Higher education in the Netherlands

Holland is one of the most popular among foreign students of non-English speaking countries of Europe, offering education in English. There are several reasons for the popularity of training in Holland, among which the reputation of Dutch education, high quality and flexibility of University programs, the relatively low cost of studying and living in the country, great employment opportunities, an international environment that enriches the personal experience of the student. In addition, the Netherlands has a very favorable geographical position - it is an easy drive from any Western European country.

The educational system of the Netherlands has ancient traditions: in the V in the territory of the modern Netherlands was carried out school training, and by the XVIII century the country had one of the highest rates of literacy in Europe.

The history of higher education in the Netherlands started in the end of XVI century with the opening of the first in the country at the University of Leiden. Slightly more than half a century later started the other well-known universities in the cities of Utrecht, UU, Groningen (University of Groningen) and the University of Amsterdam. These universities and in our days are the largest and most successful in the country, and the Dutch graduate school is one of the strongest in Europe.

The quality of infrastructure and educational resources of the Dutch universities show a consistently high place in the rankings of universities in the world. Depending on the type of the selected University and program to study in the Netherlands allows you to gain profound knowledge in the field of basic science in research universities or professional knowledge in the universities of applied Sciences, as well as skills and experience, which ensure a quick start of a career.

Education in the Netherlands for foreigners

Education abroad in the Netherlands, English is in demand among foreign students. In this relatively small area are more than 60 universities, which educate students from all over the world: almost 75 thousand foreigners have arrived to study in the Netherlands.

Russian students in the Netherlands is still relatively small, about 800 people, but their number is growing — largely due to the excellent quality of Dutch higher education is low in comparison with English speaking countries the cost of education in the Netherlands and attractive career prospects. A graduate of Dutch University may after graduation to find a job in the Netherlands, and then to obtain a Dutch residence permit.

The most common languages to study in the Netherlands — Dutch, English and German. The largest number of programmes in the universities of the Netherlands, of course, are taught in Dutch. Despite the fact that learning this language will cost the students quite inexpensive, not all are willing to learn it - especially at a level sufficient to obtain a University education.

A significant number of programs in German language at universities in the Netherlands due to the fact that this country is very popular with German students — not least because of geographical proximity. Well, learning English, language of international communication, the government of the Netherlands has announced one of the priorities of development of higher education in the Netherlands.

Study in Holland in English

English is very widely spoken in the Netherlands, he knows the majority of the population. It is not surprising that the universities of this country offer a large number of undergraduate and graduate programs in English. The strongest areas of professional education in the Netherlands are traditionally considered: design and all creative professions, engineering and technical professions, transport and logistics, agriculture and horticulture, and several others. Read more about employment prospects in Holland.

Programs of the first higher in the Netherlands (bachelor's) in English

Graduate programs in the Netherlands in English

List of universities in the Netherlands

The higher education system in the Netherlands

The most important features of the higher education system in the Netherlands — the international educational environment, problem-oriented approach to learning, involving a high activity of the student in the learning process: collaborative problem-solving in a group where the teacher only directs the discussion but does not provide ready-made recipes, public speaking and presentation of ideas, ability to form and defend their point of view.

One of the main advantages of studying in the Netherlands - direct admission in Dutch University after the 11th grade. This saves one or two years of training compared to, for example, with the UK. Although Russia graduates can also immediately enter the University, the Dutch educational system differs markedly from Russian. About the difference of educational system in the Netherlands from Russian higher education and the benefits for graduates of Dutch universities, read the material features of the study in the Netherlands compared to Russia.

No wonder that in such a state of the art approach and the best available educational resources, the quality of programs and overall training in the Netherlands in the English language, consistently high, it provides a multi-stage system of accreditation and control, developed by the government specifically to help attract foreign students.

The main feature of the educational system of the Netherlands is the separation of higher educational institutions on professional and scientific — research universities and universities of applied Sciences (polytechnics).

For anyone studying at the universities of applied Sciences the Netherlands is the best choice?

Degree and degree higher education in the Netherlands

Higher education in the Netherlands is divided into scientific and professional. The scientific education students receive at universities that conduct fundamental research and take high positions in international ratings of universities. Professional higher education in universities of applied Sciences - or call them polytechnics. In both cases, higher education in the Netherlands comprises three levels:

• bachelor degree — duration of studies 3 years in research universities, degree, BA, BS or 4 years at universities of applied Sciences, professional degree, BEng, BArch and similar;
• masters — 1 year research universities, MRes degree or 2 years at the universities of applied Sciences, degree MA, MS;
• postgraduate studies (PhD) — 4 years only in research universities; degree - PhD, DPhill, DSc.

Training on the bachelor, doctoral and master's programmes in the Netherlands in English provides graduates with a fast start international career: the opportunity to undergo professional training and participate in major research programs, conferences, published and after school to stay for another year in the Netherlands to find work.

