If you think about the most popular study destinations in the world, the Netherlands is most likely to be a part of your list. Apart from the scenic beauty of the country and diverse culture, there are more factors that draw the attention of international students. To name a few, I would like to highlight the education system of the country that implements innovative teaching methods. Apart from this, the Netherlands offers multiple English-taught courses that act as an advantage for students who are unfamiliar with the official language. Moving further, let’s know more reasons to study in the Netherlands.
Some of the reasonable factors that make the Netherlands an ideal study destination for students are discussed below:
Multicultural environment: The Netherlands welcomes thousands of students every year from several parts of the globe, making it a culturally diverse country. Choosing the Netherlands as your study destination would give you a chance to experience a distinct lifestyle and meet people from diverse backgrounds.
Globally recognized degrees: The Netherlands holds a global recognition as a knowledge hub that is home to well-established universities. Some of the universities such as the University of Amsterdam, Leiden University, and Utrecht University are regarded as the most prestigious institutions for scientific research.
Low tuition fees: If we compare the Netherlands with other English-speaking study destinations in the world such as the United States of America and the United Kingdom, we would find that the tuition fees of Dutch universities are relatively lower.
Innovative teaching approach: Dutch universities hold a decent global reputation highly known for their intellectually stimulating programs. With a focus on pragmatic learning, the education system equips students with leadership skills that help them lead successful careers.
Higher Education in the Netherlands
International students can choose from the following degrees:
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D.
PDEng
Associate
Holland also has the following types of universities and institutes:
Research universities
Institutes for international education
Universities of applied sciences
University colleges
Summer schools
While specific admission requirements vary across institutions, the language proficiency criteria are usually the same. Students require a minimum of TOEFL 550 (paper-based) or 213 (internet-based). At least IELTS 6 is needed for those taking this examination. Students who are not currently eligible for their chosen programs may consider preceding years.
Top Universities in the Netherlands:
Here is a guide to the top universities in the Netherlands, their tuition costs, and popular courses.
University
QS World University Ranking 2024
English language proficiency requirements
Tuition fee
University of Amsterdam
58
IELTS: 6 to 7
TOEFL: 92 to 100
$4,662 per year
Utrecht University
112
IELTS: 6.5
TOEFL: 83
$11.57 to $24.51 per year
Wageningen University and Research
124
IELTS: 6 to 6.5
TOEFL: 80 to 92
$15.38 per year
Leiden University
131
IELTS: 6.5
TOEFL: 90
$20,620 per year
Erasmus University Rotterdam
208
IELTS: 6.5
TOEFL: 90
$14.20 per year
Source: QS World University Ranking 2022 and university’s official website
Academic Intakes in Netherlands:
Intake
Application cycle
Fall intake
The applications for fall intake open in April and closes in June
Spring intake
The applications for spring intake open in September and closes in November
Cost of living covers the accommodation costs, utilities, transportation, and food expenses. Though the cost of living in the Netherlands depends on the city you want to live in, the average costs for each category are mentioned in the table below
Category
Costs
Accommodation costs
On-campus accommodation – 1500 € /month
Off-campus accommodation – 350 to 850 €/ month
Food expenses
350 €/ month
Transportation costs
70 to 100 €/ month
Source: Top university’s official website
Visa Guidelines for Studying in the Netherlands
Your visa and work permit will depend on several factors like nationality, tenure of stay (whether less or more than 90 days), and the purpose of your visit. Citizens of European Union (EU) nations do not require visas for residing in Holland or even obtaining a work permit for taking up jobs in the country. Citizens from other countries will require visas and work permits for entering Holland for study, research, or employment purposes.
Enrollment in any course means that your host institution will reach out to you to start the application process. You can also contact the international office at your university or the HR department if you are a research scholar. The applications are usually processed quickly, although you should begin the procedure well in advance. Those staying for less than 90 days will only need the short-stay visa or what is known as the Schengen visa. For those residing for more than 90 days, the entry visa (MVV, based upon nationality) and VVR (residence permit) are mandatory.
Your host educational institution will receive the letter of approval or rejection via the immigration authorities. You can subsequently apply for your MVV at the nearest Embassy or Consulate in your home nation. The student visa costs are usually between €70- 320, depending upon your home country.
Your visa will help you travel through all nations within the Schengen zone. The visa may also cover only one country at times or a few nations. You can then pass through only these specific countries in such scenarios.
The stay in the Schengen zone will cover just 90 days within a total time frame of 180 days. If you have already resided here for 90 days, you cannot return until the completion of another 90 days. The entry visa will also have validity for just 90 days, and you should follow up with a residence permit for longer stays.
Multiple and Single-Entry Visas-
A multiple entry visa allows holders to travel to and from the Schengen zone throughout the entire period of validity. The single-entry visa only allows travel within this area. Once you leave the Schengen area, you cannot return without a short stay or return visa.
Financing your education in the Netherlands:
Although there are several ways of financing your education in the Netherlands, the most useful of them are discussed below :
1. Part-time jobs:
To earn extra pocket money while studying in the Netherlands, you can take up several part-time jobs which you can find on-campus and off-campus. The job roles in each category are mentioned below:
Category
Job roles
On-campus
Library supervisor
Research assistant
Peer tutor
Department assistant
Off-campus
Waiter
Cashier
Delivery executive
Cook
2. Scholarships
Scholarships work in favor of reducing the cost of studying in a foreign country. Some of the top scholarships offered by the top universities in the Netherlands are mentioned below;
Yes, the Netherlands is a good study destination for international students. The top universities of the country are known for their innovative teaching methods. They offer a wide range of English-taught courses that make it an ideal destination for international students who are unfamiliar with the dutch language.
Is IELTS required in the Netherlands?
Yes, a valid IELTS score is required to study in the Netherlands. The score requirement may vary according to the university the student is applying to.
Is the study gap acceptable in the Netherlands?
Yes, students having a study gap can apply to the Netherlands. However, they must submit a proper justification for the same.
How much does a Netherlands student visa cost?
The cost of a Netherlands student visa is € 80,000.
She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!
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