Lori Meadows
The Netherlands is a popular choice for international students, with a reputation for high-quality teaching and achieving career goals. It has a lot to offer, from its innovative education methods, vibrant social scene and nightlife, to its visionary architecture, contemporary fashion, and famous museums and tourist sites. The country is also known for its impressive university rankings, with institutions such as the University of Amsterdam, Leiden University, and Wageningen University & Research featuring in various world university ranking tables. The Dutch higher education system offers a wide range of degree options, including Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral degrees. The teaching style is interactive and student-centred, encouraging the development of opinions and creativity. However, it is important to note that the Netherlands can also be a high-risk destination for students, with a high international student dropout rate. Finding accommodation can be challenging, and competition for places is expected to increase as universities plan to cut the number of English-only undergraduate degrees. Nonetheless, the Netherlands provides excellent career opportunities and is a safe and happy country to study in.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | High, but international student dropout rate is 3x that of Dutch students |
| English language skills | Over 90% of Dutch people speak English fluently |
| Tuition fees | EU students: $2,000–4,000/year; Non-EU students: $6,000–$22,000/year |
| Accommodation | Difficult to find; recommended to start searching early |
| Teaching style | Interactive and student-centred |
| International student population | Strong communities from China, India, Türkiye, the USA, and Indonesia |
| Work opportunities | International students can work part-time (up to 16 hours/week) |
| Health insurance | International students must have private insurance or, if EU citizens, an EHIC |
| Academic year | Divided into two semesters: Summer and Winter |
| Degree options | Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, and diploma programmes |
| University types | Research universities and universities of applied sciences |
| University rankings | Many Dutch universities feature in world ranking tables |
| Social scene | Active social and nightlife, with museums and tourist sites |
| Location | Northwestern Europe, bordering Germany and Belgium |
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What You'll Learn
Social scene and nightlife
The Netherlands is known for its vibrant social scene and active nightlife, making it a student-centric country. The country offers a wide range of options for entertainment, including bars, pubs, clubs, cinemas, theatres, and restaurants. Each town has at least one cinema, usually located within the town centre, showing a mix of British and American box office hits with English audio and Dutch subtitles.
Amsterdam, the capital, is particularly renowned for its legendary nightlife, with busy streets, restaurants, cafes, clubs, bars, and cinemas. The Leidseplein area is known for its nightlife, and the city also has several neighbourhoods that are perfect for international students, such as De Pijp, Jordaan, Amsterdam West, and Amsterdam Oost, which offer a mix of affordable housing, vibrant nightlife, and proximity to universities. The city is also known for its diverse population and excellent academic institutions, making it a great place for international students to feel welcomed and find a blend of academic excellence, cultural richness, and vibrant student life.
Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague also offer unique experiences and are known for their undulating nightlife. Rotterdam, for instance, is home to one of the largest event locations in the country, Ahoy, where massive parties and international performances are held. It also has a prominent music venue, Rotown, with weekly club nights, and its Witte de Withstraat district is a popular nightlife spot.
Eindhoven, known for its innovation and technology, also has a vibrant nightlife scene with trendy bars and nightclubs. The city has a rich social life, with the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) Campus alone boasting around nine student-run bars. The city also has plenty of parks and outdoor spaces, as well as fast-food options, making it a great place for students to socialise and relax.
For those who prefer a quieter social scene, the Netherlands offers some of Europe's most famous museums and tourist sites. The country is also known for its excellent food and dining experiences, with international, fresh, and experimental cuisine. Overall, the Netherlands provides a diverse range of social and nightlife options to suit different tastes and preferences.
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English fluency
The Netherlands has consistently ranked highly on the EF English Proficiency Index since 2011, and in 2024, it was ranked first out of 113 countries. It is estimated that between 90% and 97% of the Dutch population is proficient in English. This high level of English proficiency is attributed to several factors, including the small size and population of the country, its strong emphasis on trade and commerce, and the use of subtitles for foreign languages on television instead of dubbing. Dutch children are introduced to English in primary school, starting no later than age ten, and English is a compulsory subject at all levels of secondary education.
