Top Reasons to Study in Netherlands - Top Universities, Visa, Scholarships

Top Reasons to Study in Netherlands - More and more students have been opting to study abroad in the Netherlands in recent years. This is evident from the rising number of international students who have taken admissions in the country in the last decade. Indian students wishing to study in the Netherlands prefer the country because Netherlands is the first non-English speaking country to offer academic programs in English. This is one of the top reasons to study in Netherlands. The country has more to offer than its famous windmills and logs, because more than 3,363 Indian students enrolled in the country's universities. Studying in the Netherlands in 2023 is often cheaper than in other European countries and applying for a student visa is easy.There are many top reasons to study in Netherlands which we have listed in this article. Let's take a look.

This Story also Contains

1. Why study in Netherlands?
2. Benefits of studying in Netherlands
3. Rich Culture
4. Universities
5. Language not a barrier
6. Quality Education
7. Top reasons to study in The Netherlands: Teaching style, Tuition fee
8. Happiness Index
9. Work opportunities
10. Student Visa
11. Scholarship options
12. Pros and Cons of studying in Netherlands

Why study in Netherlands?

Netherlands is also one of the leading popular destination for international students for study purposes. The country's education quality, top universities, rich culture are few of the reasons to study in Netherlands. On top of the that most of the people speak English language which makes it very convenient for international students to get adaptive in the country.

Benefits of studying in Netherlands

Here are list of benefits and top reasons listed in detail which explain the reasons to study in Netherlands. While there are many other destinations these reasons specify the benefits of study abroad in Netherlands.

Rich Culture

The country's rich culture is one of the top reasons to study in the Netherlands. The central position of the Netherlands on the European map has bestowed upon it huge economic and cultural advantages. Not only does it have one of the biggest ports in Europe, it is also well connected with the rest of Europe and the world by air and rail. The country is considered as a meeting point of German, British and French cultures. Its advantageous location allows universities and educational institutions to offer study tours and academic exchange programmes to students from across Europe.

Universities

Top international universities are one of the top reasons to study in the Netherlands. There are three main groups of Universities in the Netherlands, namely research universities, universities of applied sciences, institutes of international education and others. While the research universities and universities of applied sciences offer Bachelor's as well as Master's programmes, the institutes of international education offer only Master's level programmes. Research universities, as the name suggests, are focused on scientific research. These universities have state-of-the-art infrastructure and contemporary study methods. The universities of applied sciences offer profession-oriented courses. Maastricht University, with 56% international students, has the highest number of international students in Netherlands.

International students, whether opting for Bachelor's or Master's programmes, require good English proficiency test scores to be considered for admissions to universities in The Netherlands. This ideally means an IELTS score of 7 and above without scoring 6.5 or below in any section, or a minimum C in Cambridge International exams or a minimum of 95 in TOEFL iBT without scoring less than 22 in any section.

Eligibility for most Master's programmes requires candidates to attain a valid and substantial GRE or GMAT score. Some programmes like communications, sociology, etc. do not require a GRE/GMAT score. Check individual course requirements for the specific eligibility criteria.

Eligibility criteria for Bachelor's programmes includes a candidate's previous GPA and English proficiency test scores. Some courses require the students to perform well in a Maths admission requirement test. A Statement of Purpose is also part of the admission process along with letters of recommendation.

Study in The Netherlands: Top International Universities

Entrance Exams for Studying Abroad

Language not a barrier

Language hardly acts as a barrier in this Dutch-speaking country, this is one of the top reasons to study in the Netherlands. Almost everyone speaks English as a second language and the universities also offer programmes in English, making it a cherished study abroad destination. In fact, the Netherlands is the first non-English speaking country offering higher education courses in English.

Quality Education

Quality education is one of the top reasons to study in the Netherlands. According to the QS Rankings 2023, there are 7 Dutch universities in the top 200. The most opted for courses in the research universities are Economics and Business, Human and Social Sciences, Engineering, Arts and Culture, Science, Liberal Arts and Sciences. Additionally, the universities of applied sciences are also preferred for healthcare and education related subjects. The Dutch education is at par with international standards and is gaining worldwide renown. The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), the national research council, funds top researchers at universities and institutes to promote quality and innovation. It also boosts research by providing subsidies and research programmes.

Top reasons to study in The Netherlands: Teaching style, Tuition fee

The Netherlands is well known for its Problem-Based Learning educational system. It is interactive and focuses on teamwork. The tuition fees and living expenses for those who come to study in the Netherlands are comparatively lower than the other European countries. Fees for students from the European Union and non-European union students vary greatly but are affordable. The universities also offer scholarships that contribute towards reducing the course fee.

Study in The Netherlands: Course Fees for Bachelors and Masters Courses

Happiness Index

Another main top reason to study in the Netherlands is due its Happiness Index. According to the World Happiness Report published by the United Nations Sustainable Development Network, the Netherlands occupies the sixth position worldwide with a score of 7.377. This report is based on GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. The countries that are above the Netherlands are Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland and Finland.

Work opportunities

Work opportunities are one of the top reasons to study in the Netherlands. While EU/EEA students do not require a permit to work during their course, non-EU/EEA students will require a work permit to do so. The work permit allows students to work for 10 hours per week and full-time during the holidays. The full-time or seasonal work is only permitted during the months of June, July and August. The work permit has to be applied for by the employer who intends to employ the foreign student. The student will also be eligible to take a healthcare insurance, pay for social security and income tax. Non-EU/EEA Students who have completed their course from universities in The Netherlands can go on to explore job opportunities in the country. Such candidates can apply for The Search Year Visa to look for a job. This one-time visa has a validity of 12 months grants grants the student permission to stay in The Netherlands for a year after the graduation date to look for a job.

Though the application process for The Search Year Visa is a little cumbersome, students are suggested to apply for it in advance. The visa holders are not required to apply for a work visa when they land a job. It is the employer who has to apply for the work permit on behalf of the candidate. However, If a student does not land a job during the 12 month period, s/he will be asked to leave the country.

Student Visa

One can apply for a residence permit in Netherlands during the student visa, this is one of the top reasons to study in The Netherlands. International students who are in the Netherlands for more than 90 days are required to apply for a residency permit if their stay exceeds 90 consecutive days. The updated Dutch Modern Migration Policy Act (MoMi) makes it necessary for non-EU/EEA nationals studying in the Netherlands to obtain a residence permit and be registered for their entire stay.

Scholarship options

A number of Dutch universities offer full scholarships to outstanding students for their higher education are available. This is one of the top reasons to study in the Netherlands. Part tuition fee waiver scholarships are also available for international students.

Top scholarships to Study in The Netherlands

• Amsterdam Excellence Scholarships
• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships
• Amsterdam Talent Scholarship
• ASEM-DUO Fellowship Programme
• CentER Scholarships Tilburg University
• DST fellowships
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree IMIM
• Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for the Master's in System Dynamics
• Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for the Master's in PLANET Europe
• Excellence Scholarship Erasmus Univ. Rotterdam
• Global Management of Social Issues BSc Scholarship
• Holland Scholarship
• Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship
• NWO Graduate Program Epidemiology
• Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University
• RSM non-EEA scholarship of Excellence
• Tilburg University Scholarship for Academic Excellence

Pros and Cons of studying in Netherlands

The following list explains both the pros and cons of studying in the Netherlands. Candidates can check this list before finalizing their decision to study in the Netherlands.

Comparison for Pros and Cons of Studying in Netherlands

Once the candidate, understands the benefits, reasons, disadvantages of studying in the Netherlands, they can decide or plan their education in that country. They can check for accommodation and also look for part-time working in the Netherlands to plan and decide on the education budget.