Study in Netherlands can be an ideal option for international students looking to earn globally recognised degrees at esteemed universities. Dutch universities are known for their top quality teaching and scientific research programs, making a diploma from one of these esteemed institutions highly esteemed and providing excellent career prospects wherever you may live around the globe.
The Netherlands offers an extremely diverse and multicultural study environment with students coming from over 160 different nations, making Holland an open society with people coming from various cultures and international business communities. Residents in Holland tend to express themselves freely without hesitation when sharing opinions or ideas, welcoming others of different cultures into society with open arms as well as enjoying sports like football, fine art and tasty foods – no wonder Holland is such an iconic tourist destination!
Dutch universities are generally medium-sized institutions offering an expansive selection of programs. They are known for their high standard of education and internationally focused teaching methods, while being highly renowned for innovation and collaboration with industry.
Dutch universities provide courses taught both in English and Dutch; international students therefore need to prove their English language proficiency by taking either the TOEFL or IELTS exam. The academic year typically starts in September and concludes around June or July; some universities may provide an optional two-week winter break between December and January.
Students in Dutch universities are strongly encouraged to engage in student activities and cultural events. Furthermore, universities provide career advisors and workshops that assist graduates with finding employment upon graduation. Students may also work part-time jobs during academic sessions while taking on full-time work during sessional breaks.
Admission requirements differ by program; however, most Dutch programs offer general admission programs where meeting the admission requirements virtually guarantees admission into any given course or program. There may be exceptions such as university colleges or numerus fixus programs which have stricter entrance criteria that you need to fulfill before being admitted into them.
Many Dutch universities collaborate with private companies to offer internships and other practical experiences to their students, as well as scholarships in certain disciplines. It is therefore vital that prospective applicants do their research into each university prior to applying, so as not to fall foul of its requirements and be denied.
In the Netherlands, international students can work while they study. To be eligible, however, a valid passport and residence permit are needed in order to work legally and safely. Furthermore, working while studying can significantly compromise your academic performance; hence it is wise to apply for a work permit as early as possible.
The Dutch government recently unveiled a policy allowing non-EU/EEA/Suriname students to pay half of their tuition fees during their initial year at any public university in the Netherlands – this applies to bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degrees across all subjects and must have been started between 2021-2022 in order to be eligible.