Study in The Hague: The Ultimate Guide to Scholarship, Live, Learn & Grow

If you’re planning to study in The Hague in 2025, you’re probably already dreaming of international vibes, croissants by canals, and building a career that could actually make a global impact. Study in The Hague and you’ll find yourself in one of Europe’s most diverse, political, and surprisingly chill student cities. Study in The Hague isn’t just about books-it’s about actual life stuff: finding your rhythm, managing chaos, and discovering real independence.

Picture this: Your suitcase rolls over cobblestones in front of Den Haag Centraal. It’s crisp but not freezing. The smell of fresh stroopwafels hangs in the air (someone’s selling them by the tram stop, of course). Students zip past on bikes, and you hear English, Dutch, French, and maybe Arabic in the same 30 seconds. You’re not totally sure what tram to take, but somehow, it’s already starting to feel like you might just figure this all out.

Why You Should Study in The Hague in 2025

Okay, let’s get one thing straight-The Hague is not a flashy party capital like Amsterdam or a student-town classic like Leiden or Groningen. And that’s actually a good thing.

Here’s what makes it special in 2025-and why I recommend it:

• It’s home to international organisations, like the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and major NGOs.
• Over 40,000 students, many of them international, live here.
• It’s super English-friendly. Literally, you can survive (and thrive) without knowing Dutch.
• It’s walkable, bikeable, beach-adjacent (hello, Scheveningen), and safe.
• You get access to great unis without the overcrowded, overpriced mess of Amsterdam.
• The mix of cultures is unreal. In your first week, you’ll meet people from five continents and probably share way too much food at a student potluck.

If you want to combine education with meaningful, global experiences-studying in The Hague just makes sense.

Top Universities to Study in The Hague and Popular Courses

Let’s break it down honestly-not just what the brochures say, but what it’s really like.

1. Leiden University – The Hague Campus

• Vibe: International. Known for politics, law, governance. Gorgeous old buildings, modern interiors.
• Top courses: Security Studies, International Relations, Public Administration, Law, Political Science
• Tuition (non-EU): €11,000–€18,000 per year
• Real talk: High workload, theory-heavy, but world-class. Great professors and close to real-world institutions.

2. The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS)

• Vibe: More diverse, hands-on, social. Think project-based learning over theory.
• Top courses: International Business, European Studies, Industrial Design Engineering, Safety & Security Management
• Tuition (non-EU): €8,000–€9,500 per year
• Real talk: Great for networking and participatory learning. Big international student community.

3. International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), Erasmus University

• Vibe: Small, graduate-level only-think policymakers and NGO types.
• Top courses: Development Studies, Public Policy
• Tuition (non-EU): Around €13,000–€14,500
• Real talk: Masters-level, deep discussions, often attracts older/experienced students.

4. Inholland University of Applied Sciences (The Hague Branch)

• Smaller than THUAS but offers media, hospitality, and aviation-related programs.

Pro tip: If you prefer learning by doing, go for applied sciences. If you love reading, papers, and research-go for the traditional university route.

Cost of Living and Budget Tips for Students in The Hague

Heads up-it’s not the cheapest place in the Netherlands, but it beats Amsterdam, and you can absolutely survive (even without eating plain pasta every night).

Budget Tips:

• Cook at home-Lidl is your best friend.
• Look out for secondhand stuff on Marktplaats or student Facebook groups.
• Get a bike early-saves transport money right away.
• Museumkaart = art and culture all year for one flat price.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Students Studying in The Hague

If you need help funding your studies, know that while options are limited, they do exist. You just need to hustle early.

Leiden University Scholarships:

• Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS) – for non-EU master’s students.
• Holland Scholarship – a one-time grant (€5,000) for first-year, full-time international students.

THUAS Scholarships:

• World Citizen Talent Scholarship – up to €5,000 tuition reduction.
• Orange Tulip Scholarship – for select countries.

National Programs:

• StuNed, Erasmus+, MENA Scholarship Programme, or your country’s own education ministry.

Write a killer motivation letter. Be specific-why you, why The Hague, why that course.

How to Apply to Study in The Hague: 5 Steps for International Students

Here’s the realistic version-not too pretty, but accurate.

1: Choose your course and university
Do your research, compare programs, and ask current students online.

