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Study in Netherlands

Netherlands shares borders with Germany and Belgium, it is located in Western Europe. Netherlands is one of the most industrialized countries that provide great job opportunities due to its booming economy. Netherland in Europe was very early to start with bachelors/masters and offer degree programs in English. In Netherlands you can choose to pursue master’s or bachelor’s programs in around 70 institutions. Netherlands has one of the highest ratios of international students in Europe (16% of students are international students).

There are about 13 globally ranked universities that offer well designed programs to their national and international students. The tuition fees in Dutch countries are relatively lower than the tuition fees of other countries for higher studies. Your decision to study abroad in Netherlands can be an equitable decision because almost 95% of the local population in Netherlands speaks English. Most of the globally recognized employers/ companies are Dutch and Netherlands itself is the European headquarters of many international companies like Philips, Unilever, Heineken, etc. Therefore it is an equitable idea to study in Netherlands for international students.

Top Universities to Study in Netherlands

There are a number of best universities in Netherlands that offers top courses to its national and international students. Following is the list of top universities in Netherlands

  • Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University and Research was established in the year1918. There are about 12,819 students in the university out of which 5,928 are undergraduate students and about 6,409 are Postgraduate students. The university stands at 124th position in the QS world ranking. Wageningen University and Research is one of the best universities in Netherlands.

  • University of Amsterdam

University of Amsterdam was established in 1632. There are about 41,143 students in the university. The university stands at 58th position in the QS world ranking.

  • Leiden University

Leiden University was established in the year 1575. There are about 29,542 students in the university. The university stands at 131st position in the QS world ranking.

  • Erasmus University Rotterdam

Erasmus University Rotterdam was established in 1913. There are about 29,499 students in the university. The university stands at the 208th position in the QS world ranking.

  • Utrecht University

Utrecht University was established in the year 1636. There are about 31,801 students in the university. The university stands at the 112th position in the QS world ranking.

  • Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology was established in the year 1842. There are about 26,480 students in the university out of which 13,806 are undergraduate students and about 12,435 are Postgraduate students. The university stands at 61st position in the QS world ranking.

  • University of Groningen

University of Groningen was established in the year 1614. There are about 34,000 students in the university. The university stands at the 145th position in the QS world ranking.

  • Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam was established in the year 1880. There are about 29,796 students in the university. The university stands at the 214th position in the QS world ranking.

  • Maastricht University

Maastricht University was established in the year 1976. There are about 21,085 students in the university. The university stands at 278th position in the QS world ranking.

  • Radboud University

Radboud University was established in the year 1923. There are about 24,678 students in the university. The university stands at 232nd position in the QS world ranking.

So these are some of the best universities to study in the Netherlands for international students.

Scholarships for International Students to Study in Netherlands

Here is a list of highly renowned scholarship to study in Netherlands for Indian students:

  • Orange Knowledge Program in The Netherlands
  • University of Twente Scholarships (UTS)
  • Rotary Scholarships for Water and Sanitation Professionals
  • Erasmus University Holland Scholarship
  • Utrecht Excellence Scholarships for International Students
  • Amsterdam Merit Scholarships for Excellent International Students
  • L-EARN for Impact Scholarship

Types of Degrees to Study in Netherlands

Types of Degrees Description
Bachelor’s Degree A bachelor’s degree program in Netherlands requires 3 years of study and it consists of 180 credits. Depending upon the discipline the candidate can receive a BA or BSc degree. A bachelor’s program offered by universities of applied sciences requires 4 years of study that consists of 240 credits.
Master’s Degree A master’s degree in Netherlands requires 1,2 or 3 years of study that consists of 60-180 credits. Candidates after pursuing a Master’s degree will obtain an MA or MSc degree. A Master’s degree in applied Sciences and arts would require the candidate to complete 60-120 credits.
PhD Degree Research universities are the only institutions that can offer PhD degrees in Netherlands. There is very little course work in PhD programs of Netherlands as students have to begin their research work from the first day. Working under supervisors students tend to develop their own ideas while doing research.

