Does Your Programme Interview?
Select your programme type to find out whether you should expect a selection interview.
Matching ≠ Selection. Some universities run a "studiekeuzecheck" (study choice check). This is non-binding and cannot be used to reject you. If the programme page says "matching" rather than "selection," it is a different process.
Common Interview Questions
Dutch interviews verify that the person on screen matches the application. Pick a category to see typical questions and answer tips.
"Why did you choose this programme?"
Name specific courses, teaching methods (e.g. PBL at Maastricht), or faculty research. Generic praise of the university won't work.
"Why the Netherlands and not another country?"
Mention the international classroom, English-taught programmes, or sector strengths (water management, agri-tech, design). Be concrete.
"What are your career goals after graduation?"
Be specific: "water-resource policy in Southeast Asia" beats "work in sustainability." Show how the programme connects to that goal.
"What will you contribute to the programme?"
Highlight unique perspective from your background, relevant work experience, or a skill gap you fill in the cohort.
"Walk us through your academic background."
Keep it to 2 minutes. Degree, focus area, what sparked your interest. Expand on your motivation letter, don't recite it.
"How have you prepared for this field?"
Mention relevant courses, research projects, internships. If there are gaps, acknowledge them and explain how you'll bridge them.
"Describe a research project or paper you're proud of."
Pick one example. Explain the problem, your approach, and what you learned. Show analytical thinking, not just results.
"How do you handle working in multicultural teams?"
Dutch education is highly collaborative. Give a real example of cross-cultural teamwork and what you learned from it.
"What's a challenge you've overcome?"
Choose something genuine. Dutch interviewers value honesty over polish. Describe what happened and how you adapted.
"How will you adapt to life in the Netherlands?"
Show you've researched practical realities: housing market, biking culture, directness in communication, weather expectations.
"How will you finance your studies?"
Be straightforward. Mention savings, family support, NL Scholarship, or other funding. They want to know you have a realistic plan.
"Do you have questions for us?"
Always say yes. Ask about thesis supervision, internship partnerships, or recent curriculum changes. Never ask things answered on the website.
"When can you start / are you available for the full programme?"
Confirm your availability for the full duration. If you need to sort visa timing, mention it honestly with your plan.
Practice Flip Cards
Click any card to reveal answer guidance. Click again to flip back.
"Why this programme and not a similar one elsewhere?"
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Reference specific elements: a specialization track, a faculty member's research, the teaching method (e.g. PBL), or an industry partnership. Show you compared alternatives and chose deliberately.
"What are your career plans after graduating?"
Click to reveal guidance
Be specific and link back to the programme. "I plan to work in delta water management in Vietnam" beats "I want to help the environment." Honesty about uncertainty is fine if you name options you're considering.
"Tell us about a topic you don't know much about yet."
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Dutch interviewers respect honesty over bluffing. Identify the gap, explain why it interests you, and say how the programme will help you fill it. This shows self-awareness and intellectual curiosity.
"How do you work in multicultural teams?"
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Give a real example. Dutch programmes are highly collaborative with international classrooms. Describe a specific situation, what was difficult, and what you learned about communication or compromise.
"Do you have any questions for us?"
Click to reveal guidance
Always say yes. Prepare 2–3 questions: thesis supervision process, internship partners, recent curriculum changes, career services for non-EU graduates. Never ask things already on the website.
"How will you finance your studies?"
Click to reveal guidance
Be straightforward. Mention savings, family support, the NL Scholarship, or other grants. They aren't judging your wealth — they want to know you have a realistic financial plan and won't drop out mid-year.
Interview Formats Explained
Dutch programmes use three main interview formats. Click each to learn what to expect.
Group Discussion
4–6 candidates discuss a topic. Assessors watch communication and collaboration, not dominance.
Written Assignment
Analyze a case study or article in 30–60 minutes. Shows analytical thinking under time pressure.
Short Interview
10–15 minutes within the day. Quick motivation check: why this programme, what are your goals.
Aptitude Test
Common for numerus fixus in science/medicine. Tests baseline knowledge, not expert mastery.
International students usually attend online versions with the same assessment areas adapted for virtual format.
Platform: Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or the university's own system. You'll get a scheduling link (Calendly/Doodle) with time slots.
Panel: Usually 1–2 people — a programme coordinator or faculty member. Conversational tone, not interrogative.
Timing: February–April, after initial screening. At least one week's notice. You can request a different slot if time zones clash.
Tone: Dutch directness — clear questions, clear answers expected. Less small talk than UK/US interviews. Substance over performance.
Architecture, fine arts, design and performing arts programmes combine a portfolio review with a motivation interview, typically 20–30 minutes.
Have your portfolio ready to screen-share. They'll ask you to walk through 2–3 pieces: your concept, process, and what you learned. Expect follow-up questions about your creative influences and how you'd develop within the programme.
Some programmes ask for a pre-recorded video introduction (2–3 minutes) in addition to or instead of a live call. Check the programme page for exact requirements.
Preparation Checklist
Toggle each item as you complete it. The goal is to be genuinely ready, not rehearsed.
After the Interview
Results Timeline
Outcome arrives by email from the admissions office. Some programmes respond within a week; others wait until all interviews are done.
Thank-You Email
Not expected in Dutch culture and won't influence the outcome. A brief note is fine but not necessary.
Feedback if Rejected
Some programmes provide brief feedback on request. Take it if available — useful for reapplying or applying elsewhere.
No interview? Focus your energy on a strong motivation letter, complete documents, and the right programme choice. Those determine the outcome for most Dutch applications.