It depends on your field. Around 25% of international graduates stay long-term, with higher rates in recent years
The Netherlands gives you options.
A lot of them.
But that’s exactly what makes it difficult.
Because the real challenge is not finding a study.
It’s choosing the right one for you.
Sources
Nuffic – International student data (2024–2025)
StudyPath – Popular subjects overview
Study in Netherlands – Major trends and demand
Dutch Times – Education system and programmes
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