Study in Netherlands

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Study in Netherlands

Studying in the Netherlands, obtaining a student visa for the Netherlands, and immigration through study are comprehensively covered in this article. Is studying in the Netherlands suitable for international students? What are the tuition fees like in the Netherlands? What documents are required for admission? What are the conditions for post-graduation in the Netherlands? Due to the favorable study conditions and prestigious universities, many students choose to immigrate to the Netherlands. Talav Company offers complete and detailed information about studying and living expenses in the Netherlands. Contact our experts at Our Company for a free consultation via phone to answer your questions.

Topics covered in this article:

– General conditions for education in Netherlands
– Education in Dutch schools
– Bachelor degree programs in Netherlands
– Master degree programs in Netherlands
– Doctoral studies in Netherlands
– Scholarships for education in Netherlands
– Costs of education & living in Netherlands
– Student employment opportunities in Netherlands
– Dependent visas for students in Netherlands
– Leading universities in Netherlands
– Student visa requirements for Netherlands
– Career opportunities after graduation in Netherlands
– Citizenship options after studying in Netherlands
– Commonly Asked Questions
– Last words about Studying in Netherlands

General conditions for education in Netherlands

Located in the northwest of Europe, the Netherlands, often referred to as the Land of Flowers and Windmills, is a beautiful country bordered by Germany to the east and Belgium to the south. It has a water boundary with the North Sea to the north and west. The four major cities in the Netherlands are Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague. Amsterdam serves as the capital and largest city, while Rotterdam is the second-largest city and the largest port in all of Europe. The population of the Netherlands is approximately 16.5 million, and the official language is Dutch. The majority of the Dutch population practices Christianity, though some identify as non-religious. The currency used is the euro. The Netherlands ranks highly in terms of free press, human development, economic freedom, quality of life, and overall happiness.

Education in Dutch schools

Education in the Netherlands is available at both elementary and secondary levels. The structure and content of the educational curriculum may differ from what students are accustomed to in their home countries. Elementary education begins at age 6 and lasts for 6 years. Afterward, students must enter either high schools or vocational schools, which typically require 4 years of study. Other students may attend high school for 5 years to obtain their diploma. Following this, students must complete a 1-year preparatory university course to qualify for university admission. While English is widely spoken in the Netherlands, proficiency in Dutch is necessary for attending universities.

Some schools in the Netherlands offer education in English, with tuition fees ranging from €16,000 to €18,000 per year. Additionally, international students are required to have a guardian accompany them during their stay. In Dutch schools, attention is given not only to academic performance but also to recreational and extracurricular activities, along with adherence to ethical standards. All students are treated equally, regardless of their class, wealth, circumstances, gender, race, or any other factors.

Title	Length	Language in public college	Language in private college	Guardian requirement
Elementary school	6 years	Dutch	–	Yes
Technical school	4 years	Dutch	English	Yes
High school	5 years	Dutch	English	Yes
Preliminary of university	1 year	Dutch	English	Yes

Bachelor degree programs in Netherlands

Studying for a bachelor’s degree in the Netherlands comes with its own set of unique regulations. The duration of a bachelor’s program is typically 4 years. International students have the opportunity to apply for admission to universities up to five times a year. The Netherlands boasts 17 universities and educational institutions that welcome international students. To enroll, students must meet specific criteria.

The primary requirements include a 12-year education diploma and academic transcripts. Additionally, proficiency in the language of instruction is essential. While many programs are offered in English, students must demonstrate a certain level of English proficiency for admission. For bachelor’s degree programs, an IELTS score of 6 is typically required, though students under 22 may be accepted with a score of 5.5. Furthermore, students must maintain an average score of over 13. It’s important to note that students are generally not permitted to work while pursuing their studies

Title	Bachelor admission in Netherlands
Required documents	12-year diploma + language certificates
Language score	6
Average score	13
Is student allowed to work?	No
Length	4 years

Master degree programs in Netherlands

Studying for a master’s degree in the Netherlands also comes with specific regulations tailored for international students. The duration of a master’s program typically ranges from 1.5 to 2 years. The requirements for admission include a 12-year education diploma, a bachelor’s degree, and an IELTS score of 6.5. Additionally, students must submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and maintain an average score of 13.

