Overview

Why study in the Netherlands?

• Wide range of English programmes

• Affordable tuition and fees

• Big international community

• Great place to live and work

• 'Study in Holland' in 100 seconds - YouTube

Types of Universities & Programmes

Research universities

• • Focus on offering research oriented programs.

  • They are a good fit for students who like asking “why” questions, students who enjoy abstract thinking, building analytical skills, and the theoretical. The emphasis is on learning to look analytically and critically at the way a certain field can be approached. Students learn to present convincing oral and written arguments and to draw conclusions from them. Students are expected to study of their own initiative, have self-discipline and independence

Universities of applied sciences 

• • Focus on application of arts and sciences. Work experience and internships are an important part of education experience.

  • They are a good fit for students who like to ask “how” questions, as they provide opportunities for concrete, practical learning. Students apply knowledge and work in a solutions-oriented way. The educational experience is directed toward the acquisition of competences. Programs at universities of applied sciences usually involve more contact hours as compared to research-oriented programs. More time is spent on each topic at a relatively relaxed teaching speed.

University colleges

• • Honours colleges that are part of larger research universities that are inspired by the Liberal Arts and Sciences education model. Strong emphasis on student community and college structure. 

  • They are a good fit for students who want to pursue multiple or interdisciplinary academic interests and are looking for flexibility in designing their own curriculum.  An overview of all University Colleges in the Netherlands can be found here.

Numerus Fixus Programmes:

• • Some programmes have a limited number of places available - this is a Numerus Fixus programme. Numerus fixus programs are highly-selective programs, including medicine, physiotherapy, psychology, and some types of business, which have a capped number of seats available.

  • Maximum 2 Numerus Fixus applications per academic year

  • Medicine/Dentistry/Physiotherapy only allow 1 application per programme

  • Earlier deadlines - check the website!

  • Decision outcome on April 15 via Studielink. Students will be issued with a ranking number. Depending on your ranking number, you may or may not be offered a place.

  • Studielink information on Numerus Fixus can be found here 

Application Process

1. Decide on the program(s) and institution(s) of choice. 

2. Check the admission requirements of the university and entry requirements of the specific program. Requirements and application processes differ not only from institution to institution, but also from program to program within institutions. Note that some programmes have a selection procedure and an application deadline of 15 January.

• Application via Studielink: 

  • Most universities will want you to create a studielink account first: https://www.studielink.nl/ 

  • Application opens after Oct 1

  • Recommended to use a non-school email address, as you will have access to Studielink account for life

  • Students can have maximum 4 active applications

• University Colleges usually have their own application portal and different deadlines and requirements. 

3. Additional materials

   1. Recommendation letters

      1. Research and confirm if there is a recommendation letter(s) requirement - if required, these must be requested in May of Y12. 

   2. Letters of motivation

      1. Letters of motivation give students the opportunity to explain their interest in the program of study. University colleges typically use these letters as an official criterion of admission, whereas other institutions may not use them.

4. Decisions

   1. Students usually receive admissions decisions via the application portal between 2-8 weeks after they have submitted a complete application (except some selective programs and Numerus Fixus programmes).

   2. Students may accept one offer and should withdraw other applications.

5. Enrolling

   1. Students are responsible for submitting all required documents to fulfill all conditions of their offer letter.

   2. Visa application requirements may differ by university.

   3. Students must arrange their own housing.