The Netherlands is an increasingly popular destination for international students, with top-ranked universities, a high quality of life, and a diverse, welcoming culture. This guide explores the top reasons to study in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands, although not known for being an English-speaking nation, boasts an impressively high percentage of about 95% of individuals who speak English. As a result, foreign students who are interested in pursuing their education abroad will find living, working, and studying in the Netherlands to be a delightful and hassle-free experience.
The Netherlands has 13 top ranked universities in the QS World Rankings 2023, which is really amazing. Since the 16th century, its universities have been well known on a global basis. A Dutch education offers invaluable knowledge and experience. The top universities in the Netherlands are listed below.
For undergraduate and graduate degrees, tuition costs for students from the Netherlands, other nations in the European Union or the European Economic Area, Switzerland, or Suriname may range from €1,000 to €2,000 per year. On university websites, these are sometimes referred to as statutory tuition costs.
Charges for students from outside the EU or EEA may be twice or even treble those of their EU/EEA equivalents. The cost can range up to €15,000 per year, but it also depends on the school, the degree, the kind of residency visa, prior academic experience, and scholarship options. Depending on the degree, postgraduate expenses might be up to €20,000.
Application fees are also possible and range from €50 to €100 depending on the program or course.
The Netherlands requires four years to get a bachelor's degree, thus EU/EEA students should budget up to €8,000 for overall university tuition whereas non-EU/EEA students should budget up to €45,000 for their education.
The cost of attending a private universities (particuliere scholen), which includes business schools offering bachelor's and MBA programs, can reach €30,000 for the whole course of study.
| University Name | QS World Ranking |
|---|---|
| University of Amsterdam | 58 |
| Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) | 61 |
| Utrecht University | 112 |
| Wageningen University and Research | 124 |
| Leiden University | 131 |
| University of Groningen | 145 |
| Erasmus University Rotterdam | 208 |
| Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam | 214 |
| Radboud University | 232 |
| Maastricht University | 278 |
The majority of students who choose to pursue higher education in the Netherlands apply during one of two intakes. Since colleges offer more courses than in February, international students always choose the first intake that begins in September. Those that don't get accepted in the first intake use the second intake.
You must attempt to get admitted to the initial intake, which begins in September. Students from all over the world fight for the seats given by the universities, and all institutions offer all of the best courses.
The second intake begins in February and is beneficial for people who were turned away from the September first intake. The second intake offers advantages over the first since there is significantly less competition. As a result, if you are enrolling in a programme for the winter intake, you will definitely get admitted because there are less applicants.
An international student's average monthly cost of living in the Netherlands will be between €800 and €1200. A typical room will cost between €300 and €600, however small towns will often be less expensive than cities, and the kind of lodging will also affect the cost. The cost of living in the Netherlands may be rather high, particularly in Amsterdam and other major cities.
Here is a summary of the monthly costs for housing and daily life in several of the major Dutch cities. (Please note, these expenses exclude tuition fees.)
If you're interested in studying in the Netherlands, consider checking out Maxxcell. They provide assistance and guidance to international students, helping them with everything from selecting the right program to applying for visas and finding accommodations. With Maxxcell, you can be sure you'll have the support you need to make the most of your study abroad experience in the Netherlands.