Educational Programs in the Netherlands for International Students

Briefly about the Netherlands: Universities, Bachelor's and Master's

The Netherlands — a country that confidently ranks among the top popular destinations for obtaining higher education abroad. Over 1,150 educational programs are taught in English, and most of the country's leading universities are included in world rankings (QS, Times Higher Education). More than 100,000 international students choose to study in the Netherlands annually due to the high quality of education, convenient geographical location, international environment, and affordable tuition fee compared to other Western European countries.

The higher education system in the country is divided into:

• Applied universities (HBO — Hogeschool), which focus on practice, internships, and preparation for work in a specific field;
• Research universities (WO — Universiteit), which are oriented toward academic preparation and scientific research.

Bachelor's and master's programs are available in English, making the Netherlands particularly attractive to international students. Additionally, the country offers a wide selection of programs in engineering, IT, business, ecology, architecture, social sciences, medicine, and art.

The Netherlands is often called Holland, but this is only a part of the country — its two western provinces. In official and educational contexts, it is correct to use the name "Netherlands".

Education System in the Netherlands

Features of Education in the Netherlands

• Study programs may be built on the PBL (Problem-Based Learning) principle — active student involvement, work on projects, case studies, and group tasks.
• Small study groups and close interaction with teachers.
• Wide selection of English-taught programs.
• Application of acquired knowledge in real situations (especially in applied universities).
• Universities actively collaborate with industries and businesses.

Advantages of Education in the Netherlands

• Internationally recognized diplomas.
• English-taught programs at all levels.
• Large selection of academic and applied fields.
• High quality of teaching.
• Extensive opportunities for internships and employment.
• Integration into the European educational and scientific space.
• Flexible visa conditions for students and graduates.

Disadvantages of Education in the Netherlands

• High cost of living, especially in large cities.
• Strong competition for popular programs.
• Entrance exams for some specialties (e.g., art, medicine).
• Not all programs are available without prior preparation.
• Adaptation to the education system and independent work takes time.

How to Choose a University in the Netherlands

1. Determine which goal is more important — academic career or practical work.
2. Study the difference between HBO and WO:
   • HBO — profession-oriented;
   • WO — research and theoretical preparation.
3. Familiarize yourself with rankings and reviews (QS, THE).
4. Study the program content and list of disciplines.
5. Compare the tuition fee, accommodation, and additional expenses.
6. Pay attention to admission requirements (language, documents, deadlines).
7. Check the availability of support for international students and career services.

Documents for Admission to the Netherlands

• High school diploma or bachelor's/master's diploma (depending on the level).
• Academic transcript with grades.
• Certified translation of documents into English.
• English language certificate: IELTS (minimum 6.0) or TOEFL (from 80).
• Motivation letter.
• Recommendation letters (1—2).
• Passport.
• Portfolio (for creative specialties).
• Some programs may require an entrance test.

Preparatory Programs in the Netherlands

Preparatory programs (Foundation Year, Pre-Bachelor, Pre-Master) are intended for international students who:

• do not have complete 12-year education;
• need to improve their English language level;
• want to adapt to the country's academic system.

Duration: from 6 to 12 months
Language of instruction: English
Tuition fee: from €6,000 to €15,000 per year
Fields: business, engineering, economics, art, social sciences

Programs are conducted at universities, and upon completion, automatic transition to the main study program is possible.

Bachelor's Degree in the Netherlands

WO (research university):

• Duration — 3 years
• Academic orientation
• Suitable for continuing to master's and science

HBO (applied university):

• Duration — 4 years
• Practice-oriented learning
• Mandatory internships and diploma project

Language: English and Dutch
Tuition fee: from €8,000 to €15,000 per year
Popular fields: engineering, IT, architecture, biotechnology, marketing, management

Master's Degree in the Netherlands

WO (research university):

• Duration — 1—2 years
• In-depth academic research
• Suitable for admission to PhD

HBO (applied university):

• Duration — 1—1.5 years
• Professional orientation, focus on career

Language of instruction: English
Tuition fee: from €9,000 to €20,000 per year
Popular fields: ecology, project management, urbanism, design, finance

PhD in the Netherlands

Duration: 3—4 years
Language: English
Format: independent scientific work under the guidance of a supervisor
Payment: PhD is a paid position at the university (~€2,000/month)
Requirements: master's diploma, developed research plan, motivation for scientific career

English-Taught Programs in the Netherlands

• Over 2,100 English-taught programs
• Wide selection at bachelor's and master's levels
• Admission to English programs — standard path for international students
• Language level: IELTS 6.0—7.0 / TOEFL from 80—100 points
• Quality of education in English is equivalent to Dutch-taught programs

Student Visa for the Netherlands

Requirements:

• Letter of acceptance from the university
• Financial means: at least €13,000 per year of study
• Proof of health insurance
• Passport and biometric photos

Key features:

• Right to work up to 16 hours per week
• Opportunity to travel within the Schengen zone
• Opportunity to stay for one year after graduation to search for work (Orientation Year)

Processing time: from 2 to 8 weeks

Tuition Fees in the Netherlands for International Students

Additional expenses: textbooks, transportation, insurance.

Scholarships in the Netherlands for International Students

International students can apply for a number of scholarships.

What scholarships cover: partially or fully — tuition fee, accommodation, insurance. Amount — from €5,000 to €25,000.

Main conditions: high GPA, knowledge of English, letter of acceptance.

Application period: most often from October to April.

Examples of scholarships:

• Holland Scholarship — €5,000, 1st year of study, bachelor's and master's.
• Orange Tulip Scholarship — possible full coverage; available in CIS countries and India.
• TU Delft Excellence — full scholarship for master's, especially for technical fields.
• University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship — coverage up to full cost.

Some require a separate application through the university website or partner organization. Mostly available for master's, sometimes — for bachelor's.

Job Search after Studying in the Netherlands

During studies:

• Right to part-time work (up to 16 hours per week)
• Employer's permission (if required)

After graduation:

• Orientation Year — one year to search for work after graduation
• In-demand industries: IT, logistics, medicine, ecology, business analytics

Average graduate income: from €2,500 per month
Cities with best opportunities: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Groningen, Utrecht

Recognition of Dutch Diplomas Abroad

• Diplomas from Dutch universities are recognized in EU countries, USA, Canada, Australia.
• Dutch universities are accredited according to Bologna Process standards.
• Most programs are accredited by NVAO — the Dutch-Flemish accreditation organization.

Immigration Through Education in the Netherlands

• Orientation Year — legal way to stay in the country after graduation
• Official employment leads to a work visa
• After 5 years of legal residence — permanent residence
• After 5 years with permanent residence — possibility to obtain citizenship (if conditions are met)

Is it Worth Getting an Education in the Netherlands?

Pros:

• Internationally recognized diploma
• High standard of living and safety
• Real prospects for employment and immigration

Cons:

• Strong competition for some programs
• Need to adapt to independent learning
• Living expenses

Conclusion: The Netherlands is an excellent place to obtain quality European education with future prospects.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it possible to enter a university in the Netherlands after 11th grade?
   Yes, but a preparatory program (Foundation) or 12-year education will be required.
2. What level of English is needed for admission to a Dutch university?
   Minimum — IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80. Some programs require higher.
3. Which Dutch universities are better: applied or research?
   Depends on goals: applied (HBO) — for practice and career, research (WO) — for science and research.
4. Is it possible to work while studying in the Netherlands?
   Yes, up to 16 hours per week during the semester and full-time during vacations.
5. Is it difficult to stay in the Netherlands after graduation?
   No. Orientation Year allows legal job search and application for a work visa.