The experience of attending a university in the Netherlands, which is known for its natural beauty, is a rewarding one for students. Students from all over the globe choose to attend universities in the Netherlands to get a high-quality education since those institutions are consistently ranked among the finest in the world. Several different organizations make public each year their lists of the top 200 universities in the world; on such lists, universities from the Netherlands often appear. Due to the fact that the education system in the Netherlands is far superior to the education systems in many other countries, the Netherlands is home to some of the most prestigious educational institutions in all of Europe. Because of this, institutions in the Netherlands are the top choice for Turkish students who are interested in studying in Europe.
Universities in the Netherlands
There are two systems for undergraduate studies in the Netherlands: University of Applied Sciences: These colleges offer reasonable costs and equip students with theoretical knowledge. Research University: These are the greatest schools on the globe. Students must be exceptionally successful in order to enroll in these colleges.
Students from other countries often choose to pursue their undergraduate studies and participate in exchange programs in the Netherlands because it is an enjoyable place in which to engage in social and cultural pursuits. Because of the Netherlands' well-regarded educational system, many students from other countries, including Turkey, are interested in attending universities there. In addition, these educational institutions make it possible for students to find employment. Students choose to attend colleges and universities in the Netherlands, particularly for their first years of education. Some of the best higher education institutions in the Netherlands include:
- University of Amsterdam
- Delft University of Technology
- Utrecht University
- Wageningen University & Research
- Leiden University
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- University of Groningen
- Erasmus University Rotterdam
- University of Twente
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
After graduating from a good school in the Netherlands, not only is it simple for students to get employment, but these graduates are also qualified to work in prominent positions. Some universities have a larger number of departments for undergraduates, while others provide a larger number of postgraduate degrees. Students who attend universities in the Netherlands often choose to concentrate their studies in one of the following departments:
- Business Administration
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Law
- Medicine
Bachelor’s Degree, How Long Does It Take?
Bachelor's degrees at research universities in the Netherlands typically take 3 years to complete while bachelor's degrees at universities of applied sciences typically take 4 years to complete. In addition to the amount of time, there are also a few additional aspects to take in mind while arranging your studies in the Netherlands. Bachelor's degrees in the Netherlands are often conferred based on a system of credits. Each year of study is worth 60 credits, and you need to finish a total of 180 credits to graduate. Most bachelor's degrees in the Netherlands are taught in Dutch. However, there are a lot of English-taught programs available, notably at research universities. Tuition rates for bachelor's degrees in the Netherlands vary based on the kind of school and the program you pick. Tuition costs at research institutions are often higher than tuition prices at universities of applied sciences.
Master’s Degree, How Long Does It Take?
In a similar manner to bachelor’s degrees, the amount of time necessary to earn a master's degree in the Netherlands might vary widely based on the educational establishment of your choice as well as the program that you enroll in. The completion of a master's degree at a research university in the Netherlands normally takes between one and two years, whereas the completion of a master's degree at a university of applied sciences typically takes between one and two and a half years. In the Netherlands, master's degrees are often granted in accordance with a credit-based grading structure. You will earn 60 credits for each year of study, and you will need to have a total of 120 credits completed in order to graduate. The language of instruction for the vast majority of Dutch master's degrees is English. On the other hand, there are a few programs taught in Dutch that can be chosen from, notably in universities of applied sciences. The amount of money you will need to pay for your master's degree in the Netherlands might change based on the kind of school you attend and the curriculum you select. The costs associated with attending a research university are often greater than those associated with attending a university that focuses on applied sciences.
Cost of Studying in the Netherlands
The total cost of an education in the Netherlands for an overseas student can vary widely based on the type of institution attended and the curriculum that is pursued. The annual tuition cost for studying at a research university in the Netherlands can be anywhere from 6,000 to 20,000 euros for foreign students. International students attending institutions of applied sciences in the Netherlands will be required to pay tuition ranging from 2,000 to 12,000 euros per year.
Cost of Living in the Netherlands
The amount that you will have to pay for accommodation in the Netherlands will differ from one city to the next and from one type of accommodation to another. For a single room in a shared apartment, you may anticipate paying anything from €300 to €800 every month as rent. Food is available at a price that is manageable for most people in the Netherlands. You should budget anywhere between €200 and €300 for meals every single month. The expense of traveling across the Netherlands on public transportation is also not too high. For transportation, you should budget between fifty and one hundred euros every single month. The amount that you will have to spend on textbooks and other study resources will change depending on the academic program that you decide to enroll in. You should budget anywhere from one hundred to two hundred euros annually for the cost of your textbooks and other resources. Buying things for your own personal care, going out for entertainment, and traveling are all examples of additional costs that might arise.
