Why study in the Netherlands?

17th July 2018

1) World class universities - with programmes in English

Dutch educational institutions consistently rank among the best 2% in the world. There are nearly 400 programmes offered in English, from philosophy and physiotherapy to liberal arts and engineering, making the Netherlands a top destination for English-speaking students from around the globe.

2) Affordable prices

Even for Europe, Dutch education is priced very competitively. For those with an EU passport, tuition at most universities hovers around €2,000 (though some programmes like medicine can be higher). EU students can also apply for low or no-interest loans from the government that pays for all or part of tuition. For students from outside the EU, tuition is usually around €13,000 although it can be quite a bit more or less, depending on the university.    

3) Dutch culture encourages an effective, learner-centred teaching style  

The Netherlands is known for its egalitarian, open-minded and creative culture. As a result, you won’t find much in the way of dull chalk ‘n’ talk lectures. Rather, you can expect interactive classes in which students participate in group work, share their opinions and give presentations.  

4) Internationalism

Dutch unis are incredibly international; students from over 160 different countries study there and NUFFIC, the Dutch Organisation for internationalisation in education, estimates that 1 out of every 10 students in the Netherlands are from another country. In addition, with 96% of Dutch people speaking English, the Dutch are the best non-native English speakers in the world, making it easy for international students to navigate the country and connect with locals.  

5) Location

From cosmopolitan cities like Amsterdam to smaller towns like Middelburg, universities in the Netherlands offer a range of living environments to suit every taste. Additionally, the Netherlands’ central location provides the perfect starting point for exploring many European attractions on weekends and during holidays.  

6) Safety, stability and infrastructure

Students who come from outside of the Netherlands will particularly appreciate the easy mobility in a country known for safety and stability. Beyond the ability to go out at night without fear, the Netherlands has an excellent system of public transit, and every city seems built for bicycles.  There are cycling lanes everywhere, and city centres are often closed to cars. And with everything so close together, cycling is a safe, efficient and fun way to get around.

7) Post-graduation opportunities

For such a small country, the Netherlands is a major centre of arts and industry which helps with finding a job after graduation. The country also provides a “search year” (also known as orientation year), in which recent graduates get a full year to look for work before needing a visa.