STUDY IN THE NETHERLANDS

Overview

It might not be the first name on everyone's list, but the Netherlands is one of the world's unsung study abroad gems. Read our guide to find out more...
The country gets its name from the fact that around a quarter of this small north western European nation lies below sea level.
Despite its associations with windmills and clogs, it is one of the most developed and wealthy nations in the world, with a largely urban population (it is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe).
It is also home to one of the world’s oldest – dating back to the 16th century – and most highly respected systems of higher education. The 2012/13 QS World University Rankings include 13 Dutch universities - all within the world's top 500, and an impressive 11 in the top 200.
The nation’s highest ranking institution is the University of Amsterdam at 62, with Leiden University (the country’s oldest institution) and Utrecht University not too far behind, at 75= and 85 respectively.
Combine this quality with relatively favorable tuition rates and plenty of English language courses (the Dutch are generally known for their fluency in English as a second language) and you can begin to see why nearly 45,000 international students were studying in the Netherlands in 2009.
The nation is known for its tolerant and liberal ethos, and boasts a wealth of great student cities – none of which are more than a bicycle ride (the nation’s preferred mode of transport) away from some picturesque countryside.
Consider the Netherlands if you’re looking for a European study destination which offers you a little bit of everything.
Studying at master’s or PhD level? Read our graduate-level guide to the Netherlands >

Fast Fact

• Constitutional parliamentary monarchy with bicameral legislature, headed by prime minister
• Around the same size as Switzerland (smaller than the US state of West Virginia)
• Population is estimated to reach 16,730,632 by July 2012
• Borders Belgium, Germany and the North Sea
• Part of the Benelux economic union along with Belgium and Luxembourg
• Capital city is Amsterdam, but The Hague is the seat of government (and the International Courts of Justice)
• Campus accommodation is extremely scarce in the Netherlands, and competition for housing can be fierce in major cities, so you’re advised to start looking early
• Official language is Dutch
• One of the world’s top 25 economies
• One of the flattest countries in the world; the highest point is only 321 meters above sea level
• The Netherlands boasts 15,000km (9,320 miles) of bicycle tracks – and this is a conservative estimate
• Dutch people are the tallest in Europe, on average
• Currency is Euro, symbol: €, €1 = US$1.35
• Uses Central European Time (UTC+1) switching to UTC+2 in summer
• International dialing code is +31

 Lifestyle

Discover some of the Netherlands' top student cities...

Amsterdam

Placed at 36th in the 2012 QS Best Student Cities ranking, Amsterdam is famed for its café culture, its leafy canals, and for the nightlife which makes it a favorite for party loving holiday-makers and students. However, that is not to say there aren’t more refined attractions on offer, such as its stunning historical architecture and world class museums.
And, let’s not forget, it boasts the country’s highest ranking university, Universiteit van Amsterdam (62 in the 2012/13 QS World University Rankings). But, Amsterdam isn’t one of those cities which need to be sold. Study here and you certainly won’t find yourself short of visitors from back home…
More about Amsterdam >

Leiden

Leiden is one of those towns dominated by its university, the attendees of which account for a large percentage of its population. Leiden University, ranked 75= in the 2012/13 QS World University Rankings, is the oldest in the country having been founded in 1575.
John Quincy Adams, René Descartes and Albert Einstein, among others, all passed through its doors. Leiden itself is a small picturesque town, though the large student population means there is no shortage of social activities on offer.

Utrecht

Utrecht, claims the Lonely Planet Guide, is one of the world’s unsung places. It is a charming canal-veined historical town, with one of the oldest centers in the country. The countryside in the province which shares the city’s name is famously beautiful, as well being peppered with castles and palaces.
Like many other Dutch cities, Utrecht itself is student dominated, and accordingly, the city is known for its nightlife. Utrecht University, at 85, is the Netherlands’ third highest ranked university.

