Why study in the Netherlands?

From its low tuition fees to its creative culture, there are lots of reasons why studying in the Netherlands may be just right for you.

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

Dutch education is priced very competitively. For those with an EU passport, tuition at most universities hovers around €2,000 a year. EU students can also apply for a ‘Collegegeldkrediet’ - a loan from the Dutch government that covers all or part of their tuition fees.* For international students from outside the EU, tuition ranges from around €8,000 a year for most degrees in business, arts and humanities, to around €11,000 for science subjects, €12,000 for liberal arts programmes and €32,000 for medicine.

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 how easy it is to get around 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 transport, 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.

* Tuition fee information for British students
Following Brexit, it's possible that British students will have to pay full international fees, particularly if a deal is agreed that excludes freedom of movement. In addition, they might not be able to access the Collegegeldkrediet. Frustratingly, there are still many unknowns, as the cost of tuition for British students post-Brexit depends on the agreements between the EU and the UK about their future relationship. The Dutch government has confirmed that any British national who is living in The Netherlands before the end of transition period will be eligible for EU fees for the duration of their studies.