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The Netherlands has become a leading destination for international students, particularly due to its broad selection of English-taught programs, innovative teaching methods, and high-quality research. Beyond academics, the country’s welcoming, multicultural environment and well-connected cities make it an attractive place to live and study.
Bachelor’s Degrees
- Program Length: Bachelor’s programs usually last three or four years (6–8 semesters).
- Language of Instruction: A significant number of bachelor’s degrees—especially in business, engineering, social sciences, and liberal arts—are taught entirely in English.
- Admission Requirements: Typically include a recognized secondary school diploma, proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL), and sometimes additional subject prerequisites or entrance exams depending on the field of study.
Master’s Degrees
- Program Length: Most master’s programs take one or two years (2–4 semesters), depending on whether they are research-oriented or professionally focused.
- Language of Instruction: Many Dutch universities offer master’s programs in English, making them highly accessible to international students who do not speak Dutch.
- Admission Requirements: A relevant bachelor’s degree, sufficient English language test scores, and potentially a motivation letter, resume, and references.
Tuition Fees
- EU/EEA Students: Tuition fees for bachelor’s and master’s programs at research universities typically range from €2,300 to €2,500 per year.
- Non-EU/EEA Students: Fees can range from €6,000 to €20,000 per year, depending on the university and program. Highly specialized programs, like MBAs or medical degrees, may be more expensive.
Types of Universities
In the Dutch higher education system, there are two main types of institutions:
- Research Universities (Classical Universities)
- Focus: These universities emphasize research, theoretical knowledge, and analytical thinking.
- Programs Offered: They provide academically oriented bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs.
- Teaching Approach: Coursework is often research-heavy, with strong links to scholarly literature and scientific methods.
- Examples: University of Amsterdam (UvA), Leiden University, Utrecht University, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Erasmus University Rotterdam.
- Universities of Applied Sciences (Hogescholen)
- Focus: These institutions are geared towards practical skills and professional training.
- Programs Offered: Primarily bachelor’s degrees, with a growing number of professionally oriented master’s programs.
- Teaching Approach: Emphasizes hands-on projects, internships, and industry partnerships, preparing students directly for specific professions.
- Examples: Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Saxion University of Applied Sciences.
Top Research Universities
- Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) – Renowned for engineering and technology programs.
- University of Amsterdam (UvA) – Strong in humanities, social sciences, and various scientific fields.
- Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) – Highly regarded for economics, business, and social sciences.
- Leiden University – The oldest university in the Netherlands, with top-tier programs in law, politics, and international relations.
- Utrecht University – Known for a broad research focus and interdisciplinary approach.
- Wageningen University & Research (WUR) – Specializes in life sciences, agriculture, and environmental studies.
Top Universities of Applied Sciences
- Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS) – Offers a range of practical bachelor’s programs in business, IT, health, and more.
- Fontys University of Applied Sciences – Known for programs in technology, business, and education.
- Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences – Focuses on hands-on learning in fields like logistics, finance, and media.
- Saxion University of Applied Sciences – Wide range of English-taught programs, particularly strong in hospitality, technology, and business.