study in netherlands

Life in Netherlands

The Netherlands is a country located in Northwestern Europe, unofficially known as Holland. It comprises twelve provinces, bordering Belgium on the south and Germany on the east while the rest of the sides are surrounded by sea coastline. The country's official language is Dutch.

The country owns a great transport system which includes Eurostar, an international high-speed rail service. It connects the UK with France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Furthermore, the Netherlands is the doorway to the entire Europe, as you are just three hours away from Paris whereas London and Berlin are just a five or six-hour train ride away.

According to the 2018 Global Peace Index, the Netherlands was rated one of the safest countries in the world. You will fall in love with the Dutch culture. In their spare time, students can spend some time in nearby coffee shops, and attend summer festivals, and events organized in the country’s museums. In addition, 95% of Dutch people speak English, the life in the Netherlands become less complicated.

Climate of Netherlands

The Netherlands (NL) enjoys moderate oceanic climatic conditions. Here, the climate is usually easygoing with mild winters and cool breezy summers. Moreover, slight rainfall is common throughout the year. However, within the country, variation between regional climates is noticed.

In the Netherlands, the average winter temperature is about 3°C whereas the average summer temperature is around 17°C. Coastal regions have more hours of sunshine than inland regions and a relatively small annual and diurnal temperature range

Study in Netherlands

Study in Netherlands

The quality of Dutch higher education is well-recognized. The tuition fees and cost of living are considerably lower than in the countries like the US, UK, and Canada. The Dutch teaching style is interactive and student-centered, facilitating the development of valuable skills such as analyzing, solving practical problems, and creative thinking.

Dutch universities offer an immense number of English-taught programs in Europe. About 2,000 programs are taught completely in English. During their academics, students earn credits and after completion of studies, these ECTS credits are awarded. Also, there are lots of scholarship opportunities.

The country boasts international students from over 160 diverse countries. NL is strongly allied with several cultures, business communities, and of course the world. Top global-ranking universities of the Netherlands for instance include Leiden University, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Delft University of Technology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, University of Groningen, Maastricht University, Radboud University Nijmegen, Wageningen University and Research Center, etc.

Sr No. University Name City / Town World University Rank 2022 University Rank 2022 (Netherlands)
1. Wageningen University & Research Wageningen 53 1
2. University of Amsterdam Amsterdam 65 2
3. Utrecht University Utrecht 69 3
4. Leiden University Leiden 71 4
5. Erasmus University Rotterdam Rotterdam 72 5

Advantages of studying in Netherlands

Advantages of studying in Netherlands

Studying in Netherlands holds its perks, some of the reasons that make Netherlands a selective place to study are

  • The cost of education in the Netherlands is way lower than those offered by higher education institutions in Canada, the UK, and US universities.
  • The Universities offer a range of quality educational programs in the English language.
  • The Dutch higher education institutions are a part of the Bologna process and follow the ECTS system (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System).
  • Access to Schengen Visa equals the right to move in and travel freely within the Schengen Area. These 26 participating Schengen countries include Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden Switzerland, etc.
  • In addition, some Dutch Universities grant internship opportunities to students depending on their grades and added criteria.

Medium of Instruction in Netherlands

The Netherlands values education and thus presents an unmatched range of study programs for local and overseas students.Although Dutch is the primary spoken language in NL, more and more schools and universities offer education in English. Additionally, about 7 Dutch higher education institutions offer English-taught degree programs. At present, the Universities in the Netherlands deliver 1600+ English-taught programs, out of which, Bachelor’s Programs are 350+, Master’s Programs are 1050+, Short or summer courses are 170, and the remaining are additional programs.

Scholarship in Netherlands

Scholarship in Netherlands

Dutch Universities run different scholarship programs for national and international students as well. With the different scholarship programs, meritorious students can easily get benefitted through the student exchange program. Nonetheless, the students must apply for a scholarship from the university at the same time as applying for admission. The Netherlands Scholarships include the following-

• Erasmus+, Holland Scholarship,
• MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP),
• NN Future Matters Scholarship,
• NRF-Nuffic Programme South Africa,
• Orange Knowledge Programme,
• Orange Tulip Scholarship Programme,
• Sino-Dutch Scholarship
• The Desmond Fortes Scholarship.


However, the call for application for these scholarship programs has to be made by the students beforehand. Any student willing to Study in Netherlands must keep track of the deadline dates for scholarship application.

Indian Students in Netherlands

The Netherlands provides some of the main attractive features of low-cost study programs, excellent academic institutions, and high-quality life, which attracts a major number of foreign students. As of statistics, over 3,300 Indian students flew to NL for attaining higher education at Dutch universities. The country has a vast number of international students, with a significant increase in enrollment every year.

Moreover, International students mainly prefer to study in Netherlands due to its affordable degree programs. In addition, the Netherlands is one of the best countries where you can get quality education and find tons of degrees taught in English. Therefore, obtaining your degree at a Dutch university gives you plenty of opportunities for your future career. If you are a student planning to study in Netherlands, it is the right pick for you.

Program Intake

Dutch Universities offer two main intakes each year: Autumn intake (September) and spring intake (January). Universities offer the first intake that begins in September, which is most preferred by international students. If you are a student planning to get enrolled at Dutch University, you can choose either of the two intake periods.

However, the admission deadlines for enrolling in different programs may vary on the University. Accordingly, any student willing to go for study in Netherlands must start the application process early to avoid hassles at the very last moment.

Eligibility Criteria for Admission

For admission to Dutch universities, the candidate must meet the requirements stated below

  • A minimum score is 55% and above in Class XII.
  • The student should have attained 18 years of age or above.

