Why Study in Netherlands?
Many students choose Singapore for their studies. Here’s why:
1. World Class Education
High-quality universities and programs.
2. Affordable Tuition
Lower fees compared to other countries, with scholarships available.
3. Practical Teaching
Focus on real-world skills and group work.
4. Quality of Life
Good transportation, work-life balance, and comfort.
5. Work Opportunities
One-year visa after graduation to find a job.
Study Locations
Netherlands's most popular locations:
Top Study Locations in the Netherlands with Weather Info
Amsterdam
- Overview: The vibrant capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is known for its canals, museums, and rich history. It's an international hub for education, culture, and business.
- Weather: Amsterdam experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters (around 2°C) and cool summers (around 17-20°C). Rain is frequent throughout the year, so an umbrella is essential.
Rotterdam
- Overview: Known for its modern architecture and bustling port, Rotterdam offers a dynamic, urban environment for students, with a strong focus on business, engineering, and design.
- Weather: Rotterdam has a similar climate to Amsterdam with mild winters and cool summers. Temperatures range from 3°C in winter to 19°C in summer, with regular rainfall throughout the year.
Leiden
- Overview: A historic university town, Leiden is home to one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands. It offers a charming, academic atmosphere with rich cultural heritage.
- Weather: Leiden enjoys mild winters and cool summers, with temperatures typically ranging from 3°C in winter to 17°C in summer. The city experiences moderate rainfall, especially in the autumn months.
Utrecht
- Overview: Utrecht is a central Dutch city known for its vibrant student life, historical landmarks, and a strong academic focus, particularly in social sciences, law, and humanities.
- Weather: The climate is similar to other cities in the Netherlands, with mild winters (around 2°C) and cool summers (about 17°C). Rain is common throughout the year, so prepare for frequent showers.
Groningen
- Overview: A youthful, lively city in the north of the Netherlands, Groningen is known for its innovative approach to education and vibrant student population. It is home to a leading research university.
- Weather: Groningen experiences cold winters (around 0°C) and mild summers (around 16°C). The region gets quite a bit of rain, especially in the autumn, so waterproof clothing is a must.
Education System In Netherlands
Netherlands offers top-notch education for international students.
Curriculum in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is known for its innovative and high-quality education system, offering a wide range of programs in English and Dutch at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Here's a brief overview of what you can expect from the curriculum in the Netherlands:
Flexible Study Programs
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Typically last 3 years. Students can choose from a variety of fields including science, business, engineering, arts, social sciences, and humanities.
- Master’s Degrees: Generally take 1 to 2 years. They are research-based and focus on specific areas of study, such as engineering, law, medicine, and international relations.
- PhDs: Typically take 4 years and are research-intensive. Students work closely with faculty to contribute to academic and scientific advancement.
Internationally Focused
- The Netherlands is a popular destination for international students. Many programs are offered in English, and the curriculum is designed to be globally applicable. The focus is on preparing students for international careers.
Practical Learning & Research
- Dutch education emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and the application of theory to real-world situations. Students are encouraged to participate in internships, project-based learning, and independent research.
- Universities often collaborate with businesses and research institutes to provide practical learning opportunities.
Innovative Teaching Methods
- The Netherlands uses a student-centered approach to learning, with an emphasis on teamwork, discussions, and seminars. The teaching methods are interactive and encourage students to think critically.
- Many universities offer opportunities for students to engage in research projects, internships, and exchange programs.
Fields of Study
- STEM: The Netherlands has a strong focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, with many high-ranking universities in these fields.
- Business & Economics: Many top business schools are based in the Netherlands, offering international business, finance, and economics programs.
- Arts & Humanities: The country offers numerous programs in design, architecture, history, and literature, often infused with an international perspective.
- Social Sciences: There is a growing emphasis on social issues, international relations, and public policy, making these programs quite popular among students.
- Environmental Sciences: As sustainability is a key focus in the Netherlands, environmental studies, urban planning, and green technologies are strong areas of education.
Universities In Netherlands
Scholarships for International Students in the Netherlands
The Netherlands offers several scholarships for international students who want to study in Dutch universities. Here are some of the prominent scholarship options:
Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS)
- Benefits: This scholarship is offered by Dutch universities, including funding for tuition fees, living expenses, and visa costs.
- Eligibility: Available to students from specific countries (including Indonesia, India, China, Mexico, and others) who are applying for full-time programs at participating universities.
- How to Apply: Apply directly through the university offering the scholarship.
- More Info: Orange Tulip Scholarship Program
Holland Scholarship
- Benefits: €5,000 for the first year of study at a Dutch university.
- Eligibility: Available to non-EU/EEA students applying for a Master's degree in the Netherlands.
- How to Apply: Apply through participating Dutch higher education institutions.
- More Info: Holland Scholarship
Dutch Excellence Scholarship
- Benefits: This scholarship typically covers partial tuition fees for high-performing students.
- Eligibility: Available to students from specific countries who meet the academic excellence requirements.
