Step 1 | Discover your interests
When? April to June
Before you start comparing universities and study programmes, whether at home or abroad, it’s a good idea to first take a closer look at yourself. What do you enjoy? What are you good at? And what fits your personality? Ask yourself questions like:
- What gives me energy?
- What subjects am I good at?
- What are my hobbies?
- Which news topics do I find interesting?
Extra tip
- Take a study choice test
- Ask your teacher to organise study-related presentations
Step 2 | Explore study programmes
When? July to September
Now that you have a better idea of your interests, it’s time to explore actual study programme options. Look at websites of universities of applied sciences and research universities, like that of the University of Twente. Read brochures, watch videos on their YouTube channels and check out their socials to get a feel for the vibe.
It’s also a good time to consider the difference between universities of applied sciences and research universities. Not sure what the difference is? This article explains.
Then, try answering these questions:
- What does my ideal degree look like?
- What do I value in a programme (practical focus, theory, support)?
- Am I more of a hbo or university type?
Tip
Talk to a student already studying a degree you’re interested in. Most universities and universities of applied sciences offer student-for-a-day events or online chat options.
Step 3 | Look, compare, and experience
When? September to December
By now, you probably have a shortlist of programmes that caught your eye. Now’s the time to experience them in real life; most study choice activities happen around this time of year.
- Visit (Online) Open Days
- Sign up for an online meet-up with students and ask about their experiences
Compare the vibe, structure, location and level of support. This will help you figure out where you’ll feel most at home.
Step 4 | Make your choice and apply
When? December to February
Take a final moment to weigh everything up. Talk about your choice with your parents, friends, or study adviser. But most importantly, trust your own gut feeling. Ask yourself:
- Do I have the right subjects and background for this programme?
- Is there a selection or lottery process?
- Have I prepared well enough?
Ready to go for it? Make sure you apply on time via Studielink, as the application process can be quite intensive. You might need to upload additional or missing documents, and you’ll also need to meet the deadlines for conditional admission and scholarships, which are usually between February and April - though this can vary depending on the scholarship or your country of origin.
The deadline for VISA students is usually 1 May and for non-VISA students 1 July. But for numerus fixus programmes (with a limited number of places), it’s often 15 January. It's important to double-check the exact deadline for each programme. Also keep in mind that if you are applying for a scholarship, deadlines usually fall between February and April, although this may vary depending on the specific scholarship or country.
If you register on time, you can still take part in activities like matching interviews or Student-for-a-Day events, sometimes even mandatory for admission.
Step 5 | The study choice check
When? April to June
After applying, many universities will invite you for a study choice check. This could be a conversation, a trial lecture, or a questionnaire. Together, you’ll explore if the programme is a good fit for you.
For most degrees, this check isn’t binding but it’s still very useful. It gives you a chance to reflect on your choice before the academic year begins.
Take your time and give yourself space to explore what suits you. There’s probably no such thing as the perfect choice, but this guide will get you a long way in the right direction.
Good luck choosing!