The prevalence of English in the Netherlands extends to the academic sphere as well. Most scholarly and scientific publications in the country are in English, except for government and legal publications. Additionally, some Dutch schools at all levels have adopted English as the language of instruction. This widespread use of English in academia contributes to the country's ability to attract international talent and foster a diverse and innovative work environment.
The international atmosphere in the Netherlands, with people from 143 different nationalities, makes it a welcoming place for students from various cultural backgrounds. The country is known for its open-mindedness and acceptance, with a belief in equality and a long history of legal same-sex marriage. This cultural diversity provides students with valuable opportunities to build networks, enhance their communication skills, and gain insights into different ethnicities.
While English is widely spoken in the Netherlands, the Dutch government has expressed intentions to reduce the number of English-language bachelor's courses to preserve Dutch as the primary language of instruction and address housing shortages caused by increasing international student enrollment. This move aims to improve Dutch proficiency among students and encourage international students to join the local workforce after graduation, benefiting the Dutch economy and society.
Overall, the Netherlands offers a highly proficient English-speaking environment for international students, facilitating seamless communication and integration into the academic and cultural landscape of the country. However, with the government's recent efforts to prioritize Dutch in higher education, international students may need to adapt to potential changes in language policies at universities.
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Scholarships and fees
The cost of studying in the Netherlands as an international student depends on your nationality and whether you have studied in the country before. Tuition fees vary depending on the university and programme, and scholarships are available to help fund your studies.
Scholarships
There are many scholarships available for international students at Dutch universities. These include both partially and fully funded scholarships, which may also provide a monthly stipend along with covering tuition fees, accommodation charges, health insurance, and travel allowances.
The NL Scholarship, financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, is available for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to do their bachelor's or master's in the Netherlands. The scholarship amounts to €5,000, which is awarded in the first year of study.
Other scholarships include the Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships, which are fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing master's studies at Delft University of Technology. The University of Groningen also offers a scholarship that covers tuition fees, international travel costs, subsistence, books, and health insurance.
The University of Amsterdam offers merit-based scholarships ranging from €2,000 to €25,000 for international students pursuing master's studies. Radboud University offers a fully funded scholarship that reduces the tuition fee to €2,209, which is significantly lower than the regular fee of €16,000.
Leiden University offers an excellence scholarship of €15,000 annually for master's students, while the ISS Scholarship Fund for Excellent Students covers 40% of the tuition fee for master's studies at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
The Facebook Fellowship Program is a fully funded scholarship for doctoral research studies, covering two years of study fees, an annual stipend, and conference travel aid.
Additionally, the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship offers 21 full scholarships of €34,000, including a tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend, for highly talented students from outside the European Union (EU) admitted to master's programmes.
Fees
Tuition fees in the Netherlands are comparatively lower than in many other European countries. However, the cost of living can be significant, with estimates ranging from €1,250 to €1,500 per month, or €15,000 per year. Therefore, even with a scholarship, you may need around €20,000 to €23,000 per academic year to cover your total expenses.
It is important to carefully review the specific eligibility requirements and application deadlines for each scholarship, as they may vary depending on the university and programme.
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Teaching style
The Netherlands has two types of higher education: research-oriented and profession-oriented. The former is offered by research universities, and the latter by universities of applied sciences (hogescholen in Dutch). The teaching style at research universities is rapid and requires self-initiative, with little supervision. Students are encouraged to develop their analytical thinking, consider abstract concepts, and ask questions.
Universities of applied sciences, on the other hand, offer a more focused and slower-paced education. They provide a clear occupational path, with more group work and supervision. Students are encouraged to apply their knowledge to practical, real-world solutions.
