Higher Education in the Netherlands

Located in Western Europe, the Netherlands is known for its architecture, richness in philosophy, the beauty of its art, and its diverse cuisine. While it may be one of Europe's most popular tourism countries, the Netherlands is favored by many candidates who wish to have a thriving academic and professional career. The Netherlands has about seventy educational institutes with over 100,000 eager students savoring academic opportunities.

While Dutch is the country's official language, 95% of the Dutch population is fluent in English, and many also speak French. Universities in the Netherlands offer over 2,000 programs entirely taught in English, including Social Science, Computer Science, Engineering Science, etc.

Top Universities in the Netherlands

Most Dutch universities are state-funded and categorized as research and applied science universities. A few of the best universities in the Netherlands are as follows-

• Delft University of Technology
• University of Amsterdam
• Wageningen University and Research Center
• Leiden University
• University of Groningen

Some of the private universities in the Netherlands are Protestant Theological University, Theological University of Kampen, and Nyenrode Business University.

Degree Programs in the Netherlands

The higher education system in the Netherlands includes three different degrees: Bachelor’s, Master's, and Research degrees.

Most Bachelor's programs offered in the country are three years and require 180 credits. A Bachelor's degree in applied science requires four years of study and 240 credits.

The master’s program in the country lasts one to two years and includes a core curriculum, internships, and a thesis, depending on the subject the candidate has chosen. This program provides candidates with 60 or 120 credits, depending on the program.

The Netherlands places a lot of emphasis on research programs, and doctoral degrees in the country take 4 or more years, depending on the field of study and the topic the candidate has chosen. This program will contain core courses and a dissertation that the candidate will have to defend.

Cost of Education in the Netherlands

The affordability of higher education in the country is mostly associated with public universities that charge a specific amount for students, whereas private universities often fall on the expensive side. While higher education is affordable in the Netherlands, this is mostly benefited by candidates who are EU/EEA and Switzerland nationals. The approximate cost breakdown for candidates not from the EU/EEA or Switzerland is as follows. The actual cost depends on the city, university, program, degree, etc.

Expenses	Cost
Application fee	€50 - €100
Tuition fee (Bachelor's or Master's Degree)	€2,000 - €3,00 (EEA) €15,000 - €30,00 (non EEA)
Student Visa fees	€210
Accommodations	University accommodation: €350 - €600 a month Rent: €1,000 - €1,600 a month Average utility cost: €200 a month
Monthly living expenses	€800 - €1,100

Admission Requirements in the Netherlands

The eligibility requirements for candidates interested in studying in the Netherlands depend on the universities they hope to enroll in and the academic program they wish to sign up for. Sometimes, there are different eligibility requirements based on a candidate's nationality. A few of the general requirements that candidates must meet to apply for universities in the Netherlands are-

• International students who are not a part of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland will need to apply for a visa and a student residence permit
• If candidates are applying for an English medium course, they must have proof of proficiency in English. IELTS and TOEFL, among others, are accepted by most universities. If candidates are applying for a Dutch medium course, they must pass the Dutch TUL intermediate exam.
• Candidates must submit Letters of Recommendation, past educational certifications, a Statement of Purpose, and proof of application payment.
• Depending on the degree, some universities may require sample academic work.

Scholarships in the Netherlands

Candidates will be able to receive scholarships that are mostly merit-based if they are international students. The scholarships are either provided by the government or universities

Holland Scholarships: This scholarship is now known as the NL Scholarship. It is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science. This scholarship covers €5000, which candidates receive in their first year. However, this scholarship is not a full-tuition scholarship. Only international students outside the EEA who are applying for a Bachelor's or Master's are eligible to apply for this scholarship. A few of the participating universities include Leiden University, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Utrecht University, etc.

Nuffic scholarships - OKP: The Orange Knowledge Program funds short courses and master's programs for mid-career professionals. The scholarship includes the cost of travel, visa, insurance, and 95% of tuition fees. There are thirty-eight countries eligible for this scholarship.

Leiden University Excellence Scholarships: The LExS scholarship is provided to candidates doing a full-time master's degree at Leiden University, except for the LLM and MSc programs at the Law School within the same campus. It is given to candidates who are from non-EEA and non-EFTA countries. It is a merit-based scholarship, and candidates must have grades that fall within the top 10% of their previous program. This is not a full scholarship; hence, candidates must show proof of sufficient funds. The award amount is provided in 3 tiers: €10,000 as tuition fee, €15,000 as tuition fee, and the final one being a total tuition fee award.

Working While Studying in the Netherlands

Candidates from EU/EEA and Switzerland can work in the country for as many hours as they want while studying within the country. However, non-EU/EEA candidates will require a work permit, which their employer must apply for. It will take about five weeks to receive this permit. Non-EU/EEA candidates can work in the country for full-time jobs during June, July, and August when they are on academic break. During the academic year, candidates can only work sixteen hours a week. But this is subject to the kind of residence permit they have taken for their education.

Benefits of Studying in the Netherlands

Though it is one of Europe's smaller countries, the Netherlands is home to several different cultures from over a hundred countries. The country is also closely connected to the business and economic world. While staying in a diverse and inclusive environment like the Netherlands, candidates will receive a top-tier education in a multicultural environment. Some of the benefits of studying in the Netherlands include-

• Quality Education: The teaching methods employed by the Dutch Universities are interactive and student-focused. Many receive a valuable, higher-quality education that is recognized all over the world.
• Lower Cost: The cost of living and academics at Dutch Universities is considerably lower when compared to other English-speaking countries. The Netherlands offers affordable education at an undergraduate and postgraduate level for domestic and international students. This helps candidates receive a debt-free education in the country alone.
• Job Opportunities: The country has one of the best open economies in the world, making it easy for candidates to thrive in internships and part-time jobs. The economy also makes it much easier to find full-time employment within their field of study after completing the academic program.
• Valuable Teaching Methods: The Netherlands believes in inculcating innovative teaching methods, which is a blend of practical and theoretical learning. The teaching methods of the Dutch Universities are designed to create a smooth transition from the academic world to the professional workspace world.
• Academic Environment: A short time to enjoy a cup of coffee or a break in the day to savor a snack with a cup of tea is embedded in the Dutch culture, and this same priority for down time or leisure is infused in the Academic culture. This assures that candidates will enjoy their Dutch education instead of experiencing a stressful academic life.
• Linguistic Opportunities: Not only is the solid English-speaking population a comfort for many international students, but it also helps candidates learn a new language from exposure, not out of necessity. This holds true not only for the Dutch language but for French, German, and several other popular languages within the Netherlands.
• Top-tier Education: The degrees that are offered in the country are internationally recognized, especially when it comes to research programs due to the added importance that they give to research programs in the country.
• Orientation Year Visa: The Netherlands offers candidates who have completed their Master's Degree, or any such higher degree, a one year residence permit to give them time to look for employment post graduation.