Another important criterion for pursuing a master’s degree in the Netherlands is having relevant management experience. It’s worth noting that students are generally not allowed to work while enrolled in their programs. Those who hold a bachelor’s degree or are planning to enroll in a master’s program can take part in one-year Pop-Up courses. These courses are highly beneficial for securing employment in the Netherlands.

Moreover, one of the attractive features of studying in the Netherlands is the opportunity to transfer to connected colleges in Austria after completing one academic semester.

Title	Requirements
Educational documents	12-year diploma + bachelor degree
Language score	6.5
Average score	13 or higher
SOP	Yes
Other	Work experience. Students aren’t allowed to work
Length	1.5 to 2 years

Doctoral studies in Netherlands

Pursuing a PhD in the Netherlands is open to international students who hold a master’s degree. The first step for students is to find a supervisor for their PhD research and submit their application materials to Dutch universities. Once a supervisor is secured, students can commence their studies and begin working on their thesis research. Ultimately, students must defend their thesis in a viva to graduate.

Given the conditions for PhD study in the Netherlands, students often have the opportunity to find jobs within universities to support their living expenses. All information in this article has been compiled by Talav Company , and any reproduction without permission, documentation, and citation is prohibited by law.

Scholarships for education in Netherland

The educational landscape in the Netherlands offers students access to various scholarships provided by the government. In general, education can be free for students who actively engage in their studies and learn the Dutch language concurrently. Scholarships are available for PhD candidates with outstanding academic performance and language proficiency. It’s important to note that scholarship recipients are typically not permitted to work while studying. Among the universities that offer scholarships are the University of Amsterdam, Utrecht University, the National University of the Netherlands, and Leiden University.

Title	Scholarship fund
University of Amsterdam	4,500 to 6,000
University of Utrecht	10,000 to 12,000
National University of Netherlands	4,000 to 6,000
University of Leiden	9,000 to 14,000

Costs of education & living in Netherlands

The cost of studying in the Netherlands varies based on the chosen field and university. For international students pursuing a bachelor’s degree, tuition fees typically range from €8,000 to €10,000 per year. Master’s degree programs usually cost between €12,000 and €13,000 annually, while specific MBA programs may range from €13,000 to €16,000. The tuition for one-year technical courses is generally around €12,000 to €13,000.

Living expenses in the Netherlands are considered reasonable, especially given the high standard of living and welfare. The table below outlines various expenses, including rent, food, clothing, recreation, sports, and communication costs. The prices listed are in euros.

Title	Cost	Title	Cost
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center	1,050	1 meal in restaurant	15
Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of City Center	830	3 meals for 2 persons in restaurant	60
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center	1,700	Mobile call (1 minute)	0.14
Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of City Center	1270	High-speed internet (monthly)	37
Rice (1 kg)	1.8	Gym membership (monthly)	28
Orange (1 kg)	1.53	Cinema ticket	20
Apple (1 kg)	2.2	A pair of jeans	84
Onion (1 kg)	1.3	Summer T-shirt	34
Potato (1 kg)	1.37	A pair of sport shoes	88
12 eggs	2.3	A pair of formal shoes	118
Water (1.5 lt.)	0.75	Gasoline (1 lt.)	1.6
One-way subway ticket	3	Monthly subway ticket	82

Student employment opportunities in Netherlands

The educational conditions in the Netherlands, along with associated costs, often lead students to seek part-time employment. Many countries permit such jobs, allowing bachelor’s students to work up to 10 hours a week and master’s students up to 20 hours. However, due to the high academic standards and emphasis on education in the Netherlands, specific regulations apply. The Dutch government restricts students from working while they study, requiring them to focus entirely on their education and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the country.