Rotterdam

Home of Europe’s biggest port, the Netherlands’ second city stands out from the other cities here as result of its distinctly modern feel – the result of damage incurred during the Second World War.
Its daring modern structures, however, more than make up this. It is also famous for its music (particularly electronic), its nightlife and its multicultural social milieu. Erasmus University Rotterdam, named after city’s most famous son, is ranked 99th in the world.

Maastricht

Located towards the country’s southern border, Maastricht is known for being slightly different. It is one of the oldest – if not the oldest city in the country – and resultantly boasts some impressive historical architecture.
Its university (Maastricht University) is one of the most internationalized in the country, with over a third of its students coming from overseas, putting it just outside the top 10 in the world in this regard (its overall rank in the 2012/13 QS World University Rankings is 107).
Maastricht is also recommended for gastronomes, renowned as it is for being the culinary capital of the Netherlands.
Top ten things to do while studying in the Netherlands >

Practical Information

Admissions, entry and visa requirements

There are two systems for applying to university in the Netherlands – directly to the institution or through Studielink, an online centralized application procedure. Which one you need depends on the university and the course to which you are applying. You may even be required to use a combination of the two, so check carefully with the institution.
Certain oversubscribed courses in the Netherlands are deemed numerous fixus. To get onto one of these courses, you will need to be successful in a lottery – again, talk to the institution.
Fees vary depending on whether or not you are from an EU nation. If you are, the average annual fee is €2,296 (US$3,050), and if not, you can expect to pay €9,733 (US$12,850). Tuition will be in Dutch or English – be prepared to prove you can speak the relevant one.
As with any nation in the European Union, the visa process differs according to whether or not you are a citizen of another nation in the EU (or Switzerland).

EU nationals

•    No visa required
•    You will need to register as an inhabitant with your local city council, proving that you are a have a place to live. You will also need to present your passport and birth certificate.
•    You must purchase health insurance. This is required by law.
•    It is also advisable, though not compulsory, to register with the Dutch immigration authorities, for which you’ll need to prove you’ve enrolled, sign a document to say you have sufficient financial means, and show you’ve purchased health insurance.
•    Bulgarians and Romanians are also advised to apply for a residence permit (see below), and will need work permits. You can either apply for a standard work permit, as if you were a non-EU student, or for one which allows you to work without restriction, for which your employer must prove there are no EU or Swiss citizens capable of doing the same job (no such restriction exists for the former permit).

Non EU nationals

•    Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a provisional residence permit, known as an MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf). The Nuffic website has the relevant information. Your host institution will probably make the actual application for you, but you will need to supply all the necessary documents, which must be in Dutch, English, French or German, or officially translated into one of these languages. As well as basic documentation showing you’re actually on a course, you will need to prove you have €794.69 (US$1,045) a month to support yourself.
•    Chinese students enrolling on English language courses must also apply for the Nuffic Certificate, which can be done online through the Nuffic Certificate Online Application System, in order to get their MVV.
•    You will need to apply for a residence permit. Your institution will apply for this on your behalf, which should occur within five days of your arrival in the country. Your permit will be valid for a maximum of 12 months, after which you must renew. Some, but not all, institutions will do this for you, so make sure you check which one applies.
•    You must also register with the local Aliens Police (Vreemdelingendienst) with three days of arriving, to whom you must prove that you have somewhere to live and that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay.
•    You should also register with your local municipality.
•    Purchasing health insurance is mandatory.
•    If you want to work while you study you will need to apply for a work permit, which will allow you to work for ten hours a week during term time, and full time during holidays. Your employer will apply for this.
Search universities in the Netherlands >

Featured University

Utrecht University

Universities in Netherlands

Delft University of Technology

Eindhoven University of Technology

Erasmus University of Rotterdam

The Hague University

Hogeschool Eindhoven

Hogeschool van Amsterdam

Hogeschool van Utrecht

IJselland Polytechnic

Leiden University

Nijenrode University

Noordelijke Hogeschool Leeuwarden

Open University of the Netherlands

Tilburg University

University of Amsterdam

University of Groningen

University of Limburg

University of Nijmegen

University of Twente

Utrecht University

Vrije University

Wageningen University

                                              
How to get started for Engineering from Netherlands

Types of universities in Holland

Universities in The Netherlands have offered higher education in English for international students for more than 60 years. They have a reputation for having forefront institutions in the development and introduction of new education methods. The degrees they provide are highly valued in any country in the world.

