The Netherlands: somewhat of a Neverland

Written by Sofia Charles

If you want to study in English, but you want to study in the EU, the Netherlands might be for you! There are over 2,100 courses of all types and levels taught in English available in the Netherlands. This does not come as much of a surprise as over three quarters of the Dutch population speak fluent, or near-fluent English. Due to the generally impressive level of English in the Netherlands, you can even exclusively rely on English until you’ve managed to learn some Dutch! Luckily, many of the universities offer comprehensive Dutch-language courses that you can sink your teeth into once you’ve plucked up the courage.

A major factor in choosing the perfect university for you may be its worldwide reputation. You won’t need to worry about that in the Netherlands, with an abundance of world-renowned universities such as Leiden University, Utrecht University, the University of Amsterdam, the University of Groningen, and the University of Maastricht. One of the crucial appeals of Dutch universities lies in their modern and people-oriented approach to teaching. Universities in the Netherlands are split into two groups: research universities and Universities of Applied Sciences. Research-based universities are more traditionally academic than the Universities of Applied Sciences, but are often interactive and innovative, with a strong emphasis on teamwork when it comes to assignments. This results in students getting to know each other easily, as they are automatically introduced to other students through their course. Not only this, but these universities pride themselves on their intensive teaching styles, with small group lessons being emphasized, instead of big, impersonal lectures. This is conducive to good professor-student relationships, which can be a fantastic asset when it comes to academic support. Of the 13 research-based universities in the Netherlands, 12 teach their Bachelor’s Degrees in English. 

However, if you are someone who is motivated by real-world, tangible experiences, then the versatility of Dutch universities may appeal to you. Their Universities of Applied Sciences prioritize practical experience in the workplace, with a unique structure whereby the universities have longstanding partnerships with both Dutch and international companies. This type of course is tailored towards students who have the intention of entering a specific field of work after graduating from university. These degrees consist of a work placement, as well as a period of time spent abroad. This can be a great advantage as it introduces students to the workplace early on, helping them make connections and understand what it means to work in certain industries. There are 41 of these universities, with some of them specializing in subjects such as agriculture.

Another undeniable advantage of studying in the Netherlands is its highly international nature. It is an extremely popular destination for many foreign students, attracting students from over 150 countries! In fact, international students make up over 23% of the total student population in the Netherlands. More specifically, if you are an EU student, you’re in luck, as you have the major advantage of smaller fees compared to non-EU students - the average tuition fee for a Bachelor’s degree ranges between €2,000 and €6,000 per year for EU students. A Master’s degree, however, can cost anything from €8,000 to €20,000 per year. Do not fret, though, as there are luckily many scholarships available to lighten the load!

The Netherlands might be the perfect fit for you, particularly if you like sport and the outdoors. Almost every Dutch person can swim, skate and ride a bicycle, and you’ll find that over a third of Dutch people use their bike as their primary mode of transportation. In fact, the Netherlands is home to 15,000km of cycling tracks - so it is perfect for some outdoor adventuring on two wheels. The Dutch also have a quirky obsession with windmills, ultimately resulting in 1,000 of the old-fashioned structures, so look out for them on your journeys! 

With a combination of an exemplary education, fascinating culture, and the great outdoors, there are an abundance of reasons as to why you should consider studying in the Netherlands!