About Netherlands
The Netherlands is located in Mainland Europe bordering Germany and France. The country is known for its innovative education methods. If you pursue an education in Netherlands you get to experience visionary architecture, contemporary fashion and tons of street markets.
Consider getting your education in Netherlands, where there are over 1,500 education programs in English offered by 77 different higher education institutions. Many of these programs are geared towards international students who want to study abroad, making it the perfect place for you to study. Not only will you be part of a highly international student body, but the educational institutions in the Netherlands are renowned for being some of the best in the world.
Whether you’re looking for a bachelors degree, diploma program, a masters or PhD, the Netherlands has it all. Many opportunities await you after completing your education in the Netherlands. You’ll be prepared to enter numerous professional fields or continue your education in Holland or at other international universities.
Quick facts on Netherlands
Netherlands is a densely populated country situated in Western Europe. The country is influenced by its low land and flat geography with around 50% of its submerged land its one meter above sea level. Nevertheless, Netherlands is the world’s largest exporter of food and agricultural products. Studying in Netherlands, you can benefit from the mild weather and fertile soil.
Netherlands currently has an elected parliament. Since 1848, the country has been governed by a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy organised by the state. Nevertheless, consider education in Netherlands for its social tolerance and being a liberal country. Students who pursue their education in Netherlands can benefit from the open minded and tolerant nation as well as a divergent culture within Dutch Universities. Moreover, while pursuing your education in Netherlands, you can benefit from the excellent transport links from Netherlands to other European countries that gives students the option of travelling and sight seeing other popular cities in Europe broadening your study abroad experience.
The capital of Netherlands, Amsterdam is the cultural hub of the country. Choose to undertake your education in Netherlands and benefit from over 20 well recognized educational institutions. The Netherlands also has one of the most active social scenes and night life, making it a student centric, enjoyable city. For those who are not into loud music and bars however, Netherlands has some of the most famous museums and tourist sites within Europe. There is always something for all students to enjoy during your education in Netherlands!
Degree types
Students who enroll in higher education programmes in the Netherlands will obtain a bachelors degree upon completion of the undergraduate phase, and a masters degree upon completion of the graduate phase.
Institutes for International Education offer masters programmes, but no bachelors programmes, as opposed to Research Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences who award both types of degrees.
Bachelor Programs
A research university bachelors degree program in the Netherlands requires 3 years of study (180 credits). Graduates obtain a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (BA/BSc) degree, depending on the discipline. A bachelors degree programme offered by universities of applied sciences requires 4 years of study (240 credits). The degree indicates the field of study (for example, Bachelor of Engineering, B Eng).
Master Programs
A research-oriented masters programme in the Netherlands requires 1, 2 or 3 years (60-180 credits) of study. Graduates obtain a Master of Arts or Master of Science (MA/MSc) degree. A masters degree awarded in the applied arts and sciences requires the completion of 60-120 credits. Graduates obtain a degree indicating the field of study (for example, Master of Architecture, M Arch).
PhD Programs
Research is carried out by research universities, research institutes and companies in the Netherlands. The research universities are the only institutions that can award PhD degrees in the Netherlands, but since research bodies normally work in close collaboration with the 14 research universities, they are also able to provide positions to PhD candidates.
Earning a PhD is a hands-on activity that involves very little course work so PhD students in the Netherlands start doing research from day one. Through work with their supervisors, students are able to develop their own ideas and priorities while performing their research. Research schools and graduate schools provide an inspiring research environment, offering tailor made study programmes, master classes, conferences and seminars.
Student Visas & Work Permits
Netherlands is an increasing international study destination for many students due to the high quality of education. Visa requirements depend on whether the student is an EU/non EU citizen
SHORT STAY VISA
For a stay of less than three months, a visa may be required, depending on your nationality. You can find information and advice on what is required of you on nuffic.nl, or by contacting your local Dutch consulate or embassy.
