Frequently asked questions
Admission and selection
What are the entry requirements for the programme and which documents do I need to upload?
See our page Admission & Application
Can I start the Pre Bachelor Programme if I already meet the Bachelor’s programme entry requirements?
Yes. The programme is primarily intended for students who do not yet meet the entry requirements for direct admission to a Bachelor’s programme, however it is also good preparation for students who do already meet the entry requirements.
How are students selected for the programme?
Admission is based on eligibility and the selection procedure. Applications are processed in order of receipt, subject to availability.
Places are limited. Eligible applicants may be placed on a waiting list. Sufficient time must be allowed for visa processing.
Is the programme guaranteed to start?
The programme will only commence if a minimum number of participants is reached. If this requirement is not met, participants will be notified as soon as possible and all paid costs related to the programme will be refunded (tuition fee, housing costs and visa costs).
Will I study in a small group?
Yes. Altius is designed around small classes of approximately 20 students. This gives you the opportunity to receive personal guidance, get to know your lecturers and classmates, and prepare for your Bachelor’s programme in a focused academic environment.
Completion and next steps
Does completion of the programme guarantee admission to a Bachelor's programme at the University of Groningen?
Yes. Students who complete the programme and meet the predefined assessment criteria are granted direct admission to a Bachelor’s programme at the Faculty of Science & Engineering at the University of Groningen.
Direct admission applies only if all academic and attendance requirements have been met.
Click on the following link to see which degrees you can apply to: FSE Bachelor’s programmes
Do I receive a certificate upon completion?
Yes. Students who successfully complete the programme receive a certificate of completion. The certificate confirms that you have met the academic requirements of the programme and demonstrated readiness for university-level study. The certificate grants you access to a Bachelor’s programme at the Faculty of Science & Engineering at the University of Groningen. Please note that the programme is not an accredited degree programme and does not award ECTS credits (study points).
Financial matters
How much does the programme cost?
The tuition fee for the programme is €19,500 (academic year 2026–2027).
Housing costs are €11,250 per year (shared apartment with other students, for a period of nine months).
Apart from the costs for the programme students should budget for additional personal expenses such as food, transport and insurance:
| Tuition fee | €19,500 | Academic year 2026-2027 tuition fee. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | €11,250 | Rent (incl. gas, water, electricity, Wi-Fi, furniture, bed linen, towels and cleaning, excl. deposit of 1 month rent) for the duration of the programme (9 months). |
| Telephone | €20-30 per month | Prepaid sim card or telephone plan. |
| Food and drinks | €200-300 per month | Meals, drinks, etc. |
| Bike | €80-110 | Price based on a decent secondhand bike. |
| Insurance | €100-120 per month | Health care, third-party, fire and theft insurance |
| Additional costs | €130-170 per month | Clothes, relaxation, sport, etc. |
What are the visa costs?
The visa application fee is currently €254 (subject to change by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service).
What is the refund policy?
If the programme is cancelled by us (for example, due to an insufficient number of participants), all payments made will be fully refunded, including tuition fees, accommodation costs and visa-related fees.
If you choose to withdraw from the programme:
- Before 1 July 2026: all payments will be refunded, except for any visa-related costs already paid
- On or after 1 July 2026: no refunds will be issued
Payment deadlines
The deadline for payment of the tuition fee is 1 July 2026. For non-EU students the deadline for paying the sufficient funds is also 1 July 2026, because of the visa application deadline. The deadline for payment of the housing is 1 September 2026.
Visa and residence permit
Do I need a visa or residence permit before coming to the Netherlands?
This depends on your country of origin. EU/EEA students are not required to have a visa or residence permit. Non-EU/EEA students must have a valid student visa and residence permit before travelling to the Netherlands. For certain countries only a residence permit is required (see table).
You cannot apply for the visa or residence permit yourself. We will submit the application on your behalf to the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) after you have been admitted to the programme.
EU/EEA, Switzerland
No visa or residence permit required.
Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zeeland, Vatican City, UK, South Korea or USA
Only residence permit required.
All others
Both visa and residence permit required.
Visit this page for more information regarding the visa application: Admission & application
Healthcare
Is it necessary to arrange healthcare insurance in the Netherlands?
It is mandatory for international students residing in the Netherlands to have a health insurance. International students are not automatically insured.
It is possible that the health insurance you currently have will cover your stay in the Netherlands. Be sure to check with your health insurance provider whether you are covered, and exactly how much coverage you have during your stay. Otherwise, you can apply for an additional health insurance package at Aon, which we strongly recommend.
Accommodation
Is housing included in the programme?
Yes, housing is included for the duration of our programme: 1 September 2026 – 1 June 2027. Altius housing includes apartments which are suitable for multiple students of our programme. The accommodation is in the city center of Groningen, close to our location for classes. Housing cannot be guaranteed until admission has been confirmed. Further details about the apartments will be shared after admission.
Are there any additional housing costs?
No, the housing costs are including gas, water, electricity, Wi-Fi, furniture, bed linen, towels and cleaning (once a week).
Social
Is there an introduction programme before the start of classes?
Yes. The programme starts with an introductory programme on 2 September 2026 designed to help students settle into Groningen and prepare for academic life.
During this period, you will receive practical information about living and studying in the Netherlands, meet lecturers and staff, and become familiar with the academic expectations of the programme. The introduction programme also offers opportunities to meet fellow students during social activities and start building your social network.
How is the student life in Groningen?
Groningen is the youngest city in the Netherlands with approximately 25% of the residents being students. It is a safe and popular student city. If you want to know more about the student life in Groningen, you can visit the website of GroningenLife.
Other questions?
Do not hesitate to contact us in case you have any questions.