Dutch universities are divided into 3 main groups: research universities, universities of applied sciences, and institutes for international education and other institutes. Their classification is based on the type and level of study programmes they offer, although all of them have a wide range of education options available in English. Furthermore, some universities establish colleges and business schools, which can also be marked as separate groups.

• There are 14 research universities in Holland. Education in these universities is focused on scientific research, but many programmes have practical components as well. Their students can choose between Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programmes in English and have a wide range of options upon graduation, from pursuing an academic career to professional employment.
• There are also 39 universities of applied sciences which provide students with vocational education and prepare them for a career in certain professions. These universities offer Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes and many of them are international.
• 3 institutes for international education (IE) and 10 other institutes in The Netherlands also offer specific higher education in English. The programmes offered are mostly at the Master’s level and are often in cooperation with Dutch research universities. Their study programmes cover a variety of topics, usually related to problems in developing countries.

Universities in The Netherlands constantly increase the number of education options in English while maintaining tuition fees at affordable levels. These benefits lure even more international students every year from all over the world to come and study in Holland.

Watch the movie about study in Holland:

Why study in Holland? 

Six advantages of studying in the Netherlands

Do you dream of studying in Europe? Holland, also known formally as The Netherlands, is located in the heart of Europe and attracts students from all over the world every year. This country offers a diverse environment, vibrant lifestyle, and limitless opportunities.

The Netherlands is globally recognised as being deeply devoted and tied to international business, with strong trading traditions visible throughout its history. A country of creative discoverers and entrepreneurs, Holland became the home of many famous scientists and Nobel prize winners and has always been a progressive leader in continental Europe.

But why exactly are foreign students so attracted to studying in Holland?

1. Dutch universities offer programmes in English

The Netherlands is known as the first non-English speaking country in which universities started to design higher education study programmes in English to accommodate students coming from abroad.

Since the middle of the last century, Dutch universities have offered English-taught undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programmes, as well as short and preparatory courses.

2. Internationally recognized degrees

The Netherlands has been recognized as a knowledge centre with rich study traditions and well-known universities. Scientific research done at Dutch universities is very highly valued at both the national and international level.

Education in Holland meets all international standards and is well-reputed worldwide. A diploma from a Dutch university provides an opportunity to start one’s own business and can be very useful in terms of having a successful career in any country of the world.

3. Innovative education system

The Dutch educational system is interactive and focuses on teamwork, helping international students meet one another. During their studies in Holland, students become open minded specialists with a global outlook and an international orientation.

The Netherlands has also received international acclaim for its groundbreaking Problem-Based Learning educational system where students are trained to analyse and solve practical problems and to develop their own professional individuality.

When Dutch universities need to select candidates for a programme or scholarship, they often do it in their own creative way, for example, through business games.

4. Multicultural environment

International students from all over the world come to study in Holland. With its key role in the European Union and multinational markets, The Netherlands is recognised as an expert in the fields of know-how and academic education.

The Netherlands is a unique non-English speaking country in which 95% of inhabitants speak English. This factor makes living, studying, and working in Holland more comfortable and pleasant for those coming from abroad.

Many international companies have departments in The Netherlands due to the favourable economic conditions. This feature helps students at Dutch universities by opening up possibilities to gain internships at many of these companies and allowing them to create their own professional networks for their future careers.

5. Affordable study costs

The tuition fees and other expenses for those who come to study in Holland are relatively low compared to other European countries.

For students from the EU, the annual tuition fee for a degree programme or course at a Dutch university starts from €1,835. The cost of study programmes for non-EU students may vary from €6,300 to €20,000 a year.

In addition, many Dutch universities offer grants and scholarships that can reduce or fully cover the tuition fees of study programmes.

