Talk about good education, enabling environment, the Netherlands, covers all that. The country is also known as Holland is among the top countries providing world-class education. International students who travel to the Netherlands for studies benefit from studying in one of the best countries. Read more on how to study, work, and live in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands is located in Western Europe; It is surrounded by Germany and Belgium. There are a quite number of universities in the Netherlands. Universities of applied sciences (hogescholen; HBO) and research universities are the two categories of higher education institutions in the Netherlands (universiteiten; WO).
A university of applied sciences typically offers courses that prepare students for a specialized field of study, whereas a research university typically offers more comprehensive courses. Both colleges confer internationally recognized degrees. Universities in the Netherlands popularly called Dutch universities are doing pretty well especially in technical fields. For example, Delft University of Technology is constantly ranked among the best in Europe and the world.
The country is home to international students who visit the country yearly to pursue a degree in undergraduate and graduate. The Netherlands is a member of several international and intergovernmental organizations; the Netherlands is a powerhouse for education. Here are some other reasons to study in the Netherlands.
Why Study in the Netherlands?
• The high acceptance rate for international students
Universities in the Netherlands accept international students applying to pursue any degree in the country through its open admission policy favorable to all students. Most Dutch universities grant foreign students admission so far they meet the admission requirements. Schools like Eindhoven University of Technology, Utrecht University, and Leiden University are popular destinations for international students.
• Offers English-taught programs
Although, the official language is Dutch, there are lots of English language programs available in the Netherlands. However, students need to understand that not all the programs are given in the English language and might need to write a language test.
• Affordable tuition fee
The tuition fee of public universities is affordable compare to other countries offering the same standard education. International students can pay between 5000 – 15,000 EUR to obtain a degree in the Netherlands. Please note that the tuition fee differs by university, program, and students nationality. Typically, students from Non-EU countries pay a higher tuition fee.
• World-class education
The education in the Netherlands is “super-quality”. Most Dutch universities organize classroom and field-based teachings. Very remarkably, a study in the Netherlands provides a symbiotic relationship as there are good personal relationships between professors and students which is valued highly at Dutch universities. most of these universities offer tutorials and seminars in small groups allowing you to hone both your academic and teamwork skills. Many practical aspects of Dutch universities’ degree programs are included.
How to study in the Netherlands
The education system of the Dutch is simply amazing. Students wishing to study in a Dutch university need to follow the steps keenly. To guide you on that, here are the procedures to follow.
1. Select a study Program
Begin by selecting a study program. To choose a program, you have to check the universities that offer your intending course, check the language of instruction, tuition fee, and requirements. Use these guides to choose your university.
2. Check Specific Admission Requirements
Ensure that you check the admission requirements before forging ahead to continue the application process. You can find all the study requirements in your selected university, incase, there is no available information displayed on the school’s website, you can contact the admission office as indicated on the website.
Entrance requirements to study in the Netherlands
Copy of valid passport
Valid visa for the duration of the study
Copies of past academic transcripts
Copies of relevant awards and certificates, if required
English or Dutch proficiency test scores
Subject test scores, if applicable
Copy of application fee payment
Statement of Purpose, Motivation Letter, or Essay
Resume or CV, if applicable
Medical report
Criminal Offence record
3. Submit Your Application
After collecting all the requirements, the next step is to submit your application. To study in the Netherlands, you can apply through an online application system, which allows you to apply for up to four courses at a time. You can change the courses you wish to apply for at any time before the enrollment deadline.
5. Wait to get a response from the school concerning your admission status
After a successful application, you have to wait patiently to hear the outcome of the admission. Usually, students get a reply by the end of spring, to get a reply. If successful, the university might request that you pay the tuition fees for the first semester before an admission letter will be sent, and once you receive the letter, the school will then ask you to go on with the visa application.
6. Apply for a Visa
Once you have received the admission letter, gather all the requirements to apply for a study visa in your home country. Here are the visa requirements.
Student visa to study in the Netherlands
Completed visa application form.
Valid passport.
Two photographs.
Birth certificate.
Academic transcripts.
Official letter from the academic institution in the Netherlands.
Top 10 universities in the Netherlands
Delft University of Technology
UvA University of Amsterdam
Wageningen University & Research
Eindhoven University of Technology
Utrecht University
Leiden University
University of Groningen
Erasmus University Rotterdam
University of Twente
Radboud University
Cheap Universities in the Netherlands
1. Utrecht University
Average tuition fee: EUR 2000
2. University of Amsterdam
Average tuition fee: EUR 5000
3. Radboud University
Average tuition fee: EUR 6000
5. University of Groningen
Average tuition fee: EUR 8000
Language
Dutch is the country’s official language. There are also three other co-official languages and five other languages that are recognized in the country, they are French, English, and German. In a Dutch university, the major language of instruction is, unsurprisingly, Dutch. Intensive training courses in this language are frequently available to international students. Several universities in the country, however, offer English-taught courses at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Universities in the Netherlands, however, demand IELTS or TOEFL scores to be able to study in English.
Are there English-taught programs in the Netherlands?
Even if the official language is Dutch, there are more than 50 English undergraduate and postgraduate degrees taught at all Dutch universities. Not all universities, however, offer undergraduate English degrees in all subjects. Postgraduate degrees are more typically offered in English.
Tuition Fee
Currently, there are no tuition-free universities for international students from Non-EU countries. While higher education in the Netherlands is not free, it is heavily subsidized by the Dutch government, making it affordable for both domestic and international students.
International students’ costs of studying in the Netherlands vary based on their countries, fields of study, and universities at various study levels.
International undergraduate students can pay anything from €5,000 to €15,000 per year.
Can international students study and work in the Netherlands?
Yes, international students are permitted by law to work and study. Recently, many countries allow international students to study and work while schooling but you must be informed that every country has its labor laws. For example, universities in the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and some other European countries allow students to work for 20hours per week, this isn’t the same with the Netherlands.
Highlights
You do not need a work visa if you are from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, and you can work while studying without any restrictions. If you are from a non-EU/EEA country, your company must provide you with a work permit. With this work permit, you can work up to 16 hours per week during the school year and full-time during June, July, and August. For more information on international student employment. For more information visit this website: https://www.government.nl/ministries/ministry-of-social-affairs-and-employment.
If you are required to complete a work placement as part of your studies, you do not need a work permit. However, before starting any job placements in the Netherlands, you must first obtain a Dutch health insurance card.
While studying in the Netherlands, EU/EEA/Swiss nationals can work as many hours as they like. Foreign students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) with a valid residence permit may work full-time in the summer months of June, July, and August, or part-time for no more than sixteen hours per week the rest of the year.
The academic calendar for Dutch universities
For Dutch universities and hogescholen, the academic year begins in September and ends in June of the following year. The academic year is divided into two semesters, the first of which begins in early February and the second in early March.
Can international students stay in the Netherlands after graduation?
The Orientation year program is available in the Netherlands for overseas students who wish to stay and work after graduation. You can spend up to a year looking for work in Holland with the Orientation Year for Graduates Seeking Employment, and you can stay as long as you find work.
Meaning that international students can stay back after graduation but must go through the orientation year; which lasts only for 1 year, after securing a job, the stay can be extended.
Conclusion
The Netherlands is a popular destination for international students. The country provides quality education and wonderful opportunities to students. International students after studying in the Netherlands can stay back but must apply for an orientation year. This facility enables you to then apply for a residence permit for this entire search year or the orientation year which is quite naturally valid for 1 year for international students who have completed a degree in the Netherlands.