Popular Consultant
Emrul Hasan
Professional Consultant
—Knock! Knock!
—Hi there, old buddy! Seems that you are here for another new adventure!
Hey, your BuddyBee was thinking about taking you on a trip to the Netherlands. Do you wanna be sure whether you want to join or not? Well, well, well … Let me tell you a little secret my buddy.
If Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and speed skating go together in your mind, and you like mobility and open-minded people, then perhaps you were made for the Netherlands. This is a country of stunning landscapes: fields of tulips, rows of windmills, and snow-covered canals. Extra treats are the internationalized community, hearing English spoken as frequently as Dutch, great museums, and a colorful nightlife. Perhaps the country’s beauty is the reason it has produced so many of the world’s most treasured artists, no doubt! [7]
Mmmmmm, the rainy weather might be a bit of a downer, but I think you won’t mind it when you have a great company.
By the way, you must be wondering that we already have explored quite a number of great study destinations, so, why would my buddy want to study in the Netherlands?
Let’s start exploring our next study destination — The Netherlands......
The Netherlands is a prime destination for students of engineering, computer science, and mathematics due to the Delft University of Technology, one of the world’s top specialist universities. The University of Amsterdam is a notable generalist university in the country’s capital, ranking highly in global comparisons across a broad spectrum of subjects. Many of its degrees can be taken in English, and Dutch people have a reputation for speaking English as fluently as a second language. [4]
⦁ Dutch Degrees and Qualifications
The Dutch system does not differ significantly from the European study system and thus, the following degrees are available:
⦁ Bachelor’s degrees
⦁ Master’s degrees
⦁ PhD
⦁ Postdoctoral research [3]
⦁ Research universities (Universiteiten)
If you are someone passionate about research, you’ll be absolutely thrilled to know that in total, 14 research universities and 8 academic medical centers in the Netherlands enroll more than 2,00,000 students and offer 3-year Bachelor’s programs and 1 or 2-year Master’s programs. At a research university in the Netherlands, you can also get a WO degree. [5]
⦁ WO degree (Research Bachelor’s degree)
⦁ A 3-year Bachelor’s degree at a research university (universiteit)
⦁ Degree in arts, science, or law. [9]
⦁ A student must have a VWO high school qualification to start a WO unless they have already completed the first year of an HBO degree. [5]
⦁ Universities of applied sciences (Hogescholen)
All hogescholen have a more practical orientation and thus, Bachelor’s programs specializing in specific areas last for four years. It should be underlined that after completing a 4-year Bachelor’s program, students can apply for a second Bachelor’s or even for a Master’s program in almost every university. However, a switch program (one year) may be required. At a university of applied sciences in the Netherlands, you can get an HBO degree. [5]
⦁ HBO degree (Applied Bachelor’s degree)
⦁ A 4-year Bachelor’s degree at a university of applied sciences (hogeschool)
⦁ Degree in design, engineering, IT, teaching, and more.
⦁ The HBO combines both theoretical and practical knowledge via group work and internships. [9]
⦁ Postgraduate education in the Netherlands
Students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree (either HBO or WO) can embark on postgraduate education such as a Master’s degree or doctoral degree.
⦁ Master’s degree
Master’s programs last between 1 to 3 years, covering an area of theoretical or applied knowledge.
⦁ Ph.D. or Doctorate
PhDs are 4-year doctorate programs covering a specific field of theoretical knowledge involving research and writing a thesis.
⦁ Institutes for International Education (IE)
Institutes for International Education (IE) offers a variety of specialized programs, including short courses, Master’s programs, and Ph.D. programs. Most of the IE institutes are part of a research university. [5]
⦁ Dutch Credit System (ECTS Scheme)
Just as in most European educational systems, the study workload in the Netherlands is measured in ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits. [3]
⦁ Dutch Grading System
The Dutch grading system goes from 1 (very poor) to 10 (outstanding). A 5.5 is the passing minimum. While the grading scale runs from 1 to 10, the marks 1 to 3 as well as 9 and 10 are not frequently given.
Please note that desired grades also depend on the type of program or study you are after. For instance, an average of 7.5 may be more than sufficient for a Master’s but not for a Ph.D. [3]
⦁ Affordable Tuition Fees
Dutch public universities have very affordable tuition fees if you’re a European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) national. You won’t usually have to pay more than 2,100 EUR per academic year, with various study programs often being cheaper than that.
However, the story is a bit different for the non-EU/EEA students, who should expect to pay anywhere between 6,000 and 20,000 EUR per year.