6. Holland —  the gateway to Europe

Due to its central geographic and economic position in continental Europe, The Netherlands is often described as the gateway to Europe. It takes only about an hour to fly from Amsterdam to Paris, Berlin, Brussels, or London.

The Netherlands is also the place where German, British, and French cultures meet. In this technologically advanced country, nearly any household can receive TV programmes from neighbouring countries and beyond. Cinemas show films from around the world in their original languages.

Dutch universities also provide opportunities to explore European countries as they offer many study tours and exchange programmes with many famous institutes in Europe.

International students in Holland

Who comes to The Netherlands to study and where do they come from? Here is some interesting information concerning abroad students who are studying in Holland, including their countries of origin, popular fields of studies, and numbers per university for the 2011-2012 academic year. This data refers only to universities that are funded by the Dutch government.

There were 666,859 students enrolled at Dutch universities during the 2011-2012 academic year. About two thirds of these students (423,173) chose to study at one of 39 universities of applied sciences, while the rest (243,686) chose programmes at one of the 13 research universities, with the exception of Open University.

International students in numbers

The quantity of international students in The Netherlands rose by 5,400 for the 2011-2012 year compared to the previous year’s statistics, making the total amount of foreign students in the country rise to 87,100. This number makes up 13% of the overall student population.

About half of them, around 41,273 students, came to Holland with the aim of earning a Bachelor’s degree. Around 18%, or 14,722 students, wished to complete a Master’s degree. Other students are enrolled in post-university programmes and short courses.

Most of the Master’s students study at Dutch research universities, where the ratio between them and Bachelor’s students is about 50:50. At universities of applied sciences the ratio is quite different as 96% of students are at the Bachelor’s level while only 4% are enrolled in Master’s programmes.

10 most international universities

1. Maastricht University (6,662 of foreign students)
2. Fontys University of Applied Sciences (3,816)
3. Saxion University of Applied Sciences (3,486)
4. University of Groningen (2,718)
5. TU Delft (2,714)
6. Han University of Applied Sciences (2,685)
7. Erasmus University Rotterdam (2,408)
8. University of Amsterdam (2,190)
9. Stenden University of Applied Sciences (2,310)
10. The Hague University of Applied Sciences (2,187)

View information about the increase of international students in Dutch research universities for the 2012-2013 academic year.

Most popular fields of study among foreign students

At Research Universities:

Economics

Behaviour and Society

Engineering

Language and Culture

At Universities of Applied Sciences:

Economics

Language and Culture

Behaviour and Society

Engineering

Where international students come from?

Germany 26,050 Finland 650

China 5,700 South Korea 650

Belgium 2,900 Hungary 600

Spain  2,200 Portugal 600

France 2,150 Lithuania 600

Italy         1,750 Russia 600

Bulgaria 1,700 Austria 550

US         1,650 Sweden 550

UK         1,600 Suriname 550

Greece 1,550 Iran         500

Poland 1,450 Latvia 500

Turkey 1,350 Norway 450

Indonesia 1,250 Czech Republic 450

Romania 1,200 Mexico 400

India   800       Vietnam 400

Education system in Holland 

The Dutch education system has a long tradition and a trustworthy reputation. The laws issued in 1815 have guaranteed its quality. The most important feature of the Dutch education system is its structure that allows to achieve educational goals by several different study routes.

This means that pupils and students always have the possibility to switch from one level to another. This is a very important advantage for foreign students in case of the difficult start.

Secondary education

• Dutch pupils can be prepared to enter universities by graduating of the secondary school with the following degrees:
• senior general (HAVO) - 5 years;
• pre-university (VWO) - 6 years
• Upon completing secondary education, they move to the higher education level that includes:
• higher professional education (HBO), which lasts 3-4 years culminating with the Bachelor diploma;
• university education (WO), which lasts 1-2 years and results the Master's degree.

