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Study in Netherlands Ultimate Guide for International Students

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Study in Netherlands: Fees, Top Colleges, Eligibility & Scholarships, Admission

Studying abroad in the Netherlands is an option if you consider yourself to be one of the non-cliched travellers who like to see the world on your own terms. Many foreign students are drawn to study in this European nation because of its canals, bulb fields, and affluent way of life.

For international students, studying in the Netherlands is a fun option to take. The nation is home to some of the best universities in the world, which provide a cutting-edge educational experience, a fantastic student life, and a friendly environment.

Studying in the Netherlands might satisfy your wanderlust in addition to providing you with a high-quality education because this European nation is bordered by Germany and Belgium.

Quick Highlights: Study in Netherlands For International Students

Here is a list of the key information you should know about Netherlands as an international student who wants to study there:

Language of Instruction Dutch and English
Average Cost of Study 6,000 – 50,000 EUR/ year
Average Cost of Living 1,000 EUR/ month
Sources of Funding Education loans, Part time jobs, and Scholarships
Exams Required IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GRE, GMAT, CNaVT, NT2etc.
Intakes Winter (Feb), Autumn (Sept)
Types of Visa Long stay student visa and resident permit
Top Courses Agricultural, Liberal arts, Sciences, Engineering, Sports Management, Philosophy,  Business and Finance, etc.
Types of Degrees Diploma, Bachelors, Masters, PhD
Best Student Cities Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, Delft

Read also: Study in Australia

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    Education

    Why choose to study in Netherlands as an International student-

    The Netherlands was the first country in Europe to provide courses taught in English. This implies that this nation was the first in all of Europe to welcome foreigners into its culture. Nowadays, the majority of Dutch people are English-speaking, making it simple to communicate in the Netherlands. Other significant justifications for studying in the Netherlands include:

    • The Netherlands’ universities are renowned for their distinctive and cutting-edge teaching strategies. Teaching takes place in small groups in the classroom, and a focus is placed on encouraging group work among students with real-world applications.
    • Universities in the Netherlands are less expensive than those in other study abroad countries like the UK or the US. Due to government funding for education, tuition costs are very cheap in the Netherlands.

     

    • The Netherlands is a friendly and safe nation. The population is friendly and values personal liberty.
    • While studying in the Netherlands, students benefit greatly from exposure to other cultures. Since there are already international students studying in Holland from more than 150 different countries, you may have a very diverse experience.
    • No matter where you live while taking classes in the Netherlands, you will always have easy access to other regions of Europe. You may simply and affordably travel to nearby nations including Germany, Belgium, Poland, Luxembourg, and more.
    Popular Universities

    Top Universities in Netherlands for International students-

    Some of the best universities in the world are located in the Netherlands. The QS rating system has also awarded high rankings to 13 universities in the Netherlands. Some of the top universities in the Netherlands are listed below:

    University QS World Ranking 2022 Average Tuition Fees/ Year
    University of Amsterdam 55 11,000 –  20,000  EUR
    Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) 57 13,000 – 20,000  EUR
    Leiden University 112 10,000 –  17,000 EUR
    Utrecht University 110 11,000 –  20,000 EUR
    University of Groningen 128 13,000 –  35,000 EUR
    Wageningen University and Research 123 17,000 EUR
    Erasmus University Rotterdam 179 10,000 –  23,000 EUR
    Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam 209 11,000 – 25,000 EUR
    Radboud University 214 11,000 –  17,000 EUR
    University of Twente (UT) 189 12,000 –  17,000 EUR
    Eindhoven University of Technology 125 8,000 – 18,000 EUR
    Top Courses

    The most popular courses chosen by students in the Netherlands are:

    There are different programs offered in the form of certificates, diplomas and degrees by the Netherlands universities for the Indian and the international students as:

    Program Duration in Research university Duration at universities of applied sciences Average Tuition Fees/ year
    BA Fine Arts 3 years 4  years 6,000 – 15,000 EUR
    BSc Business Management 3 years 4  years 6,000 – 18,000 EUR
    MSc Engineering 1-3 years 1-2 years 7,000 – 35,000 EUR
    MSc Architecture 1-3 years 1-2 years 8,000 – 20,000  EUR
    MA Humanities 3 years 4 years 7,000 –  35,000 EUR
    LLB 2 years 8,000 – 25,000 EUR
    MBA 1 year 9,000 – 37,000 EUR
    Admission Process

