Studying in the Netherlands combines a distinctive high-quality education with exciting cultural experiences. Generally, Dutch universities are famous for their innovative and research-based teaching methods, and they have continuously been ranked among the best in the world. Many programs can be followed in English, hence accessible to a wide range of international students from diverse backgrounds. The Netherlands is open-minded, tolerant, and proud of its history, adding up to great intellectual and personal development. 

Located conveniently in Europe, it provides easy access to explore neighboring countries. The broad scope of scholarships and funding opportunities opens up possibilities to enjoy world-class education with less financial limitation. The Dutch education system pays much attention to critical thinking and practical application, which means that graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in an increasingly globalized world.

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Scholarships in Netherlands

Here are some common and top scholarships awarded by the Netherlands to international students:

• Holland Scholarship
• Radboud Scholarship Program
• Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
• Orange Tulip Scholarship
• Netherlands Government Scholarship

1. Holland Scholarship

Holland Scholarship (also known as NL scholarship) is for non-EEA students applying for a bachelor's and master's would be welcome to take. The Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science and several Dutch research universities fund this scholarship,€ 5,000 is the scholarship amount. Selected candidates will receive the scholarship for the first year of their academic study. It is not a full-tuition scholarship.

2. Redbound Scholarship Program

The Radboud Scholarship grants talented, extremely inspired, non-EEA students with excellent study results the opportunity to be awarded a scholarship for an English-taught Radboud University Master's program. A Radboud Scholarship will lower the tuition fee to € 2,530. The full scholarship additionally comprises the costs of a visa, residence permit, health insurance, and liability insurance for the duration of your stay in the Netherlands. The scholarship does not cover living and studying costs in the Netherlands.

3. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Application to an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master: The very best students will be selected from any country in the world. Students will have the opportunity to study at several European universities and beyond. The best students will receive fully covered scholarships. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are top-quality integrated international master's courses planned and brought by an association of higher education institutions. These programs are designed to include a minimum of 3 institutions from at least 3 different countries, along with related academic and non-academic partners. Normally they comprise research, preparation, traineeship, and defense of a thesis. Masters also offers complete grants to extraordinary students worldwide. The grants cover contribution fees apart from contributing to travel, visa, and living allowance.

4. Orange Tulip Scholarship

It is a chance that gives talented students opportunities both at the bachelor's and master's levels to study at Wageningen University & Research. This scholarship targets all students who are acknowledged to the bachelor's program at Wageningen University, meeting their set English language proficiency requirement for the bachelor's program. They should also currently not be studying or working in the Netherlands. Students must not be nationals of an EU/EEA country that would allow them to be qualified for the lower European tuition fees.

5. Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship

This is seeking for the smartest students to join the wide-reaching laboratories in Amsterdam. Exceptional pupils who are citizens of non-EU/EEA countries may apply for their merit scholarship. Students in possession of a non-EU/EEA passport and who have applied for an English-taught Master's program at this university are eligible to apply for the merit scholarship. 

The recipient will be eligible for an award amount of 25,000 EUR upon selection. The scholarship amount covers the tuition fee and living cost, and the quantity of the scholarship shall be applied to one full academic year.

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Universities in the Netherlands 

The top ten Universities in the Netherlands are given below:

• Radboud university
• University of Groningen
• Delft university of technology
• Leiden University
• University of Amsterdam
• Utrecht university
• Wageningen University and research
• Erasmus University Rotterdam
• Uppsala university
• Maastricht university

Most popular Universities

1. University of Amsterdam

The University of Amsterdam has a reputation as being an ambitious, creative, and committed leader in international science and an innovation partner and has been inspiring generations. Economics and Business at the University of Amsterdam offers both Bachelor's and Master's education fully in English. The 1-year Master of Science program offers several specialization tracks to choose from. The education is organized into two schools, namely the Amsterdam Business School and the Amsterdam School of Economics.

2. Utrecht University 

Founded in 1636 and based in the Netherlands, this university has evolved into the leading research university in Europe. For many years, Utrecht University has been the forerunner of educational innovations, such as working out challenging programs for groups of highly brilliant and motivated students, which is part of the international need for exceptional graduates. Some examples of initiatives included in this list from Utrecht are University College Utrecht and Utrecht Law College. They are known for their innovative method of education and research in which students are challenged to develop their own opinions and expertise. Innovative, high-quality, and forward-thinking are just a few words to describe education at Utrecht University. The university is working hard to make education even better inspiring lecturers and ambitious students.

3. University of Groningen

Internationally oriented, the university has an extensive variety of programs and highly valued research in nearly all fields of study, such as science, humanities, social sciences, and engineering. Its main focus is on research-oriented education, innovation, and internationalization, offering students an international experience through its many partnerships and exchange programs. The University of Groningen remains at the lead of academic and scientific developments while maintaining an active student life and devotion to finding answers to complex global problems. 

