Education in Netherlands

Education in the Netherlands is comparable to international standards of education worldwide. Students from all around the world choose the Netherlands for their higher studies. Most of the programs in the Netherlands are taught in the universal language, that is, English. Similarly, the Netherlands' tuition fees are reasonable and affordable compared to some European countries. The Netherlands is a great place to live. International students from all over the world come to the Netherlands for their studies. Dutch people are friendly, welcoming, and inclusive. A considerable part of the Dutch lifestyle is cycling, a simple and economical mode of transportation.  

The Netherlands is not just about Amsterdam. Cities like Rotterdam, Maastricht, Delft, Leiden, and Utrecht in the Netherlands are also worth exploring. The cities in the Netherlands have great railway and highway connections, which makes traveling from one city to another town convenient and quick. 

Why study in the Netherlands? Guide for international student 

 The Netherlands is one of the most sought-after studies abroad European destinations for international students to pursue various academic programs. It is one of the preferred options among Nepalese students for higher studies. There are several things to consider for a student while applying to study abroad. Choosing a country to study abroad is as important as choosing an academic program.  

Studying in Holland has several benefits for international students. It is one of the most affordable countries with high-quality education and job opportunities. Here are some reasons why you should choose the Netherlands for higher studies.  

1. Diversity  

Holland has one of the highest numbers of international students. It means students studying in the Netherlands are from diverse cultures, ethnicity, religion, and background. It is no surprise that the Netherlands is among the top 10 happiest countries in the world. The Netherlands is one of the safest countries with a low crime rate, probably the weakest in the world. Overall, the cultural diversity, openness, and welcoming nature of people make your stay worthwhile.  

2. English language  

Though the official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, English is also a majorly preferred language here. The Netherlands is also the first non-native English-speaking country to offer courses in the English language. International students are mainly attracted to the Netherlands for higher studies because Dutch universities offer many English language programs. More than 80% of the Dutch population speaks and understands English, so you don't have to learn a different language to apply to the Netherlands for further study.  

All you need to do is clear your English proficiency test. When people commonly speak English, they'll have fewer issues communicating with teachers and the general public.   

3. Affordable  

The expenses for a student in the Netherlands are affordable compared to other countries like the US, UK, and Australia. The costs, like accommodation, groceries, college fees, etc., are comparatively low. International students even work part-time and study side by side. It helps students to earn some pocket money. There is a provision of 16 working hours permits for international students in the Netherlands. Part-time job-making will help you cover most of your expenses. So, the Netherlands is an affordable country for international students.  

4. Quality Education  

If quality education is your higher priority, you can consider the Netherlands for further studies. The education system of the Netherlands follows an international approach and focuses on providing high-quality education. Most universities in the Netherlands are among the most highly ranked in Europe and the world. They have well-experienced teachers, well-funded research centers, advanced labs, and research facilities. The universities in the Netherlands offer a wide range of programs taught in English.  

5. Well-experienced teachers  

The teaching style in the colleges and universities of the Netherlands is interactive and student-oriented. So, the course includes a lot of practical-based learning, traineeship, and internship. The methods are student-centric and focus on developing the knowledge and skill of the student. The focus is more on enhancing academic skills and your ability to work as a team. So, they arrange assignments, group work, and group presentations that help you improve academically and enhance teamwork skills.  

6. Orientation Visa  

After graduating from the Netherlands, you can apply for an orientation visa. International students can take advantage of this orientation visa for 1 year. It means, within 1 year, you can search and apply for a job once you complete your study in the Netherlands. Compared to Ireland, the UK, and Germany, the Netherlands provides an orientation visa of 1 year.  

7. Job opportunities  

Most international students find a job in the Netherlands after graduation since they have enough time to search for it. You can find several openings in various top companies in the Netherlands. You can apply for those posts according to the company's policy. Go through their hiring process, as it can be different in different companies.   

The work-and-life balance in the Netherlands is one of the best in the world since working hours are efficiently managed while placing equal value on family time and leisure. You can do part-time jobs to support your college expenses. Moreover, being a Ph.D. student at the university means you are an employee of that university and get paid. 

The Education System in the Netherlands 

The education system of the Netherlands is great for building networks and valuable in the professional field when you work in international companies. The graduates from the Universities of the Netherlands are highly reputed in the professional field.  

The education system of the Netherlands is a 3-cycle system consisting of a Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D.  

• Bachelor's is usually for 3 or 4 years, depending upon your course or program  
• A Master's degree is generally for 1 or 2 years, depending on the program  
• Ph.D. is a 4 years program 

The universities here are state-funded and can be categorized into research universities, universities of applied sciences, and institutes for international education for higher studies. There are 14 research universities, 41 universities of applied sciences, and 4 institutes of international education. 

Admission requirements for international Students in the Netherlands 

Specific requirements must be satisfied to enroll in the three-term International Foundation Year, depending on the university to which you plan to transfer. Typically, you require the following: 

To be at least 17 years old, you must have a high school diploma or a comparable academic qualification (IGCSE, GCSE, O Level, and IB Certificate are not accepted).

English Proficiency Exam to Study in the Netherlands 

In the Netherlands, standardized exams like the TOEFL and IELTS are frequently accepted. To apply to Dutch universities, you must have a TOEFL IBT score of 80–85 and an IELTS score of at least 6 bands. In several Dutch universities, additional standardized tests, such as the Cambridge English exam or an equivalent, are also recognized. 

Best courses in the Netherlands 

Higher education institutions in the Netherlands provide a wide variety of course options. The following are a few of the top courses in the Netherlands for international students: 

• Agricultural  
• Liberal arts  
• Sciences 
• Engineering 
• Fashion  
• Sports Management  
• Philosophy  
• Business and Finance 

Top Universities in the Netherlands 

Numerous Top Universities in the Netherlands are listed in global rankings. The Netherlands' top universities are renowned for their advancements in research and technology. Here is a list of universities in the Netherlands and their respective QS World Rankings and THE University Rankings.