Many Universities may ask for higher academics or additional qualifications depending on their Program.

Admission Procedure

Admission Procedure

For admission to Dutch Universities, the students are required to submit the following documents

  • 10th / 12th school mark sheet’s transcripts
  • School Leaving Certificate
  • Passport or ID card (with validity to the duration of your stay)
  • Passport-sized photographs.
  • An essay or a letter of motivation (if asked by the university)
  • Proof of language proficiency (in the English language).
  • Registration fee.

Study in Netherlands at the cost of India

The cost of study in the Netherlands, for example, management program ranges between 5,000 – 20,000 EUR/ year while the overall cost of studying a Management Program in India would range from 20 to 50 Lacs (24,000 EUR to 38,000 EUR). Moreover, the cost of studying in top management colleges in India would be Rs. 7.5 to 25 Lacs a year approx. Thus, we can say that the overall cost of study in Netherlands is comparatively lesser than that of India. Besides this, Indian students get the added benefit of comprehensive work experience and realistic organizational skills.

Hostel or Accommodation in Netherlands

Hostel or Accommodation in Netherlands

An international student can juggle between the options when looking for accommodation in the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, students can easily look for housing, as there is a range of accommodation offered. The average monthly rent for a single room (shared basis) in a student flat would range from EUR 200 – EUR 350. Additionally, private apartments or flats are also available, but the rented ones might be more costly than the non-shared apartments, and also they are often pre-occupied.

Besides this, specific foreign-oriented accommodations, such as serviced apartments are usually fully furnished, while houses in the Netherlands are generally unfurnished.

Nonetheless, the student must check for accommodation options at the university or other locally available student accommodation alternatives beforehand.

You can find the related information on the website of your Dutch university.

Cost of living in Netherlands

The cost of living in the Netherlands is comparatively lower than that of the UK, Canada, or the US. However, the living cost in bigger cities is typically higher than that of smaller cities or towns. The total cost of living for students (including food, accommodation, travel, etc.) approximately would be around €250 – €300. However, the overall monthly everyday expenditure would depend on the location you decide to reside and your living habits too.

Part-Time Jobs for Indian Students

In the Netherlands, international students can work for a max of 16 hours per week at a part-time job. Unlike other European countries, for instance, Germany, students from India cannot work part-time in the Netherlands on their student visas. And hence, students would require a work permit to work while they are enrolled at a Dutch University.

However, depending on the job role Part-time working students can earn up to 8-15 Euros per hour. So, one can earn 800-1500 Euros per month, which is good enough to manage the expenses such as education, transportation charge, and other monthly expenses.

Programs offered in Netherlands

Management Programs in Netherlands

Some of the top universities that offer business and management programs include Erasmus University Rotterdam, Tilburg University, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Maastricht University, University of Amsterdam, and so on.

Engineering Programs in Netherlands

In Netherlands, some of the global universities for engineering programs include the Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Twente, Utrecht University, University of Groningen, Wageningen University and Research Center, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Not only do these universities rank high in the country but also worldwide.

Medical & Paramedical Programs in Netherlands

The Medical & Paramedical universities in Netherlands that offer clinical Erasmus University Rotterdam, University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, University of Groningen, Maastricht University, Utrecht University, Leiden University, Radboud University, etc.

Hospitality and Tourism Programs in Netherlands

Breda University of Applied Sciences is one of the best universities that offer a Tourism and Hospitality Management program in Netherlands. Moreover, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, and Tio University of Applied Sciences for Hospitality, Tourism, and Business are the top colleges and business schools in the Netherlands that offer hospitality and tourism courses.

Natural Science Programs in Netherlands

Students planning to opt for Natural Science in Dutch universities or institutions are presented with several degree programs such as Plant Sciences, Forestry, Chemistry, Physical and Chemical Sciences, and Molecular Sciences, etc.

Arts & Science Programs in Netherlands

Some of the top universities comprise Delft University of Technology, Design Academy Eindhoven, Amsterdam University of the Arts, Royal Academy of Art, The Hague (KABK), and Utrecht School of the Arts. and many more.

Visa Processing in Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the visa processing time may take up to 15 working days. Also, the visa approval process can sometimes take up to 45 days. Therefore, the students are suggested to initiate the visa application process as soon as possible. However, it's always best to do so two months before students plan on moving to Study in Netherlands.

Job Opportunities

Job Opportunities

The Netherlandsproves to be a country to provide excellent career opportunities. Moreover, some of the world’s biggest multinationals, counting Philips, Shell, Unilever, ING, and Heineken are present in Dutch. The Netherlands is a world leader in many areas of expertise, including agriculture, water management, art & design, logistics, and sustainable energy.

The Dutch government knows how to retain talent. Thus, allowing International graduates to live and apply for a job or start a business. International students can even apply for a residence permit of one year to find a job, or start a business within three years of graduation.

Also, the high-end teaching-learning process of educational institutions allows the students to gain working experience that meets global standards. Numerous students prefer taking a job in the country of their studies. In the Netherlands, students enjoy the right to work which helps them work on building their careers while studying abroad.

You can refer to the table given below for the most preferred job titles in Netherlands and the average salaries offered – (1 Euro = 81.59INR)

(as per November 2022 Data )

Popular Job Roles in Netherlands Average Salaries (Per Year)
Allied Healthcare Professional 85000 EUR
Business Manager 72000 EUR
Engineer 78000 EUR
Finance / Investment / Accounting Manager 65000 EUR
Financial Analyst 75000 EUR
Hospitality / Tourism 39000 EUR
Marketing Manager 70000 EUR

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