Guide to University Admissions in the Netherlands 2026: a full step-by-step roadmap (Part 3)

5. Documents and requirementsHigh-school diploma with apostille from the Ukrainian Ministry of Education (for bachelor) or bachelor diploma with apostille (for master).Transcript with apostille + English translation (by a beëdigd vertaler in the Netherlands or a Ukrainian sworn translator with apostille).Nuffic Diplomawaardering (recommended for WO; mandatory for regulated professions).Language certificates: IELTS Academic 6.0–7.0+, TOEFL iBT 80–100+, Cambridge CAE 169+ (for English-medium) or NT2 II B2/CNaVT PAT (for Dutch-medium).CV (Europass format, 1–2 pages in English).Motivation letter (1–2 pages in English — the heart of the application for competitive programmes).2 letters of recommendation (for masters and numerus fixus bachelors such as PPLE, IBA, UCM).First-year transcript of Ukrainian undergraduate education (for transfer applicants) + certified translation.Passport copy (valid 18+ months).Colour digital photo (35×45 mm, white background — for the residence permit).Proof of financial resources — minimum €1 312/month for 2026 (€15 744/year) on a blocked Dutch bank account (via the ESN/Nuffic Visa Funds Service for €25/month) or from a Bürge in the Netherlands (€1 728 for 30+).Authorisation for Temporary Stay (MVV) — single-entry visa for crossing the border, issued via the universitys recognised sponsor at IND.Tuberculosis test certificate — mandatory for Ukrainians; done in the Netherlands free at a GGD clinic in the first 3 months after arrival.Health insurance proof — private for the first 4 months (€60–80/month), then mandatory Zorgverzekering (basic insurance) €130–155/month, but if you only study and do not work — Zorgverzekering is not required; ESS Insurance (€51/month via Aon) is enough.For medicine — proof of preparation for Numerus Fixus selection (a year of biology, chemistry).For master — bachelor diploma + certified translation + GMAT/GRE for some programmes (RSM MSc Finance — GMAT 600+).6. Studielink, deadlines and the 2026 timelineStudielink (studielink.nl) is the centralised platform to apply to all public Dutch universities, but with a significant restriction: you can pick only 4 programmes per cycle and 2 numerus fixus. Unlike UCAS — it is purely an administrative hub; the actual application (motivation letter, CV, transcripts) is submitted in parallel via the portal of each university (Osiris, Studielink Plus, Hobéon).October 2025: Studielink opens for 2026 admission; apostille the diploma at the Ukrainian Ministry, English translation.November–December 2025: register for IELTS/TOEFL in Kyiv; submit the Nuffic Diplomawaardering at idw.nuffic.nl (€111, 4 weeks); draft the motivation letter.1 December 2025: Studielink deadline for some early-start numerus fixus (Aerospace Engineering TU Delft, Industrial Design TU/e).15 January 2026, 23:59 CET: main Studielink deadline for all numerus fixus programmes — Medicine, Veterinary, Dentistry, Psychology, IBA, P