2: Apply via www.studielink.nl
This is the centralized application system for Dutch universities. It will confuse you, so take your time.

3: Upload your documents
You’ll need your transcripts, diploma, passport, motivation letter, maybe IELTS/TOEFL.

4: Wait for confirmation + submit additional requirements (if needed)
Some unis require an extra portal, video interview, or portfolio.

5: Accept your offer → pay fees → apply for visa
Once accepted, the university helps you apply for your student visa-a big help.

Visa and Work Regulations for Students Studying in The Hague

If you’re non-EU/EEA, here’s what you need to know:

Student Visa Requirements:

• Have an offer from a recognized Dutch university
• Show proof of funds (~€14,641 for full year as of 2025)
• Health insurance (mandatory)
• Valid passport
• Visa fee (~€228)

Can you work?

Yes, but…

• Max 16 hours/week during the academic year
• Full-time in summer
• Your employer must apply for a work permit (TWV)
• Freelancing or internships sometimes don’t need a permit → check the rules with your uni

Also, there’s a 1-year “orientation stay” after graduation to job hunt. Use it wisely!

Student Housing Options for Those Who Study in The Hague

Finding housing might be the hardest part of your whole study abroad journey. No joke.

1. DUWO Student Housing

• University-partnered housing. Not fancy, but reliable.
• Shared kitchens/bathrooms. Decent prices.
• Apply asap-really, AS SOON as you know you’re in.

2. Private Market / Kamernet / Pararius

• More freedom, but more challenges.
• Higher prices. Still, you might get lucky.
• Lots of scams-never pay until you see a contract.

3. Room with Dutch family (Hospi housing)

• Cheaper and includes utilities. Good cultural experience.
• But… you’ll have to follow house rules.

Neighborhoods to check out:

• Bezuidenhout – safe, near the station, popular with students
• Segbroek – affordable and residential
• City Center – pricey but prime location
• Scheveningen – near the beach, a favorite for surfers and chill vibes

Daily Life, Food, and Student Culture While Studying in The Hague

Student life is what you make it here-and The Hague has plenty to offer.

• Grab your morning coffee at places like Bookstor, Kaafi, or Hometown Coffee.
• Eat like a local: try kapsalon (Dutch fries + meat + cheese + sauce combo, it’ll mess you up) or Indonesian rijsttafel.
• Markets: Haagse Markt is gold for cheap veggies, spices, and random finds.
• Chill evenings = beers at Grote Markt or beach sunset drinks in summer.
• Join student orgs-especially the international ones. It’s the fastest way to make friends.

Internship and Career Opportunities After Studying in The Hague

This part’s legit: The Hague is stacked with international opportunities.

• Home to international courts, tribunals, embassies, NGOs
• Leiden and THUAS often connect you to internships as part of your course
• English-speaking jobs? Totally possible if you hustle and network early
• Use places like LinkedIn, Undutchables, Together Abroad, and your uni’s career center
• Your “Thinking and Drinking” nights with other students might end up leading to a job-or at least a contact

Short-Term Study Programs in The Hague

Only available for one semester or the summer?

• Leiden Summer School – lots of law, global governance, and history classes
• Erasmus+ exchanges – through your home institution
• Short courses at THUAS – journalism, business, social impact topics

Often, these come with credits, cultural immersion, and solid networking.

Applying Timeline for Students Planning to Study in The Hague in 2025

FAQs About Studying in The Hague for International Students

First-Year Survival Checklist for Students in The Hague

✅ Get a second-hand bike with two locks
✅ Sign up for student housing ASAP
✅ Buy a strong umbrella (trust me)
✅ Try herring at least once-it’s a rite of passage
✅ Don’t skip Orientation-it’s where the awkward friendships start
✅ Register with a local doctor (you’ll thank yourself later)
✅ Get a Dutch SIM and bank account in week one
✅ Use your student ID everywhere-discounts are gold
✅ Go explore the beach-it clears your head
✅ Be open, patient, and curious-this city gives back what you put in

So, should you study in The Hague in 2025?

If you’re dreaming of an international, smart-but-chill student life… a place where your professors might work around the corner from real-world institutions… and a life where beach breaks, policy debates, and friendship evenings all fit into your week?

Study in The Hague. You won’t regret it.

See you on the tram-with a bike key in one hand and a warm stroopwafel in the other.