Approximate Annual Tuition Fee to Study in Netherlands

Types of Degrees Approximate Annual Tuition Fee
Bachelor’s Degree 6,000 to 15,000 Euros
Master’s Degree 8,000 to 20,000 Euros
PhD Degree 6,000 to 20,000

Top Courses to Study in Netherlands for International Students

  • Study Walter Science Engineering
  • Study Animation in Netherlands
  • Study Data Engineering in Netherlands
  • Study Health Sciences in Netherlands
  • Study Economics in Netherlands
  • Study Law in Netherlands
  • Study Data Science in Netherlands

Requirements to Study in Netherlands for International Students

Language Requirements

An international student who wants to pursue a degree program in Netherlands would have to prove their proficiency in the English language by giving one of the above mentioned proficiency exams:

  • IELTS
  • TOEFL

Documents Required

study in Netherlands requirements differ from university to university but some of the general documents required to study in Netherland are as follows:

  • Copy of passport
  • Passport-sized photograph
  • Transcript of records
  • Proof of English or Dutch language proficiency
  • Copies of previous school degree/diploma or certificate
  • Personal statement in English
  • Motivation letter
  • CV
  • Sample of academic written work

Living in Netherlands

If you are planning to study in Netherlands then you must know that Netherlands is a small country, but that is part of its charm: incredible locations and experiences are never far away in Netherlands. Major cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht are all close to student cities such as Leiden and The Hague, for individuals who prefer living in cities. As a result, all of these destinations are ideal for day visits or outings, with plenty of options to enjoy music festivals, theatre performances, restaurants, cafés, architecture, and art. Netherlands is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the world. The Netherlands is one of the happiest countries in the world, according to the OECD’s Better Life Index, and one of the safest places, according to the Global Peace Index.

Research Institutes in Netherlands

The Netherlands is known for its high-quality university education and research, which promotes worldwide orientation and tradition-building. Many prominent scientists, Nobel Laureates, politicians, and members of royal families have graduated from Netherlands research universities since the first one was founded in 1575. While these universities maintain their intellectual traditions by preparing students for scientific research, they also incorporate practical elements into their curriculum. As a result, their graduates will be able to begin a professional career after graduation.

Economy of Netherlands

According to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, the Netherlands’ economy was the 6th largest in the world in 2022 (in terms of GDP). In the fiscal year 2022/23, its GDP per capita was predicted to be around $68,572, making it one of the world’s wealthiest countries. The Netherlands has a thriving and open economy that is primarily reliant on foreign trade. The economy is known for its strong labor relations, low unemployment and inflation, large current account surplus, and significant role as a European transportation hub. Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port, and Amsterdam is home to one of the world’s busiest airports.

Education System in Netherlands

Students in the Netherlands are taught for eight years in elementary school and four, five, or six years in high school (depending on the type of school). After high school, they can pursue vocational or university education. There are public and private schools at all levels of the educational system; private schools are often centered on religious or ideological principles.

Study in Netherlands Without IELTS

The Netherlands was one of the first countries to provide exclusively English-taught overseas study programs. Netherlands is known for its innovative and straightforward teaching philosophy, which attracts thousands of international students each year from all around the world. There is an excellent chance for both national and international students who wish to study in Netherlands without IELTS. International students can enroll in programs taught in either Dutch or English, making it an excellent choice for studying abroad. In the Netherlands, study time is almost same as other popular courses in other countries. The Netherlands’ government is responsible for all Selected Student Expenditure.

Top Universities to Study in Netherlands

University Name THE World Ranking 2023* Ranking in Europe 2023*
University of Amsterdam 60 58
Delft University of Technology 70 61
Utrecht University 66 112
Leiden University 77 131
University of Groningen 75 145
Eindhoven University of Technology 201-250 138
Erasmus University Rotterdam 80 208
Wageningen University 59 124
Maastricht University 145 278
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam 121 214
Radboud University 139 232
University of Twente 251-300 212

Cost of Studying and Living in Netherlands

If you are from India, an undergraduate course will cost you between €6,000 and €15,000 per year, and a postgraduate course will you cost between €8,000 and €20,000 per year. Whether you are an EU/EEA or international student, you can expect to pay a higher tuition fee if you choose to attend a private higher education institution. Therefore the cost of studying in Netherlands for Indian students is comparatively affordable when compared to other European countries. The cost of living in the Netherlands varies depending on where you reside. The cost of living in larger cities will be higher than in smaller cities and villages. Accommodation, travel, food, and other living expenditures should be budgeted between €500 and €1,500 per month on average.

Best Cities

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is an obvious choice because it is the capital. It is known for its museums, canals, and beautiful scenery, as well as a number of other activities to do. The Institution of Amsterdam (The Institution of Amsterdam) is the country’s second-largest and second-highest-ranked university. It was also named as one of the world’s top 100 colleges for student citations.
If you like to party, Amsterdam offers a vibrant nightlife. If you are planning to study in Amsterdam then you must know that it is the ideal place to live in the Netherlands if you appreciate culture and history.

