Why would you consider completing your high education in the Netherlands?
Studying in the Netherlands means joining reputable, well-recognised academic institutions. Dutch universities indeed shine both in European and world rankings. In 2017, all of 13 of the Netherlands' main research intensive universities made the top 100 of the Europe ranking and top 200 in the World ranking!
You can easily check that tuition fees and living costs are considerably less than in the UK or the US. As an international student, you may choose to apply for scholarships or work part-time jobs.
With such a strong international student influx from 164 countries, your student experience will truly be an international one. The amazing openness of Dutch society and its intricate economic ties to the rest of the world combined with the widespread use of English will create infinite opportunities for you to discover cultures, foods, people, trends, ideas and build your toolbox to succeed in a global world.
In the Dutch high-education system, the keywords are interactivity, involvement and responsibility. The student experience in the Netherlands will expand your cognitive and social stills to spark creativity, independent thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.
The Netherlands is a very safe country, ranking in the top 20 of the 2017 Global Peace Index and 6th at the World Happiness Report 2017. It also boasts the 5th best infrastructure in the world and is a heaven to bike lovers with an impressive 35,000km of cycling paths! No wonder bikes are a students’ favourite.
The transport system is nothing short of outstanding and the central position of the country makes travel around Europe affordable, quick and enjoyable.
Not only is English well and widely-spoken by the Dutch, but the variety and number of university programmes offered in English is mind-staggering! For example, 60 per cent of courses at Dutch research universities are taught in English, and that percentage is even higher among master degrees.
You will be surprised by the abundance of breath-taking Dutch natural retreats: parks, reserves, lakes and islands. There are plenty of ways for you to be active, and you may partake in your university sport associations or join your city’s numerous sports clubs.
This is a country of ancient European culture, that of the 17th century painters and of countless museums to visit. The musical stage is rife with world-class artists regularly playing at Dutch stadiums and smaller venues. English and Dutch-language theatre performances play all year-round and are very popular.
Because of the highly globalized and export-driven Dutch economy, Dutch universities have strong links with multinational organizations. Therefore, there are opportunities for national and international internships. The Netherlands comprise reputable Dutch corporations such as Shell, Philips or KLM, in addition world-class organizations representing all industries.
Within three years of graduation, you can apply for the orientation year residence permit which was recently enforced by the Dutch government to retain highly-educated people. This allows expat graduate students to find work or start a business in the Netherlands. We can help you throughout the process.
Dutch society is diverse and that is also reflected in the existing places of worship that cater to a great number of religious groups. You will face no issues practicing your own religion and the student affairs office at your university can help you locate them.