    Admission Requirements For International Students

    You will need to fulfil a number of prerequisites depending on the course you want to take in the Netherlands. Only if you check off all of the following prerequisites will your admissions application be taken into consideration:

    Degree Requirements
    Diploma
    • 10th and 12th certificates
    • IELTS/TOEFL for English
    • CNaVT/ NT2 for Dutch
    • Some diplomas might require previous work experience in the field.
    Bachelor’s Degree
    • 12th standard certificate with minimum of 75%
    • IELTS/TOEFL for English
    • CNaVT/ NT2 for Dutch
    • Some institutes or courses might also require a diploma to pursue a Bachelors
    Masters  Degree
    • Bachelor’s degree in any relative field. For research-oriented programs, the bachelor’s degree should be of a research-oriented program as well.
    • The average GPA score required is 7.5 or higher on a 10.0 scale.
    • Minimum GRE score of 310 to 330 or GMAT score of 600.
    • IELTS with a minimum score of 6 or TOEFL with 80.
    • CNaVT/ NT2 for Dutch
    • CV, LORs and SOPs
    PhD Degree
    • Masters degree in the field you are interested in conducting your research in.
    • Relevant Research/ Work Experience
    • CV
    • LORs and SOP

    Application procedure for studying in Netherlands for International students-

    International students can apply for study visas in the Netherlands online. Let’s go over the application procedure for universities in the Netherlands in more depth below:

    1. Check the top universities of Netherlands and select the course that suits you
    2. Once you’ve narrowed down your list of options, visit the official university website to learn more about the prerequisites and eligibility requirements for institutions in the Netherlands.
    3. Plan your preparation while keeping the application deadline in mind.
    4. Take the necessary exams to apply for admission. GMAT and GRE scores are prerequisites for admission to any university in the Netherlands.
    5. You must also submit your IELTS or TOEFL results in order to enrol in an English-taught course. You can take the CNaVT and NT2 language tests if you are taking a Dutch course.
    6. You can use studielink or the official website of the university you want to attend to submit an application to study in Netherlands.
    7. On the official website, complete the application form and provide all the necessary paperwork. Pay the application fees now by going online.
    8. Keep in mind that your university is in charge of starting the visa process at the IND. So make sure to check with the college you attended. You can apply for a student visa and a resident permit at your local embassy after receiving approval from the university.
    Fees Structure

    Study in Netherlands:Tuition Fees Structure

    Depending on your lifestyle, the cost of living in the Netherlands varies for international students. The good news is that students can benefit from special student discounts in malls, entertainment venues, and other establishments. To take advantage of all the benefits available to you, obtain an international student ID card or a Dutch CJP card. Below is a breakdown of the typical living expenses incurred by overseas students under various headings:

    Particular Cost Per Month
    Apartment housing including utilities 300 – 1,200 EUR
    Food 50 – 75  EUR
    Books and supplies 40 EUR
    Transportation 15 EUR
    Miscellaneous 150 EUR

     

    Best cities for students

    Despite being a tiny nation, the Netherlands offers a variety of cities where you can pursue your further education. Some of the top cities for international students to study in the Netherlands are listed below:

    Amsterdam-
    Monthly Average Cost of Living: 950–1000 EUR
    Leading Universities Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

    Rotterdam
    Monthly Average Cost of Living: 850–900 EUR
    Top Universities: Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, and Erasmus University Rotterdam

    Utrecht-
    Monthly Average Cost of Living: 900 EUR
    Top Universities: University College Utrecht, University of Humanistic Studies, and Utrecht University

    Student Visa

    Study Visas and Permits for International Students in Netherlands

    If you are admitted to a Dutch university, it means that you won’t have to deal with visa procedures or other paperwork for too long.