- How to Apply: Contact the international office of your chosen Dutch university for details.
- More Info: Check with your university’s international office.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
- Benefits: Full tuition coverage, travel allowances, and a living stipend.
- Eligibility: Open to international students applying for Erasmus Mundus joint Master’s programs, which are collaborative programs offered by universities from different European countries.
- How to Apply: Apply via the Erasmus Mundus program website.
- More Info: Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
University-Specific Scholarships Many universities in the Netherlands also offer scholarships for international students. Examples include:
- Leiden University Excellence Scholarship: For outstanding students applying to a master's program.
- University of Amsterdam International Students Scholarship: For non-EU/EEA students applying to a full-time Master's program.
- Utrecht University Scholarships for International Students: Available to students from outside the EU for various master's programs.
How to Apply: Check individual university websites for specific scholarship details and application procedures.
Nuffic Scholarship
- Benefits: Offers financial support for students from developing countries to study in the Netherlands.
- Eligibility: Usually requires students to be nominated by their home country’s government or a Dutch embassy.
- How to Apply: Apply through Nuffic or the relevant embassy.
- More Info: Nuffic Scholarships
Living & Educational Cost In Netherlands
Living Costs for International Students in the Netherlands
The living costs for international students in the Netherlands can vary depending on the city and lifestyle, but here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect:
Accommodation:
- Student Housing: €300 – €800 per month, depending on the city and type of accommodation (student dorms, shared apartments, or private accommodation).
- Private Apartments: In larger cities, private apartments can be more expensive, typically ranging from €700 to €1,200 per month.
Food:
- Groceries: Around €150 – €250 per month, depending on eating habits and whether you cook at home or eat out.
- Eating Out: Meals at inexpensive restaurants can cost around €10 – €15 per meal. A three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant typically costs €30 – €50.
Transportation:
- Public Transport: A monthly pass for public transport costs between €70 – €100, depending on the city.
- Bicycle: Cycling is a popular and economical mode of transportation in the Netherlands. Buying a second-hand bike typically costs €100 – €250, and maintenance costs are minimal.
Health Insurance:
- Mandatory Health Insurance: International students are required to have health insurance while studying in the Netherlands. Costs for basic health insurance range from €100 to €120 per month.
Study Materials:
- Books and Supplies: On average, students spend around €50 – €100 per semester on books and study materials.
Miscellaneous:
- Leisure and Entertainment: Students typically spend around €100 – €150 per month on entertainment, such as movies, events, and social activities.
- Phone and Internet: Mobile phone plans cost around €20 – €30 per month, and internet at home can cost around €30 – €50 per month.
Estimated Monthly Total:
- Lower-Cost Cities (e.g., Groningen, Tilburg): €800 – €1,200 per month.
- Higher-Cost Cities (e.g., Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague): €1,200 – €1,800 per month.
Visa Netherlands
Student Visa for International Students in the Netherlands
To study in the Netherlands, international students from outside the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) need to apply for a student visa. Here’s an overview of the process and requirements:
1. Types of Student Visas:
- Provisional Residence Permit (MVV): This visa is for students who need a visa to enter the Netherlands. It allows you to stay in the country for your studies.
- Residence Permit for Study (VVR): After entering the Netherlands with an MVV, you will need to apply for this residence permit. This allows you to stay in the country for the duration of your studies.
2. Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for a student visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Acceptance to a Dutch Educational Institution: You must be accepted to a recognized institution in the Netherlands. This could be a university, college, or a professional training program.
- Proof of Financial Resources: You need to show that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your living costs in the Netherlands. The minimum amount is approximately €1,000 per month (around €12,000 per year).
- Health Insurance: You must have valid health insurance during your stay in the Netherlands.
- Language Proficiency: Depending on the program, you may need to prove proficiency in English or Dutch (usually through IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent exams).
3. Application Process:
- Step 1: Apply for admission to a recognized Dutch institution.
- Step 2: Once accepted, the institution will help you apply for the MVV visa. They may also assist in applying for the VVR residence permit.
- Step 3: Submit necessary documents, including:
- A valid passport
- Proof of university admission
- Proof of sufficient financial resources
- Proof of health insurance
- Passport-sized photos
- Any required language proficiency certificates
- Step 4: Pay the visa application fee. Fees range between €170 and €220.
- Step 5: After submission, you will receive a decision within 1-3 months.
- Step 6: Once approved, you can enter the Netherlands with your MVV visa, and upon arrival, apply for the VVR residence permit.
4. Work Rights for International Students:
- During Studies: International students are allowed to work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year or full-time during the summer months (June, July, and August).
- After Graduation: International students can apply for a "search year" permit after graduation, which allows you to stay in the Netherlands for up to 12 months to find a job related to your degree.
5. Visa Duration:
- Your visa is valid for the duration of your course or program. You may extend your visa as long as your study program continues, but you must maintain full-time enrollment and meet other requirements like financial stability.