LONG TERM VISA
For a stay exceeding three months, you need a provisional residence permit, (“Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf”, abbreviated as “MVV”), unless you are a citizen of an EU/EEA member country, Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, the US and Switzerland. This requirement applies to citizens of all other countries. The MVV allows you to enter the Netherlands; however, you must apply for a Residence Permit on arrival.
You will be granted a provisional residence permit under following circumstances:
- You have a valid passport
- You have sufficient financial means
- You are not a danger to public order or national security in the Netherlands
- The required fees are paid
- You have a letter or other document from the Dutch host institution stating that you are or will be enrolled as a student or that you are going to do and internship
- For interns: you have a copy of the application for a work permit if applicable
- For Chinese students: you have a Nuffic certificate, necessary to follow study programmes which are taught in English
The application process for an MVV could take between three to six months, so it is important to start the process in good time. You can find more information on nuffic. nl or by contacting your local Dutch consulate or embassy.
Working while studying
Many students choose to work while pursuing their education in the Netherlands. Depending on their nationality, students may work for a limited amount of hours/week with a work permit from their employer.
EU/EEA/Swiss nationals are allowed to work in the Netherlands as many hours as they choose while studying. The employer does not need to provide a work permit for this. Foreign students (non EU/EEA/Swiss) with a valid residence permit are allowed to work either full-time seasonal work in June, July and August, or part-time work of no more than ten hours a week outside the summer period. The employer does need to provide a work permit, but it is an easy process, since the employer does not need to prove that there are no Dutch or EU/EAA/Swiss nationals capable of doing the job.
Bulgarian and Roman nationals are also allowed to work while studying in the Netherlands for as many hours as they like while studying. However, the employer does need to provide them with a work permit and also need to show that there are no EU/EEA/Swiss nationals capable of doing the job. Since this is a very difficult process, nationals from Bulgaria and Rumania are advised to work no more than the allowed ten hours/week outside the summer period or fulltime during the summer months of June, July and August. In doing this, the work permit is a lot easier to obtain.
Student Accommodation
Finding quality, affordable student housing while studying in the Netherlands can be difficult. It is very crowded in the Netherlands, especially in the big cities such as Amsterdam, Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, and famous student cities such as Leiden and Groningen suffer from shortages. It is common for Dutch students to have problems finding accommodation near their university.
Most universities do, however, offer temporary, short stay solutions for foreign students upon arrival. If you are part of an exchange program or enrolled in an international course, it is very likely that you will be offered a room.
Accommodation in the Netherlands is expensive and it is important to remember to also consider additional costs, such as the deposit, gas, water and electricity the price. Also keep in mind are that most leases run for six months to a year, and you must know whether room/apartment is furnished or unfurnished.
It is common to have your independent room as a student in the Netherlands, depending on the accommodation. You may have to share the kitchen, living room, shower and lavatory with other students however. If you have a problem with men and women living together in a shared house you need to advise the appropriate party since it is common for men and women to live together in the Netherlands. Private rentals costs €710.68 (according to the House Value Rating System) which is the most common option for expats.
Cost of living
It is important to be well prepared when studying in the Netherlands. A crucial part of the preparation is to consider your daily expenses. Including food, public transport, books, clothes, cinema tickets, housing and insurance, a student should prepare to spend an average of between €700 and €1,000/month when studying in the Netherlands.
Calculating an average student’s income, about one third will go towards housing, another third spent on food, and the remaining third spent on leisure, books, travel and other expenses.
Many places, such as bars, restaurants, museums, cinemas and shops give student discounts. Usually they will ask for proof in the form of a student card from your institution. It is always a good idea to check in advance if a student discount is available. It may be beneficial to acquire an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), since it provides a range of interesting discounts and offers. More information about this is available at the ICIS website.
Nestled between Belgium, Germany and France you will discover the small yet spectacular nation of Luxembourg, also known as the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Consisting of 2,586km 2 of green forests, rolling hills and low mountains, Luxembourg is home to more than half a million people, and despite its compactness, it is renowned as a European melting pot that is bound to offer all students a memorable study experience.