Study In Netherlands

Important Facts About Netherlands

The cost of studying in the Netherlands is more affordable than many other English-speaking countries like the US and the UK.
7 universities from the Netherlands feature in the top 100 rankings.
There are numerous part-time jobs available for students while studying and they help them cover their living costs in the country.
Students have many scholarships to choose from to cover their living costs in the country.
The Netherlands is home to several internationally acclaimed businesses, including Heineken, KLM, Shell, ING, Philips, and Unilever.
The Netherlands is the “Gateway to Europe” so you have excellent opportunities to travel through Europe!
More than 90% of Dutch people speak English and consider it their second language.
The education system here is globally recognised, making it a preferred choice to study in Netherlands for Indian students.

Why Study in Netherlands?

The Netherlands is one of the popular study-abroad destinations for international students. Every year more than 90,000 students from 157 countries, including Germany, Belgium, China, Spain, and Italy, choose this country for their higher education. Universities in the Netherlands provide world-class education and are ranked among the best in the world. Although Dutch is the national language, the country has the second highest proficiency of English in the European continent. Almost 95% Dutch population can speak English, which makes this country international student-friendly. As a result, many Dutch universities provide the largest number of English-taught programs in Continental Europe. The Netherlands also ranks top in work-life balance and performs well in various other parameters such as jobs & earnings, housing, education & skills, environmental quality & health status.

1. Home to Diverse Cultures

If you wish to be around different cultures, Netherlands is the place to be. The country caters to various international students from over 157 countries globally. Being surrounded by many cultures allows international students to learn new things about various countries and helps them to adjust better.

2. Helps Students Develop Career Skills

One of the key factors about studying in the Netherlands is the approach towards educating international students. Based on any degree level or course program chosen, the Netherlands’ academic syllabus is designed to meet the current market’s expectations. For instance, all business programs at Netherlands universities are created considering what the current business market needs and what they are looking for from a graduate.

Keeping this in mind, tutors in Netherlands are curating their learning techniques on this same route. For instance, more practical learning and independent research are conducted during classes to equip students to take on any roles after graduation.

3. Considered among the Happiest Country

According to the World Happiness Report 2023, Netherlands ranks fifth on the list of the happiest countries in the world. The country has always tended to its residents and has taken several actions for their happiness and well-being, such as:

Providing better mental health support
Making healthcare affordable
Providing cheaper tuition fees to make education accessible to everyone
Increasing the immigration count and welcoming them with open minds and heart
Having no room for corrupt laws
Giving the ability to residents to live the way they wish without any judgements, etc.

4. Speak Various Languages

The best part about living in the Netherlands is the country’s fluency in several languages. While Dutch remains the local language, other languages include English, French and German. In fact, most Netherland universities have English as their language of instruction for international students.

Learning a new language helps foreign aspirants engage with the locals better, find a job easily, and create an impressive resume that will impact future job roles.

5. Boosts Student Travels

If you like travelling, the Netherlands is the perfect place to pack your bags and travel anytime. The country has multiple places for students to explore. You can hop on a flight or train to reach your destination safely. The best part about the Netherlands is that, since it is situated in the heart of Europe, you have more places to explore there.

Here are the top places to visit when staying in the Netherlands:

Explore the vast nightlife in Groningen
Visit the historical places in Amsterdam
Join the music culture in Rotterdam, etc.

Education System In the Netherlands

Higher education in the Netherlands is offered by two types of institutes – the research universities (universiteiten; WO) and universities of applied sciences (hogescholen; HBO). The universities of applied sciences comprise all general institutions, as well as institutions that specialize in a particular field of study such as fine and performing arts, agriculture, and educational training. However, the research universities comprise general universities, as well as technical universities. These study institutions offer bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees.

Bachelor’s Programs

An HBO bachelor’s program requires students to complete 240 credits or 4 years to obtain the title of Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Laws (LLB), or any degree in their field of study. On the other hand, the WO bachelor’s program requires a student to complete 180 credits or 3 years to obtain a degree in BA, BSc, and LLB, depending on the discipline. These structured programs provide a solid academic foundation and prepare students for further studies or entry into the professional world. Both HBO and WO bachelor's programs in the Netherlands emphasize a practical and interactive approach to education, often incorporating internships or real-world projects to enhance students' hands-on learning experience.

Masters Programs

An HBO master’s program requires the students to complete 60 credits/1 year or 120 credits/2 years and after this the graduates are awarded a degree depending on their field of study, ex. Master of Social Work. A WO master’s program requires students to complete 60 credits/1 year or 120 credits/2 years to obtain the degree. Some programs may also require 90 credits/1.5 years or above 120 credits/2 years for completion. Mathematics, agriculture, engineering, and natural sciences are a few disciplines th