The Netherlands, known as the land of tulips and windmills, is another popular study abroad destination choice for students around the world. It is home to more than 100,000 international students who have chosen this tiny and flat country as the venue for higher learning. The name Netherlands, when translated, means “lower countries” – a testament to the Netherlands’ topography which has a quarter of its whole territory below sea level. This flatness contributes to the country’s efficient transportation system which can take you to several places across Europe in just a train ride. What is even more persuasive is it offers 40% discount on all transportation platforms for students. You can also go from place to place using a bicycle as the Netherlands promotes an eco-friendly lifestyle. The Netherlands is one of the world’s most developed countries, and considered a significant political icon. It houses The Hague and the Anne Frank house, which can teach you a thing or two about how the world became what it is today.
The Netherlands boast of world-class education, which has produced some of the greatest minds in various fields. It is home to several painters and philosophers, such as Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. Despite the country’s small size, it has many universities which are on par with the best institutions in the world. The Utrecht University has already produced 12 Nobel Peace Prize laureates. Also, its oldest university, the Leiden University, has produced 16 Nobel Peace Prize awardees throughout the years. Universities in the Netherlands are the epitome of the incorporation of modern technology in teaching. They aim to provide their students with the relevant training needed in the 21st century, a competitive advantage exclusive for enrollees in Netherlands’ schools.
Furthermore, international students will find the country very easy to adapt to as the Netherlands has a diversified ethnic composition. Although a small country, it is one of the world’s most densely populated countries. Nonetheless, its people are hospitable when it comes to welcoming tourists and students from other cultures. In fact, it is dubbed as the 4th “happiest country in the world” for its people’s kind disposition. Even though the Netherlands is a Dutch-speaking country, most of its population speak English. Universities in the Netherlands also offer English-taught programs to cater to non-Dutch speaking international students.
Universities in the Netherlands have comparatively lower fees than other European countries, such as the United Kingdom or Switzerland. Living costs for students are on average in line with European expenses. Hence, studying in this remarkable country can be reasonable. After all, the Netherlands have generous scholarship and financial grants for international students. Studying in the Netherlands will open you up to a unique study experience in the midst of tulips and windmills, where everything spells convenience.
As with other European countries, the Netherlands prioritize the education sector. Most of its institutions, even international ones, receive subsidies from the government. Since parents and the national government place a high value on the education of children, it is not surprising to find that the Netherlands emerges with an “above average” rank in mathematics, science, and reading in a global competition setting.
In the Netherlands, children from age 5 to 18 have to attend compulsory education. This rule is regardless of what nationality a child may be. Primary and secondary education are free in all public institutions in the Netherlands. The parents are only asked for voluntary contributions whenever schools conduct special programs. Parents may also opt to have miscellaneous learning time for their children at an extra cost. For example, they can pay for lunchtime supervision or “tussenschoolse opvang/overblijven” and an after-school care or “buitenschoolse opvang”. The government also provides financial grants and loans for low-income families, so that they can send their children to school until they can be ready for employment.
Applying to universities abroad can be both fun and hectic, depending on the circumstances you encounter. But of course, someone with sufficient preparation will find this task stress-free. Universities in the Netherlands have a direct admission process for international students. Allow us to walk you through it step by step.
Where to submit your admission application for a university in the Netherlands will differ according to the degree program you have chosen. Some degrees have restrictions, while others have no restrictions at all. For degree programs with local restrictions, the application should be sent through the Studielink, an online admission application system, which will allow you to submit several applications at a time. Meanwhile, application for degree programs without restrictions should be coursed through the Numerus Fixus, a course lottery system managed by the Dutch national government.
*These are documents required by some universities for certain admission cases.
Since the Netherlands is a Dutch-speaking country, most of its universities use the official language as the medium of instruction. However, many universities also use the English language. When enrolled in a degree program where English is the language of instruction, international students should take a language proficiency exam. The most commonly accepted tests are the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Cambridge Advanced. On another note, if you wish to enroll in a Dutch-taught study program, you have to prove your proficiency in the language with a passing score on the Dutch TUL intermediate exam or at least hold a Dutch NT2-II certificate.