In general, Dutch culture promotes independence from a young age, and this is reflected in the education system. Students are expected to be active in class, share their ideas and opinions, and take responsibility for their learning through a problem-solving approach. The teaching style is interactive and student-centred, and students are given the freedom to develop their own opinions and creativity. Much of the course content involves writing papers, group work, internships, and laboratory experiments.
The Dutch academic year is divided into two semesters or four blocks, with exams at mid-term, end of term, or at the end of each block. This intensity can be a surprise for some students, especially those from countries with a more relaxed first year, like the UK. Students are expected to take the initiative and seek out support when needed.
The Netherlands has a reputation for being "easy to get into, difficult to finish" for international students. While there are no caps on places for international students, the dropout rate is high, with 17% of international students dropping out in their first year, compared to 6% of Dutch students. This may be due to the independent learning style and problem-solving approach that characterises Dutch education.
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Accommodation
The Netherlands is a popular study destination for international students, but finding accommodation can be challenging due to a severe housing shortage. It is recommended to start looking for accommodation as soon as possible, even before arriving in the country. Students usually live in houses across the city, and there is a shortage of on-campus housing. Some universities, like Erasmus University Rotterdam, reserve accommodation for a limited number of international students, but most will need to find housing on the private market.
There are various platforms and services that can help international students find accommodation in the Netherlands. These include:
- HousingAnywhere: An international booking platform for student accommodation that offers priority assistance in six different languages.
- Hospi Housing: A platform that allows students to live with a host or host family, providing a unique and cosy living experience.
- Student Housing Holland: Offers comfortable and fully furnished rooms in typical Dutch student houses, with all-inclusive packages that include airport pickup, social events, and more.
- Stekkies: A service that sends new housing listings directly to your WhatsApp, increasing your chances of finding accommodation in the competitive market.
- Study in the Netherlands Subreddit (/r/StudyInTheNetherlands): The largest online community for Dutch and international students studying in the Netherlands, offering advice on renting or buying accommodation.
When looking for accommodation, it is important to be aware of potential scams. Scammers may target students, especially during the busy season (June to September). To avoid scams, never sign a tenancy contract without seeing the room, and be cautious when dealing with Facebook groups. Additionally, some accommodations may exclude international students, so be sure to read the contract thoroughly and ask questions to avoid any surprises.
Other tips for finding accommodation in the Netherlands include:
- Be prepared to share facilities like the kitchen, bathroom, and living room with other students.
- Student houses may not always be well-kept, and the rooms may be smaller than what you are used to.
- Additional costs such as gas, water, electricity, internet, TV, taxes, insurance, and service charges may not be included in the rent, so be sure to factor these into your budget.
- If you are looking for temporary accommodation, renting a room or studio in The Social Hub may be a good option.
- "Student hotels" are also available in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Delft, Eindhoven, Maastricht, and The Hague, offering benefits like bike rentals, regular cleaning, and private bathrooms.
Overall, finding accommodation as an international student in the Netherlands can be challenging, but with persistence, flexibility, and the use of available resources, you can secure a comfortable place to stay during your studies.
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Frequently asked questions
The teaching style in the Netherlands is interactive and student-centred. Students are expected to be proactive and interactive in class, developing and articulating their own opinions. They are encouraged to actively question what lecturers or fellow students say. The Dutch education system also places an emphasis on practical work experience through internships and laboratory experiments.
The Netherlands has a very active social scene and nightlife, making it enjoyable for students. Dutch cities have thriving international communities and are a melting pot of cultures, with over 90% of the population speaking English fluently. Students can also benefit from excellent transport links to other European countries.
The Netherlands offers several scholarship opportunities and education loan options for international students. EU students pay $2,000-4,000 for tuition while international students pay between $6,000 and $22,000 per year. The price of basic healthcare insurance in the Netherlands is very reasonable, at around €120 per month. International students can also take on part-time work to help manage the cost of living.
