When it comes to studying abroad, the top countries that come to light are UK, Germany, and USA. Not many people aspire to study in countries like Netherlands or Norway.
There are misconceptions like the cost of studying in the Netherlands is beyond the Indian budget or that there are no programs in English.
Reasons to study in the Netherlands!
1. A multicultural and international atmosphere
Why study in the Netherlands is something that some individuals would wonder. But others would argue, “Why not?” if given the chance to relax on beaches, take boat excursions on canals and lakes, take in the beauty of the woodlands, enjoy a beautiful climate, and be where many people with diverse cultures mix.
Students from a wide range of countries are sent to the Netherlands to study abroad. International students attended schools in 157 different nations in 2014–15, with the majority coming from Germany, China, Belgium, Italy, and Spain. International student associations are present at the majority of Dutch universities and support students during their academic careers.
Moreover, the Netherlands is a singular non-Anglophone nation where roughly 95% of the populace speaks English. This makes living, studying, and working in the Netherlands immensely convenient, at ease, and pleasurable for international students.
The Netherlands is a similarly free and liberal nation that promotes individual expression. This is strongly recommended throughout your academic career.
2. Inexpensive study fees
Studying in the Netherlands is less expensive than in other English-speaking countries like the UK or the US. In the Netherlands, higher education is financially supported by the government, and tuition is affordable.
Due to the well-known high quality of instruction and comparably low cost of living, studying in the Netherlands will give you the most value for your money.
Annual tuition fees for a degree program or course at a Dutch higher education institution start at about €1,900 for EU students and €6,000 for non-EU students, depending on the institution.
Also, if you choose to work in addition to your education, you can claim these costs and receive a tax refund. In addition, a lot of Dutch institutions provide grants and scholarships that help fully or substantially defray the cost of the tuition for educational programs.
3. Creative approaches to education
The Dutch educational system is of the greatest caliber, and Dutch institutions are well-known across the world for their infrastructure and curricula that are organized and cutting-edge.
The Netherlands’ emphasis on teamwork in the classroom makes it simple for international students to interact with both Dutch and other international students.
In Dutch universities, it is highly prized when professors and students form close relationships. Most tutorials and seminars are conducted in small groups of 15 to 30 students.
You will complete the majority of your schoolwork in groups, which will improve both your academic and teamwork abilities. Universities in the Netherlands include a lot of practical elements in their degree programs.
Universities place a lot of focus on relevant practical experience and have numerous connections with both Dutch and foreign businesses.
Universities of applied sciences, which offer more specialized degrees, are in addition to normal universities. Those who enjoy learning about real-world issues may find a university of applied sciences to be more intriguing. They give more weight to practical experiences and less weight to theoretical and intellectual concerns.
4. Affordable costs of living
When compared to other nations in western Europe, the Netherlands has a relatively low cost of living. If you are a student in the EU, you are still eligible for a grant of €265 and an OV-Chipkaart for student discounts on weekdays and weekends even if you work 32 hours a month.
There are many websites available for students to use to find dorm rooms. There is a high need for housing, so you should start looking for it right away. Also, many clubs, restaurants, museums, and theatres offer student discounts.
A bicycle makes getting around town simple. Not only is this a typical Dutch means of transportation, but it is also reasonably priced. It is without a doubt advisable to request an ISIC student card if you want to benefit from several benefits and savings.
5. English is common as a medium of instruction
In order to draw in international students, the Netherlands is renowned as the first non-English speaking nation where universities began to design higher education study programs in English.
In the Netherlands, there are more than 2,100 study programs and courses taught in English that can be completed to earn a bachelor’s, master’s, Ph.D., diploma, or certificate.
It sounds wonderful to have access to affordable, top-notch education in a range of areas in a multicultural, tolerant country. Nonetheless, if you are from a nation where English is not the native tongue, Dutch colleges do have severe language requirements.
If you’re an international student, you must take the TOEFL, IELTS, or a comparable English language test. For further information on the prerequisites of the university to which you intend to apply, check their website.
6. Exceptional chances to travel
Due to its geographic center on the continent, the Netherlands is easily reachable from all major European cities. The Netherlands is frequently referred to as the “gateway to Europe.”
It only takes around an hour to fly from Amsterdam to Paris, Berlin, Brussels, or London. Also, it has excellent rail accessibility and connections to all significant European cities.
Also, the Netherlands boasts a sophisticated and well-connected transportation infrastructure, and several student discounts make travel fairly reasonable.
As previously indicated, you can also obtain a student OV-Chipkaart, which grants you access to cost-free public transit, by working 32 hours each month.
This makes exploring the entire nation very easy and affordable. You will also enjoy how simple it is to move around on a bike, which is the Dutch people’s primary and least expensive mode of transportation. Since there are roads specifically designated for bikers, you can cycle in privacy, security, and tranquillity.
7. Global recognition for degrees
The Netherlands has a long tradition of academic brilliance and is considered a center of knowledge. At Dutch universities, scientific research is highly regarded both domestically and internationally.
The educational system in the Netherlands is well-known internationally and adheres to all norms. A degree from a Dutch university provides the opportunity to start one’s own business and can be very helpful for developing a successful career in any nation in the world.
Some of the most well-known universities in the Netherlands include the Universities of Amsterdam, Leiden, and Utrecht.