Academic tradition in this university has appreciated an academic tradition for almost four centuries. Of this tradition came both the very first female student and the first female lecturer of the Netherlands, the first Dutch astronaut, and the first president of the European Central Bank. The University of Groningen offers a high standard of educational programs. It offers an extensive range of interesting and highly regarded degree programs that are highly ranked nationally and internationally. Such as:

• Undergraduates’ degree
• Master's degree
• PhD level
• Exchange programs
• Summer/Winter Schools

4. Leiden University

Leiden is the oldest university in the Netherlands. It gives discrete attention to students and brings them into contact with different cultures, innovatory teaching approaches, personal administration, and compulsory study advice. Teaching and research are well-linked. Leiden University is an international-oriented inclusive University. Technical research and education stimulate students at the university, while this cross-pollination is a contribution to society. The institution is working on research to get an essential understanding of the world and the people surrounding it. The consequence is that they, through teaching, ready the students as analytical thinkers and critical world citizens who take that knowledge to create a harmless, strong, sustainable, prosperous, and just world. This supports and enacts the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals where relevant.

5. Wageningen University and Research

Wageningen education has developed further and the institution now become the National Higher College of Agriculture, Horticulture, and Forestry. It is well-renowned for its life sciences-based and agricultural research. The university has gained great reputation and praise for its commitment to good practices concerning such global challenges as food security, environmental sustainability, and rural development. Innovation at the university is fostered via a collaborative approach, performing front-line research in combination with practical application. Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading institutions focusing on setting a more sustainable and healthy future through interdisciplinary studies with strong international cooperation. Wageningen University & Research intensively cooperates with businesses, governments, and civil society to enable these results to attain value.

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Investment themes Wageningen University & Research:

• Connected circularity
• The protein transition
• Digital twins

Research themes Wageningen Research:

• Biodiversity
• Climate change
• Circular bio-based economy
• From hunger to food security
• Nutrition and Health
• Artificial intelligence

Admission requirements and documents list

• Language proficiency
• Academic transcripts
• Motivation letters
• Recommendation letters
• CV / Resume
• Personal statement
• A passport picture
• Financial proof
• Visa application form
• Health insurance
• GMAT / GRE (if required by university)

Visa checklist requirements documents 

• Acceptance Letter
• Passport
• Passport Photos
• Proof of Financial Means
• Proof of Accommodation
• Health Insurance
• Visa Fee
• Language Proficiency
• Visa Application Form
• Educational Documents
• Motivation Letter
• Criminal Record Certificate

Cost of Living

The general living cost in the Netherlands is high. The monthly expenditure of a single student may vary from € 800 to € 1,500 per month for cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht. The big cost components are rent, utilities, food, transportation, and leisure activities. Rent alone can account for a large percentage and usually runs from € 400 to € 1,000 per month for a room or an apartment. It also brings in its wake the imperative of budgeting carefully, with added costs for health insurance, study materials, etc.

Students are allowed to work part-time while studying in the Netherlands. International students can work up to 16 hours per week while in school. During the summer months, they can work twenty-four-hour, up to 40 hours per week.

The most common types of employment among students are:

• The area of cafes and restaurants
• Retail shops and supermarkets
• Office administration
• Second, on-campus jobs and internships that are related to your field of study are also relevant experience.

Work permit and future opportunities

Students from outside the EU/EEA need a work permit to work in the Netherlands. Student institutions will often be able to help them with this. Students from EU/EEA countries do not need a special work permit but are supposed to adhere to the general regulations concerning working hours and conditions. The orientation year provisions allow a non-EU/EEA student to apply for a visa to stay up to 12 months after graduation in the Netherlands to look for work or to start his or her own business. Upon graduation, students can find field-related work; many industries in the Netherlands are looking for people who can professionally practice their skills. Networking and doing an internship during the study period will raise the prospects of finding a job.

FAQ's

How much does it cost to study in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands Tuition for bachelor's programs is approximately 9,000-20,000 Euros, while for masters, tuitions are roughly estimated to be around 12,000-30,000 Euros.

Is the Netherlands study free?

No, International students can't study for free in the Netherlands. The best option to study in the Netherlands for free would be a scholarship. There are several different scholarship options for international students.

Do you need IELTS for the Netherlands?

To apply for the Netherlands Study Visa, a student from another country needs to show proof of scoring a minimum of 6.0 in every section, that is, Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections, of the IELTS exam.

Which subject is best in the Netherlands?

There are several fields in which can get an education in the Netherlands from. Fields are agriculture and liberal arts. Science, engineering, fashion, sports management, philosophy, and business and finance.