Why Study in the Netherlands
It is possible for overseas students to have a one-of-a-kind educational experience in the Netherlands, which also provides them with a number of benefits. Many universities in the Netherlands are routinely ranked among the finest in the world, making the Netherlands home to a number of the world's top educational institutions. These prestigious educational institutions are known for maintaining very high academic standards and providing students with an exceptional educational experience.
Dutch universities provide a wide selection of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a diversity of subjects. A considerable number of these programs are taught exclusively in English, making it a great study location for English-speaking foreign students. The Netherlands is noted for its diversified and accepting culture. There are a large number of foreign students from all over the world, creating a varied and interesting atmosphere. Moreover, Dutch universities are at the forefront of research in several disciplines, such as engineering, social sciences, the arts, and the humanities. This makes it an excellent environment for students interested in research and innovation.
The standard of living in the Netherlands is considered to be among the best in the world. It is a peaceful nation with first-rate public transportation, medical care, and other essential public services. The infrastructure of the country is built to be user-friendly for cyclists, which makes it simple to navigate urban areas. Because of its central location in Europe, the Netherlands is an excellent starting point for students who are interested in traveling around Europe and learning about its many diverse cultures. It is in close proximity to major cities in Europe, such as Paris, Berlin, and London. Even though Dutch is the country's official language, a significant number of native Dutch speakers are also fluent in English. This makes it much simpler for English-speaking students to communicate with their Dutch counterparts. The economy of the Netherlands is robust and inventive, offering chances in a variety of fields like technology, engineering, and finance, amongst others. It is a terrific place to start a career, and students who are interested in remaining in the country after they have completed their education should consider doing so.
How to Apply as an International Student?
Application Deadlines
The application deadlines for universities in the Netherlands that are open to foreign students are different based on the university and the program that they are interested in. However, the deadline for applications to the majority of colleges is May 1st for admission in September. There are other universities that admit students in February, with the application deadline being October 1st. To be able to apply to universities in the Netherlands, international students are required to meet certain academic and language requirements. Although these requirements may vary depending on the university and the program, general admission requirements may be summarized as follows;
Admission Requirements - Academic (Bachelor’s Degree)
- European Baccalaureate (EB) (for direct admission application)
or - International Baccalaureate (IB) (for direct admission application)
or - ABITUR (for direct admission application)
or - Certificate of Secondary Education
- Please note that a certificate of secondary education awarded by an institution in a Non-EU/EEA country requires an equivalency review by the relevant authorities in the Netherlands.
Please bear in mind that international students who are going to apply to programs that are directly or indirectly related to the fields of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, civil engineering, industrial engineering, bioengineering, mathematics, physics and pharmaceutics are required to apply and take the relevant exams administered by the government of the Netherlands.
Admission Requirements - Academic (Master’s Degree)
- Bachelor’s Degree (of a 3 or 4-year undergraduate program)
- High Grade Point Average
- To have accumulated at least 180 ECTS course credit during your university studies
Please note that you may be asked to submit GRE or GMAT test scores depending on the admission requirements specific to the program you are applying to.
Admission Requirements - Language
- Certificate of Proficiency in English (for programs taught in English)
- You will be asked to submit the scores of at least one of the internationally recognized proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, CAE, CPE, etc.
- Certificate of Proficiency in Dutch (for programs taught in Dutch)
- You will either be asked to submit the scores of a Dutch proficiency test or to take proficiency tests like ITNA or STRT administered by language centers and institutes of Dutch universities.
Top Universities in the Netherlands
- University of Amsterdam - Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Delft University of Technology - Delft, Netherlands
- Utrecht University - Utrecht, Netherlands
- Wageningen University & Research - Wageningen, Netherlands
- Leiden University - Leiden, Netherlands
- Eindhoven University of Technology - Eindhoven, Netherlands
- University of Groningen - Groningen, Netherlands
- Erasmus University Rotterdam - Rotterdam, Netherlands
- University of Twente - Enschede, Netherlands
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Work Permit in the Netherlands
Students in the Netherlands may choose to find employment while they are there, and if they do, they will have additional opportunities to practice their language skills by interacting with others in the workplace. Students who are having trouble making ends meet could consider getting part-time jobs, such as at a restaurant or a coffee shop, for instance. International students are obliged to have a work permit, and they have the option of getting either a part-time or full-time work permit. The Dutch government requires part-time workers to put in a minimum of ten hours each week, although they can get permission to work full-time during the summer months.
Scholarship Opportunities at Universities in the Netherlands
Scholarships are available from a variety of Dutch institutions, including universities and government agencies. There are chances for scholarships to cover a percentage or the whole amount. You have the opportunity to submit an application for EP-Nuffic's scholarship program. Students from countries other than those in the European Union are eligible for the Holland Scholarship. Students can get a stipend for the first year of their education worth 5,000 euros.
