About the Netherlands | Study in NL (2024)

FAQs

Is the Netherlands a good place to study? ›

The Netherlands is famous among international students because of its unique lifestyle and number of universities in the top 200 worldwide. Some of the best-ranked universities in the Netherlands charge up to €15,000 per year for Bachelors, and up to €20,000 per year for Masters.

The Netherlands is one of the most attractive European countries for American students who want to study abroad. This is why the US nationals make up the 14th largest community of international students, with a total of 1.268 representatives.

With tuition fees likely to be much lower than in England for the foreseeable future this can be a compelling reason for considering Dutch higher education. Studying in the Netherlands is not free, however. There are costs involved. You need to consider the cost of living as well as tuition fees.

There may also an application fee, which is €50-100 depending on the programme or course. A bachelor's degree in the Netherlands lasts four years so EU/EEA students should estimate to spend up to €8,000 on university tuition in total, while non-EU/EEA students should estimate to spend a maximum of €45,000.

Practically everyone in the Netherlands speaks English. But it is helpful to learn a bit of Dutch. You will notice that the Dutch are very understanding to non-Dutch speakers and will switch to English. However, speaking Dutch is important if you want to integrate into Dutch society and to connect with fellow-students.

The Netherlands has universal healthcare, but the government requires all adults living or working in the Netherlands to have basic insurance. The basic plan will cost € 100-120 out of pocket. If you're employed, your employer will pay a small percentage towards medical coverage as well.

If you reside in the Netherlands on a student residence permit, you are allowed to work up to a maximum of 16 hours per week throughout the year, or fulltime in the summer months (June to August).

The post-study work visa (orientation year) in the Netherlands allows you to stay in the country for one year after you complete your degree. It cannot be extended unless you pursue another course or further education.

Proof of funds: you must show proof of having at least 900 Euros per month for the duration of your degree. This figure of minimum funds is updated by the IND twice every year. Proof of language proficiency in English: exams such as TOEFL or IELTS.

Financial aid in the Netherlands is known as studiefinanciering or student finance. Student finance is a scheme set up by the Dutch government to fund tuition fees and other living costs of eligible students. Then, there are scholarships, which function in a similar way, but are based on an awards system.

Is the Netherlands expensive to live in? ›

The cost of living in the Netherlands can vary depending on the city and lifestyle. On average, a single person may spend around €800-€1,200 per month on accommodation, food, transport, and other expenses. Students can expect to live comfortably in the Netherlands with a monthly budget of INR 86,000 (€952).

International students at Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences are very happy with their studies. At the same time, many students experience negative emotions such as stress and loneliness.

First-Year Requirements

In the Dutch system: a minimum average of 7 on the 10 point grading scale. Or the equivalent in the U.S. system: a 'B' average or a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.00 GPA grading scale.

The pace of study is intense and fast, so students need to adapt very quickly at the beginning of the first year so they do not fall behind. The academic year is divided into either two semesters or four blocks, with exams at the mid-term and end of term, or at the end of each block.

The Netherlands ranks highly in many education fields. The World Economic Forum ranked the Netherlands at third place in its list of the most educated countries in the world, and the Dutch system is listed as one of the highest performers in the Pisa/OECD rankings for 15-year-olds.

Germany is the better choice if you're planning on studying in a country with many international students. There are around 350,000 international students in Germany, compared to 81,000 in the Netherlands. More students from European countries in the Netherlands, and most of them come from Germany.

The Netherlands is a great choice for internationals who want to continue their higher education at abroad universities. This country is the home of some world-popular universities that rank high in the QS World University Ranking.

International students at Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences are very happy with their studies. At the same time, many students experience negative emotions such as stress and loneliness.