Dependent visas for students in Netherlands

The study environment in the Netherlands is conducive for students who wish to bring a partner with them. International students who meet the requirements for studying in the Netherlands can apply for a dependent visa for their companion after 1 to 3 months of residency and in-person enrollment. The companion must demonstrate financial stability to reside in the Netherlands. It’s important to note that the companion cannot work in the Netherlands unless they receive a job offer from a local company. However, they are allowed to pursue their own studies in the country.

Leading universities in Netherlands

The educational framework in the Netherlands ensures that all 17 of its international universities rank among the world’s top 350 institutions, with 6 of them placed within the top 150. The Netherlands is home to some of Europe’s oldest universities. The highest-ranked university in the country is Delft University of Technology, positioned at 52nd in the world. The University of Amsterdam and Eindhoven University rank 57th and 99th, respectively. The following table lists the top universities in the Netherlands:

Name of university	Global rank	More information
University of Utrecht	46	Founded in 1636 Students: 30000 A wide range of majors
Delft University of Technology	49	Founded in 1842 Students: 23,460 Available majors: engineering, computer science, mathematics Among top 5 architecture universities
University of Amsterdam	53	Founded in 1632 Students: 32000 Major: a wide range of majors
University of Leiden	56	Founded in 1575 Students: 26000 A wide range of majors
University of Groningen	76	Founded in 1614 Students: 31000 The first female student studied here

Student visa requirements for Netherlands

Once students receive their admission offer from a university in the Netherlands, they must obtain a student visa to enter the country. In addition to the acceptance letter from the university, the following documents are also necessary:

Title	Information
Admission letter from university	The person must have an admission letter issued by the university
Financial capability letter	The amount of financial capability is 12,000 to 13,000 euros in bank account for 3 to 4 months
Medical confirmation letter	The person must be healthy both physically and mentally
No criminal record certification	The person must have no criminal record
SOP	What is your purpose of study and what’s your selected university

If the person presents all of the required documents, they can take action for education visa, enter Netherlands, and use educational facilities of this country after confirmation of their documents.

Career opportunities after graduation in Netherlands

The Netherlands provides several options for graduates from its universities. Given its aging population and strong job market in Europe, the country seeks skilled and experienced workers. After graduation, students can remain in the Netherlands for one year to interview with various companies. If a graduate secures a job offer, they can obtain a work visa from the government. A key requirement for post-study employment is proficiency in the Dutch language, and students can take free Dutch language classes during their studies.

Citizenship options after studying in Netherlands

Students can obtain post-study residency if they find a suitable job related to their field of study. If they succeed in their position and pay taxes, they can extend their residency. After obtaining an educational visa and immigrating to the Netherlands for studies, graduates receive a 12-month work permit. If they live in the Netherlands for five consecutive years and fulfill tax obligations, they can apply for permanent residency.

Commonly Asked Questions

✅ Is education free in the Netherlands?
No, unless you have secured a scholarship, you will need to pay tuition fees.

✅ Can you study in the Netherlands without a language qualification?
To improve your chances of obtaining a visa, it is recommended to provide a language certificate.

✅ Is it possible to obtain scholarships from universities in the Netherlands?
Scholarships are generally awarded to PhD students, requiring an impressive CV, including high language proficiency and published articles in reputable journals.

✅ Can you work in the Netherlands after graduation?
After graduating, you have the opportunity to find employment in the Netherlands. If successful, you can transition your residency to a work residency.

Last words about Studying in Netherlands

This article has scientifically covered studying in the Netherlands, immigration through obtaining a student visa, and the requirements for international students to enter the country. As mentioned, the Netherlands offers high quality of life and education. Remember, you can also explore study opportunities in England, Canada, or Denmark. Feel free to contact our team at Talav Company for a free consultation by phone. You can also ask questions about studying in the Netherlands and gaining residency through education in the comments section at the end of this article. Our experts will respond promptly.

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Warning! The information provided on this website is based on research conducted by non-legal professionals, and Talav Company does not assume legal responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of this content.

We highly recommend that you independently verify this information and consult with a qualified local attorney to ensure it is applicable to your specific situation.

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