Important Admission Deadlines
Below is a comprehensive list of all universities in the Netherlands (Drenthe, Assen, Coevorden, Emmen, Hoogeveen, Meppel, Flevoland, Almere, Biddinghuizen, Emmeloord, Lelystad, Friesland, Bolsward, Dokkum, Franeker, Harlingen, Hindeloopen, IJlst, Leeuwarden, Sloten, Sneek, Stavoren, Workum, Gelderland, Apeldoorn, Arnhem, Bredevoort, Buren, Culemborg, Dieren, Doetinchem, Ed, Enspijk, Gendt, Groenlo, Harderwijk, Hatte, Heukelum, Huissen, Nijkerk, Nijmegen, Staverden, Tiel, Ulft, Voorst, Wageningen, Wijchen, Winterswijk, Zaltbommel, Zevenaar, Zutphen, Groningen, Appingedam, Delfzijl, Groningen, Hoogezand-Sappemeer, Stadskanaal, Veendam, Winschoten, Limburg, Echt, Geleen, Gennep, Heerlen, Kerkrade, Kessel, Landgraaf, Maastricht, Montfor, Nieuwstadt, Roermon, Schin op Geul, Sittard, Stein, Susteren, Thorn, Vaals, Valkenburg, Venlo, Weert, North Brabant, S-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch), Bergen op Zoom, Boxtel, Breda, Eindhove, Geertruidenberg, Geldrop, Grave, Helmond, Heusden, Klundert, Oosterhout, Oss, Ravenstein, Roosendaa, Sint-Oedenrode, Tilburg, Valkenswaard, Veldhoven, Waalwijk, Willemstad, Woudrichem, North Holland, Alkmaar, Amstelveen, Amsterdam, Den Helder, Diemen, Edam, Enkhuizen, Haarlem, Heerhugowaard, Hilversum, Hoofddorp, Hoorn, Laren, Medemblik, Monnickendam, Muiden, Naarden, Purmerend, Schagen, Velsen, Volendam, Wees, Zaanstad, Overijssel, Almelo, Blokzijl, Deventer, Ensched, Genemuiden, Hasselt, Hengelo, Kampen, Oldenzaal, Rijssen, Steenwijk, Vollenhove, Zwolle, South Holland, Alphen aan den Rijn, Capelle aan den IJssel, Delft, Dordrecht, Gorinchem, Gouda, Leiden, Maassluis, Rotterdam, Schiedam, Spijkenisse, The Hague, Vlaardingen, Zoetermeer, Utrecht, Amersfoort, Baarn, Bunschoten, Eemnes, Hagestein, Houten, Leerdam, Montfoort, Nieuwegein, Oudewater, Rhenen, Veenendaal, Vianen, Wijk bij Duurstede, Woerden, IJsselstein, Zeist, Zeeland, Arnemuiden, Goes, Hulst, Middelburg, Sluis, Terneuzen, Veere, Vlissingen, Zierikzee). Edarabia strives to offer the latest updates, helping you find the best university in the Netherlands with information on tuition fees, accreditation details, videos, photos, location map, community reviews, and ratings.
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Edarabia showcases all universities and colleges in Netherlands which can be filtered by courses and tuition fees. International students looking to get a degree in Netherlands can choose from a diverse range of programs and diplomas and obtain their Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhDs (or MBAs) from some of the top-rated institutions. Some universities also offer online courses through which students can apply for distance learning and get an online degree in certain fields.
Students who require financial aid can apply for scholarships in order to study higher education at a lower cost. Student visas and accommodation are also provided to students at many universities. There are study abroad and exchange programs offered in order to promote language development skills while giving students the opportunity to interact with other cultures around the world. Additionally, each university/college has ratings based on student reviews and are ranked below accordingly.
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