Student case study · Netherlands
Aarav, from Mahendranagar to Eindhoven
Bachelor of ICT (Software Engineering), September 2025 intake
Rejected by a research university with his +2. Accepted by a university of applied sciences, on a course that suited him better.
- After +2
- Applied sciences
- Re-routed
- Starting point
- +2 science (computer), GPA 3.18
- English
- IELTS Academic 6.0
- Study gap
- None
- Paid for by
- Parents' savings and an education loan
- First call to visa
- 196 days
Where Aarav started
Aarav applied on his own to a computer science bachelor's at a Dutch research university and was told his +2 didn't meet their entry level. He thought the Netherlands was closed to him.
What we found
Dutch research universities usually ask for more than a Nepali +2; universities of applied sciences usually don't. An ICT bachelor's at an applied sciences university in Eindhoven took a +2 with good maths and English, and its project-based teaching suited a student who learns by building.
We were clear about the difference: an applied sciences degree is practical and job-focused, and a research master's later may need a pre-master's. He was fine with that.
Step by step, with dates
5 Feb 2025
First counselling. Research and applied sciences universities explained.
15 Mar 2025
IELTS: 6.0.
28 Mar 2025
Studielink and university application.
22 Apr 2025
Offer received.
9 May 2025
NOC; tuition and living funds paid to the university.
14 May 2025
University submits the IND application.
20 Aug 2025
MVV collected, 196 days after the first call.
28 Aug 2025
Flies to Amsterdam and takes the train to Eindhoven.
The result
Aarav is in his second year, in a project team building software for a local hospital, and works 12 hours a week at a distribution centre.
In Aarav's words
I thought the Netherlands said no. One university said no. The right one said yes.
If your profile looks like this
- 1
After +2, look at Dutch universities of applied sciences first. See Netherlands entry rules.
- 2
Practical, project-based degrees suit students who learn by doing. Ask how a course is taught, not just its name.
- 3
See IT courses abroad for how the Netherlands compares.
Everything about studying in the Netherlands: cost, process and fees
