How to Study in Netherlands for International Students

This article is on how to study in Netherlands for International students. Western Europe’s Netherlands, often known as Holland to some, is a nation. The majestic windmills, vibrant tulips, and interconnecting canals are among its most well-known features. I will therefore encourage my followers to study in the Netherlands and experience a different aspect of the educational system.

Even if it is still more of a refuge for carefree visitors, the Netherlands is now a popular destination for foreign students. After all, for foreign students who desire to study in the Netherlands, Dutch universities provide the best and most distinguished form of education system. You won’t regret your decision to study in the Netherlands, I bet.

The University rankings consistently place its institutions, including the University of Amsterdam, the Delft University of Technology, and the Eindhoven University of Technology, among the top 100. Even just knowing that can reassure someone who wants to study in the Netherlands that they are making the right choice.

In addition to being prestigious, these schools also provide English programs at significantly lower costs.

Follow these advice on how to study in the Netherlands as an international student if you want to enjoy the unique educational experience that the Netherlands has to offer.

Studying in Netherlands Guide for International Students

Here’s the outline of how you can study in Netherlands as international students.

Before you begin applying, you must be aware of the cost of studying in the Netherlands, which is crucial because nobody ever travels anywhere without being adequately prepared. You will be financially ready when you are approved if you do this. Additionally, you should plan ahead to cut the cost of your education because nobody wants to study for an eternity.
You should be aware of the application procedures for overseas students who want to study in the Netherlands as you work out the financial element. There are lots of them, so you should start getting ready for that as well.
You can begin applying to institutions once you’ve satisfied the general application requirements!
When you are accepted, you must get ready to apply for a student visa. The academic institutions can support you there!

Now, let’s get started with the first step.

1. Know the Cost to Study in Netherlands

In comparison to nearby European nations, the Netherlands has lower tuition costs. The annual cost of a baccalaureate degree ranges from $6,773 (or EUR 6,000) to $16,933 (or EUR 15,000). Conversely, postgraduate degrees might run you anything from $9,031 (about EUR 8,000) to EUR 20,000) each year.

The lower cost of living in the Netherlands is another fantastic feature. Typically, the cost of living is between $903 (EUR 800) and $1,241 a month (EUR 1,100)

2. Prepare to Meet the General Application Requirements for the Netherlands

Here are the general requirements for international students who wish to study in Dutch universities:

General Language Requirements (Undergraduate)

Non-native English speakers are required to submit an English proficiency test to Dutch universities. IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge English are a few of these tests.

For an internet-based test (iBT), the typical TOEFL criteria are 90 to 100, and for a paper-based exam, 550 to 600. International students who wish to study in the Netherlands must have an IELTS score between 6.5 and 7.

The University of Amsterdam, the largest university in the nation, stipulates that international undergraduate applicants must achieve the following marks:

Internet-based TOEFL: 92 to 100
IELTS: 6.5–7
Grades B to C on the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English
Level C1 of the Cambridge Certificate of English Proficiency
Undergraduate applicants to the Delft University of Technology must have a TOEFL iBT score of 90 and an IELTS band of 6.5.

International students are not obliged to speak Dutch unless they want to enroll in a course that is taught in that language. You must take the NT2-II if you want to do it. Even if this is the case, if you can provide your preferred university with a VWO, MBO, or HBO diploma, you can be excluded from the test.

Check the school’s requirements page for their desired test results because language requirements differ depending on the university and the degree you want to pursue.

Read Also: 5 Best Engineering Universities in Russia For International Students

General Language Requirements (Graduate)

In comparison to undergraduate students, post-graduate applicants must meet much fewer English requirements. The University of Amsterdam accepts IELTS scores as low as 6.5, TOEFL scores as low as 92, and Cambridge exam scores as low as Grade C.

The Delft University of Technology has even more relaxed standards. For the TOEFL iBT and IELTS, post-graduate candidates must score at least 90 and 6.5 respectively.

It is always preferable to verify your school’s website for the specifics due to variations in English language requirements.

Application Requirements (Undergraduate)

Dutch universities usually require the following documents from international applicants to study in the Netherlands.

Certification of secondary studies
English proficiency test
Curriculum vitae/resume
Admission exam, as deemed necessary
Payment of application fee, which usually costs $113 (EUR 100)

Some colleges have strict GPA requirements. At the University of Amsterdam, this is the situation. For instance, you would need a grade of B+ or a GPA of at least 3.33 if you were from the US. Depending on the course you have applied for, additional units might also be needed.

For applicants to the Communication Science program, letters of motivation and recommendation are also required.

At the Delft University of Technology, applicants are often expected to take any courses that may be necessary for the degree (such as mathematics, physics, or chemistry).

In light of this, you should consult your university’s official website for a complete list of prerequisites.

Application Requirements (Graduate)

The most fundamental qualification for graduate applicants continue to be a certificate of baccalaureate studies and evidence of English language competency.

Similar to undergraduate applications, some colleges might be picky about GPA. For admission to the Delft University of Technology, your GPA must be at least 75% of the maximum. If you were from the US, for instance, a GPA of 3–4 would be preferable.

In general, applicants seeking master’s or doctoral degrees must pay an application fee of $113. (EUR 100).

Always remember to check the website of your university for a complete list of application criteria.

3. Apply to Universities in the Netherlands by Following the Application Procedure

Once you are familiar with the application requirements, you need to start preparing to apply! If you are interested in applying at any of the Dutch universities, then here’s what you need to know about the process:

Undergraduate

The academic year in Dutch universities begins in September, as in the majority of other nations. Typically, the application season begins the year prior, with deadlines set between January and March.

Similar to the University of Amsterdam, admissions begin the previous year. The due date is determined by your program. Business administration and psychology candidates should apply in January. Liberal arts applicants have until February to submit their applications; those with a focus on politics, psychology, economics, or law have till March.

For EU citizens, these dates are pushed out to April or May.

The application process at the Delft University of Technology begins a year before (October). The deadlines, which range from January to April depending on the program, are different.

Always check the university website before making travel arrangements since these deadlines are subject to change without notice.

Graduate

Deadlines for graduate applicants vary according to semester.

At the University of Amsterdam, the deadline for the September intake ranges from March to April.

At the Delft University of Technology, the application period for the first semester (September start) usually begins on October 15 the year prior. It usually ends on January 15.

As for the second semester (which starts in February), the application starts July the year prior. Deadlines usually fall in mid-October.

Because application schedules depend on the semester or the program proper, you need to check your university portal for the complete details.

4. Prepare your Student Visa Application

Once you’ve been accepted to your top-choice Dutch university, the institution will submit an application on your behalf for a student visa or resident permit. As a result, you must deliver the following records to your university:

Evidence of a reliable source of income
Passport in good standing Insurance
Application fee for a student visa: $196 (EUR 174)
Your residence permit is valid for the duration of your academic career plus an additional three months. Additionally, if you need to study Dutch, you can get one extra year.

Five years is the maximum validity term.

You must be able to complete 50% of the minimum credits in order to keep your visa. The government refers to this as studying progress monitoring.

You can now purchase a plane ticket and travel to the Netherlands to begin your studies after receiving your student visa. But keep in mind that you must take a few actions when you get there. You must register with the municipality and take a TB test if you have a provisional student visa, so don’t forget to do so. After completing them, you can begin your studies in the Netherlands.

I sincerely hope that my post about how international students might study in Netherlands proved useful.

You are welcome to contribute, too.