About the Netherlands

The Netherlands (known informally as Holland) is a country located in Western Europe with territories in the Caribbean. It is the largest of four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. 

With a population of 17.5 million people, the Netherlands is the 16th most densely populated country in the world and the second-most densely populated country in the European Union, with a density of 523 people per square kilometer. Nevertheless, it is the world’s second-largest exporter of food and agricultural products by value, owing to its fertile soil, mild climate, intensive agriculture, and inventiveness.

The Netherlands uses the Euro (€) as its currency and Dutch as the national language.

Why Study in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the top destination countries for international students. 

The Netherlands is known as the first non-English speaking country in which universities started study programs in English for international students, hence it has a wide range of courses offered in English covering a broad range of fields with respective internationally recognized certifications.

The Netherlands houses approximately 95% of locals that speak English. This makes living, studying, and working in the Netherlands very convenient, comfortable and pleasant for international students. The Netherlands is also very open and tolerant, welcoming everyone to share their opinions and express themselves. 

Cost of Studying in the Netherlands

In comparison with other EU/EEA nations, the Netherlands has relatively low tuition fees. With a subsidy by the Dutch government, EU students pay about 2000 Euros per year. However, for international students, University tuition ranges between 6000 – 15000 Euros for undergraduate courses and programs and between 8000 – 20000 Euros for postgraduate courses and programs. For private institutions, these fees are higher.

Cost of Living in the Netherlands

This depends on the area of residence in the Netherlands. Popular and bigger cities cost more than the smaller and less popular ones. On average, the budget is between 500 and 1,500 Euros to cover accommodation, food, transport, books, clothes, and leisure activities.

Funding and Scholarship Opportunities

The Netherlands has tuition loan schemes for EU students and those who have a nationality or residence permit that allows them the same rights as Dutch nationals. In the event of not being eligible for tuition loan, there are a number of scholarship opportunities available for non-EU students from their home government, the Dutch government or the institutions or associations within the host institutions. The Dutch government grants a scholarship of 5000 Euros to international students seeking to study in the Netherlands in 2022/2023.

These scholarships are awarded based on eligibility criteria and the amount and term may vary depending on the scholarship.

Work Permit and Student Visa

International students can  work in the Netherlands if they have a work permit. This is provided by the employer. With this work permit, you are able to work for up to 16 hours per week during the academic year, and full-time during the months of June, July and August.

The start of student visa applications are processed by the host institution and after a letter of approval from the Dutch immigration service, the student can proceed to apply for an entry visa at the Dutch embassy in their home country. Also, a residence permit is needed for the time of stay during studies which extends to three months after the end of the program.

How to Apply 

Are you ready to start your application? And do you have more questions to ask regarding studying in the Netherlands? Click the link button and we will guide you.