Higher education institutions

There are 3 main types of universities: Universities of Applied Sciences known in Dutch as hogescholen, Research Universities training students for the independent practice of science and International Universities offering programmes for foreign students:

• At Universities of Applied Sciences Bachelor programmes are often given for 4 years. Then students can follow professional Master programmes in 1 - 1.5 years.
• The Research Universities offer a 3 year Bachelor programmes which consequently can be preceded with a Master programme taking another 1- 2 years depending of the study field.
• Institutions for International education (IE) offer advanced training and courses in a wide range of fields. Most of these are part of a research university. The students can follow 1 - 2 years Master programmes and Phd programmes

See information about degrees of Dutch Universities.

The Dutch government is attempting to make Dutch higher education as accessible as possible to students from other countries. The Dutch government is even cooperative in a financial sense. Higher education is heavily subsidized in the Netherlands, which means that tuition fees can be kept relatively low, especially compared with countries like the United Kingdom and the United States.

Universities diplomas in the Netherlands

Dutch diplomas are internationally recognized and indicate an excellent start for an international career. Coming to study in the Netherlands students can follow education given in Dutch within the national curriculum framework and international programmes taught in English.

Entry and visa regulations

UK residents do not need a visa to study in the Netherlands but must register with the local city council for the area in which they live.

• There are two different methods for applying to Dutch universities. In some cases you apply directly to the institution you wish to study at, while in other cases you need to apply via a centralised application system called Studielink. You should contact the university you want to study at in the first case to find out which method they use.
• Applications are usually opened a year in advance so you can apply in September or October 2013 for a place beginning in September 2014, though applications may not close until May or June of the year in which you will begin study.
• Some very popular courses such as medicine and law have a restricted number of places — Numerus Fixus — and a lottery-style system of selecting applicants is in operation. Deadlines for these courses are usually earlier than other programmes.

Funding your study

Annual tuition fees are about €1,700 for EU students on undergraduate courses, although fees are higher at private universities and university colleges.

• Loans are available to cover the full cost of annual tuition and these are paid in 12 monthly instalments. You must begin repaying these two years after graduation regardless of your location or income.
• If you can find a job working at least 32 hours per month and you are aged under 30, you are eligible for a Dutch government non-repayable grant of €266 per month. But it may be more of a struggle to find work if you don’t have at least basic Dutch language skills and the grant is not available until you’ve been in a job for at least three months. There are also some additional means-tested and top-up loans available to those in part-time employment.
• There are a limited number of scholarship opportunities for foreign students, many of which are administered by Nuffic, a Dutch non-profit organisation that aims to foster international cooperation in higher education.

Living costs are comparable with those in the UK and student discounts are available in many places. Typical prices include:

• Meal in an inexpensive restaurant: £11
• One-bedroom apartment in Amsterdam: £915
• One way local bus ticket: £2.40
• Pint of domestic beer: £3
• A dozen eggs: £1.60

Students do not commonly live on campus in the Netherlands and finding a room can be time-consuming and expensive so start early and ask your university for details of any recommended agencies.

Health and safety

• If you are going to the Netherlands solely for study purposes, you will be able to access medical treatment using your European Health Insurance Card. If you’re planning to work part-time or in an internship during your stay you will need to take out additional Dutch public healthcare insurance. Many universities have access to discounted rates so ask your institution for a recommendation.  
• The Netherlands is generally considered to be a very safe country but there is a risk of petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft, particularly in major cities such as Amsterdam.

Helpful links

• Get more information about studying in the Netherlands from Study in Holland, a Dutch government funded initiative that promotes the Dutch higher education sector.
• Information about studying, part-time work, internships, and health insurance can be found on the Health Insurance Information Centre website.

Netherlands: Graduate Level Country Guide

The Netherlands boasts a wide and diverse range of study locations for students thinking of studying abroad at graduate level. You will probably know a few things about capital city Amsterdam – considered to be one of Europe’s great capital cities – but it’s certainly worth looking into places like vibrant and multicultural second city Rotterdam, sophisticated Maastricht and quaint Utrecht.

