Study and Research Opportunities in Netherlands

Long and short-term academic programs are available in the Netherlands across many universities and educational centers. International students and researchers may apply to BA, MA, Ph.D., and postdoctoral research programs in the Netherlands. Moreover, summer schools and conferences are other excellent academic activities that make the Netherlands an attractive destination for scholars and scientists. Many programs also come with fully-funded scholarships and fellowships as well as travel grants and financial aid, thus every student, researcher, and professor can always find a suitable program in the Netherlands and apply.

Scholarships in Netherlands

Fellowships in Netherlands

Grants & Awards in Netherlands

Summer Programs in Netherlands

The Netherlands as an Academic Destination

Studying in the Netherlands means studying in the first non-English speaking country which offered English courses to international students since the 1950s.  

Being a non-English speaking country is drastically changed, as currently, around 95% of the countries' residents speak the language. In addition to other benefits, eliminating the language barrier can catch your attention towards this small country. 

There are around 2,000 academic English programs offered by more than 75 higher educational institutions in the Netherlands. 

Unlike the current education systems of many other countries, the Netherland shifts from individual research-based education to a model where teamwork activities are highly encouraged. Therefore, you can expect to build a good networking with both local and international students while studying there. 

Regardless of what and where you will study in the Netherlands, the first year of studies will introduce propedeuse courses. Students get an overview of their chosen field during this stage, after which there comes the main period of studies, with the option to select specific subjects and do their own research. 

Universities in the Netherlands

To state again, the Netherlands' education system is one of the oldest ones in Europe, which started back in the 16th century. The first Leiden University was founded in 1575 and had a firm connection with the Dutch Royal family members. 

There are more than ten universities in the Netherlands, which are not only considered competitive within the borders of the country but also ranked in the international university rankings. But before I move on to the list of the bests, let me quickly introduce you to Dutch universities' structure. 

There are two main types of universities in the country: research universities and universities of applied science. 

12 out of 13 research universities in the Netherlands offer English courses and provide you with the opportunity to research in practical fields. This, in turn, increases the chances of students' further employment.

Universities of Applied Sciences are very different in terms of size, the quantity of the offered courses, and the focus. First, the smaller universities of this category specialize in narrow directions, such as agriculture or design. The bigger ones provide over 300 courses. Universities of applied sciences usually involve a period o studying abroad. 

To navigate among the options, below find the top-ranked universities in the Netherlands of both types. 

Student Expenses in the Netherlands

The tuition fees are significantly different for EU and non-EU students. For the first-mentioned group, the yearly fee of an academic program varies around 2,000 EUR. Non-EU students pay a range of 6,000- 15,000 EUR for Bachelor’s and 8,000 - 20,000 EUR for Master’s 

About ⅓ of student expenses usually go for housing costs. Fairly said, the accommodation is not very affordable in the Netherlands. This could partially be explained by the fact that the country is among the most densely populated in Europe. 

The cost of a private house renting usually rolls over 700 EUR or slightly more and there are vital things to consider. First of all, you should clarify in advance whether your rented apartment has furniture inside. Secondly, most leases are for the term of 6 months to a year, which may cause additional hassles of moving several times during a several-year study program. 

University accommodations are more common options for students arriving in the country with exchange programs. Otherwise, you will usually receive a university's temporary room with shared common areas such as the kitchen. 

The crowdedness problem is especially noticeable in the big countries such as Amsterdam, Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. So, prepare for your accommodation options in these countries in advance and with more attention. 

Student Visa in the Netherlands 

EU/EEA citizens, along with students from Switzerland, are free of a student visa or resident permit. For long-term staying in the country, the mentioned countries' citizens should register with the municipality of their resided cities. 

For students of other countries, there is an obligation to acquire a residence permit to stay in the country for more than three months. You need to apply for the visa within a max of five days after arriving in the country. Note that you can't apply for the permit with a short-stay visa. 

We hope the opportunities collected in this section of ARMACAD will help you enjoy your academic journey in the Netherlands and experience one of the oldest and respected educational systems in Europe.