    • You can choose between a Schengen visa and a short-stay visa if your course in the Netherlands will last less than 90 days.
    • You will need an entry visa (MVV) and a residence permit (VVR) if you are enrolling in a recognised long course in the Netherlands.

    The steps for obtaining a student visa for the Netherlands are listed below:

    1. Initiate your visa application after consulting with your chosen university.
    2. Once you’ve finished the visa initiation process, go to the embassy or consulate to submit your visa application.
    3. Submit your application after paying the visa fees.
    4. Attend your interview for a visa.
    5. It could take up to a month for your visa application to be accepted.
    6. Get your MVV.

    Documents needed to obtain a student visa for the Netherlands:

    • 2 pictures and a fully filled out visa application
    • Birth certificate and a valid passport
    • Academic transcript
    • Official letter from the Netherlands-based university
    • A study plan (Explain why you are drawn to that area of study in particular. How and why does it relate to what you’ve already learned?
    • Financial justification for the entire study duration (about 870 EUR per month)
    • Health and travel insurance
    • Application fee for visa
    • Photocopies of all the original documents
    • Test for tuberculosis (required for citizens from some countries)
    Scholarships

    Netherlands Government Scholarship

    The Netherlands Government Scholarship Under Orange Knowledge Scholarship 2021-2022 is now open. The Netherlands Scholarship is a Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students to Study a Full-Time Masters Degree Program or Short Courses Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dutch Ministry has Initiated an Orange Knowledge Program Scholarship (OKP) which is a Fully Funded Scholarship to Study in the Netherlands.

    The Netherland Government Scholarship Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP). OKP is Initiated and Fully Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Following Expenses will be covered.

    • Full Tuition Fees
    • Living Allowance
    • Visa Fee
    • Round Airfare Travel Tickets
    • Insurance

    More than 1,000 Programs are available. You can find it through the Course Finder. All-Academic Fields and Courses are Available for the MS Degree Programs & Short Courses Scholarships for International Students

    • Agriculture And Environment
    • Economics, Commerce, Management, And Accounting
    • Engineering
    • General Programmes
    • Health Care, Social Services And Care Services
    • Hotel, Catering, Tourism, Leisure, Transport And Logistics
    • Humanities, Social Sciences, Communication And Arts
    • Law, Public Administration, Public Order, And Safety
    • Mathematics, Natural Sciences, And Computer Science
    • Teacher Training
    Best student cities

    Top 5 Student Cities in Netherlands for International Students

    • Maastricht
    • Utrecht
    • Nijmegen
    • Leeuwarden
    • Leiden

    Work Opportunities

    Job opportunities for International students in Netherlands-

    International graduates are in high demand in the Netherlands. There are a lot of open positions and not enough people to fill them. Top employers in the Netherlands include Shell, Airbus, ING group, Philips, and others. Following a master’s degree, there are several excellent work options in the Netherlands, including:

    Area of Specialisation Average Annual Salary
    Engineering ​62,000 EUR
    Research 55,000 EUR
    Medicine 85,000 EUR
    Data Science 65,109 EUR
    Management 70,000 EUR

    FAQ's

    How much does it cost to study in Netherlands?

    6,000 – 15,000 EUR/year for a Bachelor’s degree. 8,000 – 20,000 EUR/year for a Master’s degree

    Is it good to study in Netherlands?

    Dutch universities are known to be among the best universities in the world, competing with other famous UK and U.S. universities. You could say Netherlands is one of the top non-English speaking countries where you can study abroad, get quality education and find loads of degrees taught in English

    Do international students get jobs in Netherlands?

    In the Netherlands, students can work for a maximum of 16 hours per week at a part-time job. Technically students work for two hours a week alongside their studies. In the summer months of June, July, and August, students can work full time and earn a full-time payment

    Can I settle in Netherlands after study?

    Holland offers advantageous visas for international students who want to stay and work after graduation. With the Orientation Year for Graduates Seeking Employment you can spend up to one year looking for work in Holland, and you can stay as long as you have that job.

    What is the duration of Student Visa?

    A Netherlands Student Visa lasts only as long as your study program. It allows the holder to stay in the country for up to five years in order to finish their studies. The student can also apply for a one-year residency before their course in order to prepare.