Going Dutch

A spokesperson for Utrecht University attests: “The education system in Holland is known for its high quality in teaching and research, and its international study environment…Respect for each individual’s opinions and convictions are a national virtue that gives strength to the fabric of Holland’s diverse and plural society. This is the foundation of the teaching method used at the Dutch educational institutions. The teaching style can be described as interactive and student-centered, providing students with the attention and freedom they need to develop their own opinions and creativity in applying their newly acquired knowledge.”

The Dutch approach to higher education, referred to as ‘Problem Based Learning’ – a student centric approach which centers on the collective resolution of issues which reflect those which occur in life – has attracted plaudits from around the globe. Additionally, all courses delivered at universities in the Netherlands must be approved by Dutch and Flemish accreditation agency NVAO, so you can rest safe in the knowledge that they will be of a high standard.

English-language tuition

International students will be glad to hear that, in addition to a significant proportion of Dutch people speaking English as a second language – often to a very high standard – a plethora of graduate level courses are delivered in English at Dutch universities. Leiden University, for example, offers 80 taught master’s programs in English, the University of Amsterdam has 140, and Utrecht University has 83. The figures at other universities are similarly high, and PhDs can also be studied in English. You won’t, therefore, be required to wrestle with the polysyllabic complexities of the Dutch tongue – in an academic context at least!

Part of the motivation for offering so many courses in English is a large scale and institutional commitment to internationalization. The Netherlands is famous for its multicultural society and for its tolerance. This is reflected in the attitudes of universities. Jeanine Gregersen, Director of Marketing and Communications at Maastricht University, states that “Maastricht University is a European and internationally oriented university. Following our strategy, we aim to attract a diverse student population, with students from both European and non-European countries, at undergraduate and graduate level. Our international classroom prepares graduates for a globalized labor market.”

Laura Erdtsieck of the University of Amsterdam’s Communication department echoes this sentiment: “We would like to maintain our status as being a truly international university. This benefits education and research. We now have around 85 different nationalities studying at the UvA, and 178 nationalities living in the city itself. An international orientation also makes the programs more interesting – getting ideas from different perspectives and cultures. Also many of our teachers and professors are [international].” Perhaps, though, this approach is best summed up by a phrase in Utrecht University’s Strategic Plan:   “Quality”, it runs, “is not limited by borders”.

You may also be glad to hear that the Dutch education will no bankrupt you. Fees for international students at graduate level average not much more than US$14,000 a year. If you’re from an EU country the situation is even better, with annual fees set at just under US$3,000.

PhD candidates are considered to be researchers rather than students. As such, a good deal are actually paid employees of the universities at which they are stationed. It seems to be an approach that pays dividends, as the Netherlands ranks second and third respectively in terms of publications per researcher and research impact according to Euraxess figures.

Fees and regulations

As well as enjoying lower fees, EU candidates do no need a visa to study in the Netherlands. If this applies to you then all you will need to do is register with the local city council, and purchase health insurance.

Non-EU citizens will need to get residence permits. Additionally, citizens of certain countries will also need to get provisional residence permits (MVV) in order to enter the Netherlands. Your university will make the application for this on your behalf, but you will need to provide them with the necessary documentation. As is standard in Europe, you will need to provide proof of sufficient financial means. Presently, it is estimated that you will need just over US$1,000 a month.

Special regulations also apply to Chinese students, who must apply for a Nuffic Certificate, which can be done online (don’t be put off – the number of Chinese students who are studying in the Netherlands has actually increased since this stipulation was added).

You should also be aware that some universities require you to use the centralized Dutch university application system (Studilelink) to apply for master’s degrees, so do make sure you find out what the institution requires, as exact policy varies.

One final thing to be aware of is the absence of on-campus accommodation. You will need to rent privately, which you are strongly advised to do well in advance of starting of your course, as rooms can be hard to come by, particularly in larger urban centers.

But the hassle will be worth it. Just remember that previous international scholars who have studied at universities in the Netherlands include Alfred Einstein, René Descartes and James Boswell. Not at all bad company in which to be really…