"Numerus fixus" is Latin for a fixed number. It means a programme has a set capacity, and if more people apply than there are places, the institution selects. Here is the process as Study in NL describes it.

Check with the institution first

You need to ask the institution whether your programme is numerus fixus. They can also tell you whether you can apply through Studielink or whether they want to review your file first.

The calendar

  1. Apply before 15 January, 23:59 CET in Studielink (if you apply that way).
  2. A selection happens between 15 January and 15 April. The institution decides what the selection looks like and tells you.
  3. On 15 April, applicants in the selection get a ranking number via Studielink. The institution sets it using its selection criteria.
  4. If you are offered a place, you must accept it in Studielink within two weeks. If you do not, the place goes to someone else automatically.

How many you can apply for

For each academic year you can apply for a maximum of two numerus fixus programmes. The institution decides how often you can take part in the selection for one specific programme.

Medicine, Dentistry, Dental hygiene and Physiotherapy are different: you can submit only one application per programme per academic year. Study in NL gives the example that you cannot apply for Medicine at two universities, but you can apply for Medicine and for Dentistry.

What if you are not offered a place?

There is still a small chance. If someone selected does not accept, their place goes to the next person in line. With 100 places and the 100th student turning it down, the person with ranking number 101 gets the offer.

When there is no selection

Sometimes fewer people apply than there are places. In that case everyone who applied is offered a place on 15 April, and you still need to accept it within two weeks in Studielink.

Practical advice

If you are not sure whether your programme is numerus fixus, ask the institution before 15 January, not after. Most other programmes have a general deadline of 1 May, which is a very different timetable (see how to apply).

Sources

Opened and checked on 5 October 2026. Figures that change from year to year are marked "as of October 2026"; check the source before you rely on them.