The Ultimate Guide to Studying in Netherlands in 2024

Did you know the Netherlands, also commonly known as Holland, is one of the most sought-after destinations for international students? Situated in Europe, this country has an impeccable education system especially, its management, business, engineering, and technology programs. If this and boat trips on canals, lazing on beaches, and cycling around the Dutch neighborhood sound exciting to you, studying in the Netherlands might be just your right choice.

Read on to learn about some of the most important aspects of studying in the Netherlands!

Why study in the Netherlands?

So, what’s the catch about studying in the Netherlands? To begin with, the tuition fees in the Netherlands for international students don’t go through the roof, thanks to government subsidies. It also attracts a diversity of students from several countries, including China, Italy, France, Belgium, and Spain. The cost of living in the Netherlands is also fairly reasonable, especially in comparison to the UK and France.

Another rationale in favor of studying there is that the Netherlands’ university rankings are constantly improving. A degree completed from a Dutch institute will have a worth all around the world. The high-quality education system of the Netherlands, when combined with these perks, explains why it has seen a significant rise in international students over the past decade.

Read more: Why study at the top universities in the Netherlands?

Student life in the Netherlands

Well, it differs from school to school. However, the majority of international students landing in Dutch universities tend to live on campuses due to the affordability factor. Living on campus also has a great prospect in terms of socialization and adaptation to diversity. You’ll love how easy it is to get around the place with a bike – the preferred (and the cheapest) mode of transportation in the Netherlands.

Moreover, social and community work is an integral part of Dutch society that also includes students. So, you need to start volunteering for any social cause (animal welfare, senior care, etc.) as soon as you can once you enter the country as an international student. It will reflect well on your CV and will also help you with networking and making new friends.  

Eligibility criteria and tuition fees

Most Dutch universities require an IELTS score of more than 6.5. If you plan on applying for Masters, you would also require good scores in your Bachelor’s degree(70% and above for top universities) in order to qualify. While they do require high scores, the universities in Holland also accept students with a high number of backlogs.

Whether it is a public or private institute, the tuition fees in the Netherlands for international students is not waived off in any circumstances. But there are several organizations that offer scholarships for international students who want to study in the Netherlands.

The tuition fees in the Netherlands for international students who want to study in the Netherlands can be-

Bachelors programs: €6,000 – €12,000

Masters programs:  €7,000- € ⚬20,000

Depending on the location and the type of accommodation, the cost of living in the Netherlands ranges between ⚬800 and ⚬1,000 per month. This includes stay, food, health insurance, and transport costs. To fund your expenses, you can take up a part-time job and work for a maximum of 16 hours per week.

Pro-tip: An orientation year is available for non-EU/EEA postgraduates, during which you may work freely or do an internship/traineeship while your employer does not have to apply for a work permit for hiring you.

Universities in Netherlands for international students

The Netherlands is one of the first non-English-speaking countries that started offering courses in English that are aimed towards international students. International students also love to come to the Netherlands for its inclusive social dynamics. Students can study at either a research university or a University of Applied Sciences.

While the number of international students has increased, the institutions have evolved to offer well-designed modern courses and facilities to them. A teamwork-based teaching style, a small student-to-faculty ratio, and a high emphasis on practical experiences are some of the most important features the top universities in the Netherlands are famous for. 

Some of the top Netherlands university for international students are-

1. Delft University of Technology
2. University of Amsterdam
3. Eindhoven University of Technology
4. University of Groningen
5. Leiden University
6. Utrecht University
7. Wageningen University & Research
8. Erasmus University Rotterdam
9. University of Twente
10. Radboud University

To find out the best program in the Netherlands for your postgraduate education, you can always get in touch with experts at iSchoolConnect.

Scholarships for international students

You can take the edge off the cost of studying in the Netherlands by acquiring a scholarship. The two general scholarships available to international students are Holland Scholarships and Erasmus Mundus Scholarships in the Netherlands.

 

In the former, you get a lump sum amount of 5,000 Euros in the first year of your Bachelor’s or Master’s program. Besides that, individual universities also offer customized scholarships for international students.

Job prospects in the Netherlands

Dutch universities have partnerships with a lot of local & international companies, including Philips, Heineken, and Unilever. Once you have finished your postgraduate studies, you can apply for a Search Year Permit, which will give you 12 months to land a job. It is recommended, however, that you learn Dutch before you start applying. 

And in case you fall in love with the country during your employment, you can apply for the EU Blue Card. It is a resident permit for highly qualified international candidates. From there, permanent residency in the Netherlands is only 4 years away!

Read More: 4 easy steps to get a Netherlands work visa

Choosing which country to study in can be a confusing choice. If you’re still confused about which country, program, or university you should choose, all you have to do is contact iSchoolConnect! We’ll help you find the perfect university based on your scores and choices. All you have to do is click here to contact us!

Liked this blog? Read: How to pay for your own college education | 8 time-tested strategies

FAQ

1. Is the Netherlands good for international students?

Answer- Netherland is a great place for international students If you get a university and course in the Netherlands that is perfect for you then it will be worth it as it is not only affordable but also has many job opportunities.

2. What is a good GPA in the Netherlands?

Answer- A GPA between 6 – 8 is considered a good score.

3. Do people in the Netherlands speak English?

Answer- Yes, a vast majority of people here speak English.