Education in the Netherlands: Universities and Scholarships

Universities in the Netherlands offer a wide range of programs and majors for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. Dutch universities are rightfully considered among the best in the world, consistently achieving high rankings in international standings. Students have the opportunity to receive instruction in Dutch, English, or German. The Netherlands was one of the first countries to introduce university curricula in English, making it an attractive destination for international students.

1. Types of universities
2. Top universities
3. Admission requirements
4. Scholarships
5. Cost of living
6. Why Students Choose The Netherlands

Universities in the Netherlands: Types of Higher Education Institutions

Universities in the Netherlands are categorized into traditional universities and universities of applied sciences. They are particularly known for their modern teaching approaches in fields like education, architecture, and engineering. The teaching staff is of high caliber, as Dutch universities actively recruit foreign specialists, many of whom have achieved great success in various fields of science and knowledge.

All curricula and majors are of exceptional quality, taking into account the accomplishments of other countries, systems, and institutions. Emphasis is placed on developing students’ practical skills and specialized knowledge in their chosen fields.

Another unique aspect of education in the Netherlands is the interactive nature of communication during classes. Students not only engage with professors, but also collaborate with their peers.

Through pair and group projects, presentations, and case studies, students learn to communicate effectively and develop business communication skills before they start their careers. This educational approach fosters creativity and innovative thinking among students.

Top universities in the Netherlands

QS World University Rankings assesses universities according to six indicators: research activity, teaching, employers’ opinion and career potential, the number of international students and professors. To be ranked, a university must offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in at least two broad subject areas. For example, arts and social sciences, engineering and technology, and law and business.

Wageningen University

Wageningen University and its research center, specializing in agricultural and environmental sciences, is one of the best in the world in its field 

Just under 14,000 students earn bachelor’s, master’s and professional qualifications.

Most undergraduate programs are taught simultaneously in Dutch and English, but about 40 undergraduate and graduate programs are taught exclusively in English.

For this reason, the university attracts a significant number of international students – about 27 percent of all students come from abroad.

In all, the university offers 20 different undergraduate programs, including courses in business, international development and health sciences. For master’s degrees, there are 37 programs in English. All courses last two years.

University of Amsterdam

Founded in 1632, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) is the third oldest university in the Netherlands. It has about 24,000 students, making it the largest in the country in terms of enrollment. In addition to being among the top 100 universities in the world, UvA is particularly highly regarded in the arts, humanities and social sciences.

The university offers about 150 programs in English, which attracts more than 3,000 international students from more than 100 countries.

The main campus is located in the center of Amsterdam, and university buildings are scattered throughout the city, ensuring good integration between students and locals.

It is one of the largest research universities in Europe. The central library contains more than 4 million books and thousands of manuscripts, letters, maps, and rare works. The university also has five museums.

University of Utrecht

Utrecht University was founded in 1636 and is one of the most famous research universities in the Netherlands. It offers more than 90 postgraduate and 12 undergraduate programs.

All programs are taught in English and cover a wide range of academic disciplines, including natural sciences, law, management, life sciences, humanities, social sciences and earth sciences.

Students and staff of 118 different nationalities study and work at Utrecht University. And there are many different student associations and clubs with interests ranging from the arts to sports.

Leiden University

Founded in 1575, Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands. It maintains ties with members of the Dutch royal family. Many of the country’s politicians were educated at the university, as well as a number of prominent intellectuals and cultural figures.

Philosophers such as Spinoza and Descartes lived in Leiden. Sixteen Nobel Prize winners, including Albert Einstein and Enrico Fermi, are associated with the university.

Leiden University teaches more than 200 fields of study in English at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

The student body of 28,000 includes students from 100 countries. Despite its long history, Leiden University is not conservative. It is known for its innovation and uses a distinctive teaching style that focuses on individual learning and group work.

Admission requirements

• A diploma and its supplement
• A GPA 
• CV
• motivation letter
• two letters of recommendation

The largest part of a student’s expenses is tuition. Depending on the university, the program, the level of education, the cost is €8,000-15,000 per year. Studying in Amsterdam and Utrecht is more expensive than in small towns like Enschede. Scholarships can help to reduce the cost of education partially.

Scholarships in the Netherlands

Many universities offer full and partial scholarships. For example: Utrecht Excellence Scholarships or Leiden University Excellence Scholarship.

Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship

The Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship covers the Graduate School of Social Sciences Amsterdam University’s English-language master’s programs and provides 25,000 euros per year for all expenses.

Requirements:

• High academic merit, ranking in the top 10% of the class
• research experience
• non-academic achievement
• High level language proficiency: TOEFL 100+, IELTS 7+, CAE/PTE grade C
• Minimum GPA of 8 out of 10

Credentials:

• diploma of previous education
• transcripts of diplomas
• motivation letter
• CV
• 1-2 recommendation letter
• description of non-academic activities
• Evidence that the student is in the top 10% of the class

The scholarship program is valid for one year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year. Look for details on the website of the university you are interested in.

The cost of living in the Netherlands

Students most often choose to live in student houses, where everyone has his or her own room but the bathroom, toilet and kitchen are shared. Dutch universities usually help you find housing. If the host university provides you with a room or help in your search, it is better to agree right away.

Average cost of housing:

Renting a one-bedroom apartment/studio: €500-€1,000/month

Apartment with roommate: €400-€700/month

Student campuses: €350-€600/month

Utilities may be included in the rent or paid separately. The cost is around €70 per month.

Food is another item of expenditure that should be budgeted. Going to a restaurant for one will cost €40-50. If you cook on your own and buy food from inexpensive chain stores, as almost all students in the Netherlands do, €400-450 for a month will be enough. There is a tax on food in glass containers. It can be reimbursed by handing in the container (for this you get coupons).

In Holland, bicycles are very popular. You can buy a used bike for €60 or rent a new one for €12 per month.

One trip between nearby towns by train or bus costs €2. A monthly bus pass costs €79.

There are no transport discounts for international students in the Netherlands. It is possible to save money with season tickets or group trips.

Foreigner students during training may work no more than 16 hours a week. During the summer vacations – full-time. Work that does not require qualifications pays from €6 to €10 per hour.

Why students choose the Netherlands

Cost. Bachelor’s degree costs from €8,000 per year and Master’s degree from €10,000. By comparison, the tuition fee in Britain starts at about £15,000 (more than €13,000).

It’s easy to travel all over Europe. You can go to Belgium or Germany for a weekend, or go further afield to France, for example.

There is the right to look for a job after graduation, which makes it easier for you to potentially immigrate.

Multinationality. In the Netherlands, a person of any nationality will feel comfortable. Everyone is treated here in a friendly way.

Smaller flow of students – more attention to everyone and higher quality of education.

Universities in the Netherlands issue visas to their students

How Univibes helps you with your admission

We can help you choose the universities and programs with the best chance of admission. We will draw up the necessary documents for universities, help you write strong motivation and recommendation letters. It is very important to convince of your interest to study in this particular country or program. With our help, your application will be competitive.

To assess your chances of admission and receiving a scholarship, leave an application online and our manager will consult you for free.