Application process

 

Why apply through Kastu?

Kastu is an official representative of more than 50 European universities. With 18 years of close cooperation with universities, Kastu candidates receive priority over other applicants. This means that applying through Kastu takes less time, is straightforward and – most importantly – 96% of applicants are successfully admitted.

What you get by applying through Kastu:

  • 1 application form → 5 countries. No need to fill out separate applications for each country – one Kastu platform covers everything.
  • Free application process. Kastu’s activities are funded by European Union institutions, so the administration of your application is completely free of charge.
  • Full administration from A to Z. Kastu oversees your application, reminds you of deadlines, checks your documents and resolves any issues.
  • Priority over other applicants. Kastu’s partnership agreements with universities give our candidates preferential treatment.

Application steps: How does it work?

The application process through Kastu consists of a few clear steps. At every stage, Kastu guides you – from the moment you start your application until you receive your acceptance letter.

 

Step 1: Choose your study programme

This is the most important step – it determines your entire study experience. You can find your programme in several ways:

  • Kastu study programme search – filter by country, field of study, language and other criteria.
  • Career resources – explore different study fields, compare programmes and discover which option best matches your interests and goals.
  • Free resources – browse country pages, university profiles and programme descriptions to compare your options.

Tip: Choose not only by programme name, but also consider the country, city, university reputation and financial conditions. The Kastu platform provides detailed comparisons to help you decide.

 

Step 2: Prepare your documents

Once you’ve chosen a programme, you’ll need to gather a few documents. Kastu will guide you on exactly what your chosen university requires, but most commonly you’ll need:

  • Academic transcript – grades from the last 2–3 years of secondary school (in English or with a certified translation). More info: Academic transcript.
  • Proof of English proficiency – school-leaving exam, IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo or Oxford test. More info: English language requirements.
  • Motivation letter (for some universities) – Kastu provides instructions with examples.
  • Reference letter (for some universities) – usually from a teacher or employer.
  • Copy of passport or national ID card.

The full list of documents can be found here: Required documents.

Important: If you don’t have your English test result yet – don’t worry. You can take the test after submitting your application. You’ll be notified of the deadline through the Kastu platform.

 

Step 3: Fill in the Kastu online application form

When your documents are ready – it’s time to fill in the Kastu online application form. This is the only form you need to complete – regardless of how many countries or universities you’re applying to.

In the form you provide:

  • Personal information
  • Your chosen study programme(s)
  • Upload the required documents

Your form will be reviewed, any errors corrected and everything confirmed before it is sent to the universities.

Application deadlines: Deadlines may vary for each country and university. You can find the exact dates here: Application deadlines.

 

Step 4: Kastu administers your application

After you submit your form, Kastu takes over the entire administration:

  • Reviews and prepares your documents.
  • Sends your application to the universities.
  • Communicates with universities on your behalf.
  • Keeps you informed about every stage of the process.
  • Resolves any issues that may arise.

You can track the progress of your application through the Kastu application system – once logged in, you’ll see which stage your application is at.

 

Step 5: You receive your acceptance letter!

A few weeks after your application is sent, you’ll receive an acceptance letter – the official confirmation that you’ve been admitted to the university. This is a moment worth celebrating!

What happens after acceptance:

  • Preparation for departure (documents, accommodation, insurance).
  • Kastu provides guidance on finding work and accommodation.
  • Information about financial support and government benefits.

All the information about preparing for your move can be found on the Kastu website.

 

 

Important deadlines

Application deadlines depend on the country, university and chosen study programme. We recommend starting the application process as early as possible, and always checking the current dates on the Application deadlines page.

 

 

English language requirements

All universities you apply to through Kastu teach in English. Therefore, you’ll need to prove your English proficiency. Universities accept various forms of proof – school-leaving exams, IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, Oxford test and others. However, the exact requirements depend on the chosen university and study programme.

Which test your chosen university accepts can be found here: English language requirements.

Important: If you don’t have a test result yet – you can still apply and submit it later. You’ll be notified of the final deadline through the Kastu platform.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying through Kastu really free?

Yes. Kastu provides application support free of charge, including document review, application administration and communication with universities. Tuition fees (if applicable) are determined by the university and depend on the country and study programme you choose.

How many countries can I choose at once?

Through the Kastu platform you can apply to universities in 5 countries: the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Finland and Sweden. One form covers all countries – you can choose multiple programmes in different countries at the same time.

Can I apply if I haven’t finished secondary school yet?

Yes! Most students start the application process while still in their final year of secondary school. You can submit the form with your most recent transcript, and provide your final diploma later – once you receive it. You’ll be notified of the exact deadlines through the Kastu platform.

What grades are required to get accepted?

Requirements vary by university and study programme – each institution has its own admission criteria. You can check the general requirements and compare your options on the Kastu platform. More info: Admission requirements.

Do I need to speak the local language (Dutch, Danish, Finnish)?

No. All study programmes you apply to through Kastu are taught in English. Knowledge of the local language is not required – however, once you arrive, many countries offer free language courses.

What if I don’t have an English test result yet?

You can submit your application form without a test result – you’ll provide it later. You’ll be notified of the deadline for submitting your English proficiency proof through the platform. More info: English language requirements.

How long does the application process take?

From submitting your form to receiving the acceptance letter, it usually takes 2–6 weeks, depending on the university and country. Some universities respond within a few days, others within a month or longer. You’ll be kept informed at every stage through the Kastu platform.

Can I apply to multiple programmes at once?

Yes! We recommend choosing 2–3 programmes (they can be in different countries) to give yourself more options. On the Kastu platform you can indicate multiple programmes in one form.

Is studying abroad free?

In many countries, studies for EU citizens are free or very affordable. In Denmark, Finland and Sweden there is no tuition fee. In the Netherlands tuition is approximately 2,694 EUR/year, in Belgium approximately 1,181 EUR/year. Additionally, in many countries you can receive government financial support that covers living expenses. More info: Finances.

How do I start the application process?

The easiest way is to start browsing the study programme search to explore your options. Once you’ve found programmes that interest you, fill in the application form and Kastu will guide you through the rest of the process.

 

Find your study programme