How to choose the undergraduate program at the University of applied Sciences of Holland, read here.

Studying in Amsterdam

Traditionally one of the most interesting cities in the Russian-speaking students is Amsterdam. Training in Amsterdam allows you to use all the advantages of living in a major European city — access to a classic European education, rich cultural and historical heritage, the proximity of other major cultural and scientific centers that stimulate an active cultural and scientific exchange. In addition, study in Amsterdam will cost the student much cheaper than in other European capitals. The universities of Amsterdam , see here.

The cost of education in the Netherlands

Training in the Netherlands for foreigners is paid. For EU citizens the fee is 1700 Euro per year, and for citizens of other countries — from 6 to 12 euros. The cost of master's degree programs are more expensive and can reach 20 thousand a year. To this must be added the costs of accommodation, textbooks, paying internships.

Foreign students under 35 years of age, not previously trained in the Netherlands may qualify for scholarships and grants, covering the costs fully or partially. So, for Russian students opened a special scholarship of Orange Tulip Scholarship. For scholarships and details of requirements for fellows centralised search system.

Study in Holland for Russian, Kazakhs, Ukrainians, and students from other CIS countries

Russian students can enroll in Dutch universities right after high school — in most cases, the Russian passport will be sufficient for admission to a three-year research program of undergraduate and professional programs that last 4 years. The final decision on the admission of student takes a University, taking into account the level of complexity of the program, which receives the entrant.

Students from Kazakhstan and other CIS countries with a high probability for admission to bachelor degree in the Netherlands will require a preparatory year (Foundation program). Without the Foundation year will be able to do students that demonstrate a very high level of English and good grades in the certificate or the diploma. Year of training can be very useful, as it will help to improve the knowledge of English language and items to fully adapt to the training methods at Dutch universities and life in the country.

About the specifics of study in the Netherlands compared to Russia and other CIS countries read here.

The conditions of admission to universities in the Netherlands

For admission to the universities in the Netherlands students from Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine will need:

• certificate or diploma with a good average ball;
• an IELTS or TOEFL test to prove knowledge of the English language at a level consistent with the linguistic requirements of the chosen University;
• CV, motivation letter, letter of recommendation;
• for admission to MBA in addition to the specified list must provide test results of the GMAT, as well as confirm the experience.

Read more about admission to undergraduate programs in the Netherlands (highest first) read here.

How to choose a College Holland, read here.

Preparation for admission to universities in the Netherlands

Students whose level of knowledge is insufficient for direct admission to universities of Holland may learn from training programmes - Foundation. Especially recommended are the programs in research universities in the Netherlands. A list of programs of preparation for admission to universities in the Netherlands , see here.

Free training in Holland

There are several possibilities of free education in the Netherlands:

• a full scholarship to study directly in the Dutch University (e.g. University of Amsterdam);
• a full scholarship from the government and foundations in the country;
• searching for a sponsor interested in your training (this can be a current employer);
• study in Holland on the Erasmus Mundus programmes;
• internship in the Dutch University partner.

It is important to remember that full scholarships for studying in Holland a bit, and get the most motivated applicants and students. Read more how to study in Netherlands for free, scholarships of universities of Holland , read here.

In addition, study in the Netherlands can be partially free of charge, compensating for a certain amount of fees for your foreign education partial scholarships and through part-time job while studying. A list of universities participating in the scholarship program, Orange Tulip Scholarship.

Employment, work, internships in the Netherlands for students and University graduates

In the Netherlands highly value professionals with higher education, knowledge of foreign languages and international experience. Despite the fact that employment stages are approximately similar in all countries, the Netherlands has developed its own business culture and business ethics, you need to study to get your dream job in the Netherlands.

Among the mandatory requirements for applicants and selection criteria that apply to the Dutch employers are concise and clear formulation of career goals and reasons why the candidate considers appropriate, openness, proactivity is a Dutch company welcomes the initiative of job seekers who actively control the process of your employment, call, in order to clarify issues, ask clarifying questions during the interview and before him.

Graduates of Dutch universities of applied Sciences are guaranteed to have the experience they receive during compulsory internships during the studies. For the employer, such training is often a stage of search and selection of suitable candidates-respectively, the chances of a student to receive a permanent job after the internship are very high.

Ways for foreign students and graduates

Employment and work of graduates in the Netherlands through the program Orientation Year

The most popular and promising profession in the Netherlands

Training in the Netherlands - reviews and personal experience of students

Of course, student life in the Netherlands is not only attending classes and libraries, but also the acquisition of professional experience during internships, semester study abroad, giving you excellent international experience, as well as sports, travel, participating in hundreds of special events, student clubs and organizations. In the opinion of many students, studying in the Netherlands was for them vivid personal experiences, as Dutch education is an important stage in the career. View student testimonials about studying at Dutch universities here.