⦁ Bachelor’s programs typically cost between 6,000 and 15,000 EUR per year;
⦁ Master’s programs in Holland usually cost between 8,000 and 20,000 EUR per year. [1]
Nonetheless, that is still much more affordable when compared with tuition fees of over 50,000 EUR per year in the USA. [2]
⦁ Cost of living
Your living costs will depend on where you live in the Netherlands. As you know, the bigger cities will be more expensive than the smaller cities and towns. But on average, you should budget between 500 and 1,500 EUR per month for accommodation, travel, food, and other living expenses. Many bars, restaurants, and tourist attractions offer student discounts when you show your institution student card. You could also register for an International Student Identity Card (which is valid worldwide) or a CJP discount card (only valid in the Netherlands). [6]
⦁ Dutch Universities and Funding
In terms of funding, all Dutch universities and institutions belong to one of the 2 following categories:
⦁ Government-funded institutions: Legally protected and financially supported by the Dutch government and thus, are allowed to offer officially recognized degrees.
⦁ Government-approved institutions: Not funded by the Dutch government but preserve the right to offer officially recognized degrees. [5]
⦁ No Language Barriers
Buddy, did you know that over 90% of Dutch citizens speak English? Whether you want to visit a famous tourist attraction on your own, ask for directions, or buy something from a shop, you won’t have to worry about the language barriers.
The popularity of the English language also makes it a lot easier to socialize and connect with people, to take part in social and cultural events, or simply make friends and go out. [8]
⦁ Work Flexibility after Graduation
In this case, work flexibility means two things: one, you can work in any number of fields after graduation and enjoy great salaries and employee benefits; and two, the Netherlands is one of the leading countries where a 4-day workweek is a common option in all sectors of the economy. [2]
⦁ The Netherlands is a Heaven for Cycling Enthusiasts
Oh, my buddy! You won’t believe what I’m gonna tell you now……..
According to governmental statistics, there are over 23 million bikes in the Netherlands, more than the number of actual citizens (around 17 million)! Cycle lanes are literally everywhere, and many students and employees use them to commute on a daily basis. It represents a great way to reduce air pollution and increase personal health and wellbeing. [8]
Okay, I’m already in love with the Netherlands! :)
⦁ The Netherlands is Safe and Enjoyable
The Netherlands is one of the safest and happiest countries in the world. This is hardly surprising when we look at the high standard of living, the educated citizens, and society as a whole. [2]
⦁ Academic Calendar
Hey, are we getting lost in the beauty of the Netherlands? But we were here on a purpose, weren’t we? Let’s get back to it!
So, the academic year for Dutch universities and hogescholen starts in September and runs through the end of June of the following year.
Note that buddy!
The year is actually divided up into two semesters, with the second starting in early February. There is also a two-week break over Christmas and the New Year. [3]
⦁ Entry Requirements
Okay, here we go. This part always gets a bit serious, I know. But don’t you worry my buddy; your BuddyBee is in control.
At first, you have to contact the international office of the university you are interested in to check whether your degree (obtained in your homeland) is recognized in the Netherlands. Given that your degree is recognized in the Netherlands, you may need:
⦁ A residence permit if you are not an EU / EEA or Swiss citizen
⦁ Sufficient mastery of English: TOEFL (minimum 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based), IELTS (minimum average of 6) GMAT or GRE
⦁ A minimum average of 7 - 7.5 (foreign diploma)
⦁ To be accepted by the university you have applied to. Institutions may reject your application or ask you to take some admission tests if they believe you are not fully qualified
⦁ Good command of Dutch if you are after a study program in Dutch. Most universities may also offer you courses in Dutch as a second language so you can prove that you have sufficient mastery of the language
Required average scores vary depending on university and major. Also, note that for some programs, the number of applicants is much higher than that of available places — in this case, a selection procedure takes place. [3]
⦁ Visas
Depending on where you are from, you may need to obtain a visa in order to live and study in the Netherlands.
⦁ If you are from an EU country, there’s some good news for you — you won’t need a visa to study or work in the Netherlands.
⦁ But! If you are from any other country, you may need a visa to study in the Netherlands.
⦁ Your institution will be responsible for applying to start the process of obtaining your visa. Once your institution has received an ‘inwillging’ (a letter of approval from the Dutch immigration service) you will be able to apply for your entry visa (MVV) at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country.
⦁ If you are from a non-EU country, you will also need to apply for a residence permit (VVR), which will be valid for the duration of your education plus 3 months. [6]
—“Je kunt nooit een oceaan oversteken, als je niet het lef hebt om de kust uit het zicht te verliezen.”
(“You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”)
What say, buddy! Ready to study in the Netherlands? Hey, your Buddybee can understand that it’s a big decision for you, my buddy! Don’t feel pressured. As we are exploring the world, I’m sure that you’ll land at your dream study destination soon. Oh, maybe you already have landed… maybe today!