Leiden

Leiden is best described as “your home away from home.” Leiden, located halfway between The Hague and Amsterdam, is one of the best cities in the Netherlands to live in. Leiden is known for its beautiful canals, some of which are similar to those found in Amsterdam — the city is so warm and friendly.

Holland

The term “Holland” was first used to refer to the country as a whole in the 17th century, when Holland was the most powerful of the Dutch provinces. The Holland region still has a significant population; it is home to the Netherlands’ three main cities, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague (Den Haag). As a result, many people still associate “Holland” with “the Netherlands.” If you are planning to study in Holland then you must know that it is considered as one of the safest places in the world for international student.

Why Study in Netherlands

There are many reasons to study in Netherlands for Indian students some of them are:

  • English Taught Programs

Netherlands has the highest course to offer that is taught in the English language in Europe. Almost all the programs taught in the Dutch language in Netherlands are also taught in the English language. Almost 70% of the Netherland population speaks English, hence the fear of feeling left out should not bother you there.

  • Quality Programs and Affordable Fees

The degree programs of the Netherlands gave global recognition. And these globally recognized degrees are available at very affordable prices. The cost of studying in Netherlands is very low as compared to the cost of studying in other European countries or countries like the US and UK.

  • Affordable Accommodation

Affordable accommodation is one of the most prominent reasons for choosing the Netherlands for studying abroad. With globally recognized universities and degrees, the Netherlands also offers affordable accommodation to its international students.

  • Welcoming Environment

The population of Netherlands is very welcoming and open-minded for its international students. Therefore the fear of feeling left out or fear of being alone would not disturb you as the people in Netherlands are very friendly.

  • Unique Teaching Style

The Dutch teaching methods and styles are very unique if we compare them with teaching styles of other countries. The universities of Netherlands provide interactive and student-centric teaching styles that will eventually help its national and international students to develop analyzing skills, problem solving, valuable skills, and creative thinking.

How to Apply to Study in Netherlands

The universities of Netherlands follow a centralized admission system that is known as Studielink. However, few universities and degree programs do not follow Studielink for their admission system. The candidate is advised to contact the specific university they are applying to for finding out whether you need to apply directly to the university or through Studielink.

Netherlands has a centralized application system for admissions known as Studielink. However, some of the institutions and courses of Netherlands do not use Studielink for their admission process. You would have to contact the University of your choice to find out whether you need to apply through Studielink or directly to the university itself.

The general document requirements for the getting application process in Netherland are:

  • Documents that can be used as proof that you can afford to live and study in Netherlands
  • Health Insurance
  • Understanding of the tuition language

When to Apply to Studying in Netherlands

If you want to study in Netherlands then you must know that there are two intakes for applying to universities of Switzerland:

Fall semester: It starts between the month of July to September

Spring Semester: it starts from the month of January or February

It is recommended to apply before April so that you would have enough time for the visa application process.

Student Visa for Netherlands

In order to study in Netherlands you would have to apply for a Netherlands Long Stay Student Visa also known as a residence permit that would allow you to pursue your studies in the country for up to five years.

Following is the list of documents required for Netherlands student visa:

  • Generally required documents for Netherlands student visa
  • Academic transcripts
  • Letter of acceptance from any university in Netherland
  • Documents proving that you can afford to live and study in Netherlands
  • Travel and health insurance
  • Application fee
  • Tuberculosis test
  • Income Proof

Work Opportunities

If you are looking for post study stay back options in Netherlands then you must begin looking for visa and permit options available to you. The visa and permit options primarily depend on the 3 factors mentioned below:

  • Duration
  • Nationality

Intention of Staying in the Country After Studies

You must know that there are plenty of employment opportunities in Netherlands therefore if you have managed to get a placement from your institution in Netherlands then it will be the company’s responsibility to apply and get the work permit on your behalf.

A non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen who is looking for a job in Netherlands after completing a degree program in the Netherlands will require a residence permit which may be tied up with your work permit in Netherlands till the duration of your work contract. However, the Netherlands provides unique opportunities to its international student body. Netherlands gives a search or orientation year opportunity to its international students this will eventually provide you the application for a residence permit for an entire search year. After the new regulation from 2016, this job search year can be extended for 3 years.

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