Why study in The Netherlands?

Universities in the Netherlands are excellent.  Added to this, many of them offer a range of courses taught in English.  The country is thus an attractive place for international students seeking a world-class education in a European country. The prestige and pedigree of the best universities in The Netherlands, combined with a very high quality of life and the cultural heritage of one of Europe’s most distinctive countries, mean that studying at universities in The Netherlands is a highly sought-after experience.  

Dutch culture values independent thinking, a liberal outlook, and civilised co-existence, so the distinctive and cosmopolitan nature of today's university culture in the country has very deep roots.

The economy of The Netherlands is dynamic and highly advanced, so the country encourages students from abroad to stay on to work once they’ve completed their degrees.

If you are a native Dutch speaker, studying at a university in The Netherlands will be an obvious choice.  Whilst there are many undergraduate courses at Dutch universities taught in English, international students are encouraged to learn the local language in order to participate fully in the life and culture of the country.

Cultural snapshots

Universities in The Netherlands aren’t allowed to own student accommodation, so students are asked to arrange their accommodation before they arrive in the country.  Due to the popularity of studying in The Netherlands, student accommodation is usually in short supply, but the small size of the country and the excellent transport links (including the best cycle network in the world) mean that it’s almost always easy to reach your university, even if you’re not able to live particularly close to it.

Some of Europe’s most historic and prestigious universities are in The Netherlands. They have a long tradition of academic independence and innovation.  All are linked to the distinctive urban culture of this small but outward-looking country, so whether you study in Leiden, Amsterdam or Maastricht (for example), you will have the privilege of living in delightful and historic places, whilst studying in a leading academic community.

A selection of the best-known universities in The Netherlands

The offering is exceptionally comprehensive.  Students from outside the country may be particularly attracted by courses which link to strong elements of the Dutch economy, such as pharmaceuticals or banking.

Whatever you choose to study, your application is supported by a clear, transparent admissions process, and information readily available in English, via helpful websites (see below).

• University of Amsterdam * 

Social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences are taught in English.

• Delft University of Technology * 

Engineering and applied sciences courses, including aerospace and biotechnology are taught in English.

• Eindhoven University of Technology * 

Engineering, design, and technology are taught in English. Ranked in the top 100 globally for engineering / technology.

• University of Groningen * 

International business, economics, behavioural and social sciences, mathematics and natural sciences are taught in English.

• Leiden University *

International studies, law, social sciences, and natural sciences are taught in English.

• Maastricht University * 

International business, economics, and public policy are taught in English.

• Wageningen University * 

Ranked the world's best university for agriculture and forestry courses taught in English.

What are the typical course costs for an undergraduate degree in this country?

For students from The Netherlands, other EU or EEA countries and Switzerland, the cost of tuition fees is generally between 1,000 and 2,000 Euros per year.  Students from outside these countries can be charged double or sometimes triple this amount, up to 15,000 Euros per year.

So, if you have an EU / EEA passport, course costs are exceptionally attractive, and offer excellent value for money.  

For non-EU / EEA students, the picture is more complicated, with individual universities setting their own (higher) costs.  Compared to the cost of studying in the UK, the USA and at private universities, non-EU / EEA fees at universities in The Netherlands still represent attractive value for money.

Useful websites

See this page under 'Netherlands - University Applications'.

Follow this link * for Times Higher Education World University rankings for The Netherlands.

To find out more - go to your Unifrog account, and log in.  

Then search for these pages (for British School students with Unifrog access):

Why study in The Netherlands?

Preparing to apply

Making an application

Student life in The Netherlands

Cost of studying