Five Quick Points About the Netherlands

• Liberal, open-minded society with many cultures represented in the population
• High-quality education system, with courses and programmes recognised around the world
• Student-centred, interactive focus – with teachers and professors known for being very accessible
• Large number of courses and programmes taught in English
• Growing in popularity in recent years and international student numbers have increased steadily

Location and Geography

This small, low-lying country in the northwest of Europe is bordered by Germany, Belgium, and the North Sea. With a total area of 42,437 square kilometres, the Netherlands is comprised mostly of coastal lowland and reclaimed land, with some hills in the southeast. Much of the land is below sea level and is traversed by rivers and canals. The capital is Amsterdam, but the government sits in The Hague (Den Haag).

Climate

The climate is temperate marine with cool, humid summers and mild, windy winters.

History and Population

Historical accounts of the Netherlands date from the 1st century BC when the Romans conquered Germanic and Celtic tribes. In 1848 the Netherlands became a parliamentary democracy, with a constitutional monarch. In the latter 19th century a period of economic expansion occurred. During World War II, however, the Netherlands suffered heavy destruction of infrastructure and its economy.

The Netherlands was among the founding members of NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) as well as of the European Coal and Steel Community, which gradually evolved to become the European Union.

Currently, the population is about 18 million. The median age is just over 42. The Netherlands is a very densely populated country. Approximately 22% of the land is used for agriculture and 82% of the people live in urban areas. The official and most-used language is Dutch.

Society and Culture

The Dutch are a culturally liberal and tolerant people. Throughout history, Holland has produced many world-renowned artists and architects. In the Dutch Golden Age (roughly 17th century), Dutch trade, art, and science were among the most acclaimed in the world. The Dutch are known for their professionalism, no-nonsense attitude, perfectionism, and the way they separate their business and private lives. They are modern and progressive yet preserve their standards and values. They love the arts and cultural activities. Traditional cuisine in Holland is simple and straightforward.

Economy

The Netherlands was a founding member of the European Union (EU), the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The modern Dutch economy is noted for being open, generally prosperous, heavily dependent upon foreign trade, an important European transportation hub, and having a highly mechanised agricultural industry. The port of Rotterdam is the largest and most modern port in the world.

The Netherlands generally has stable industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, and a sizeable current account surplus. The currency is the Euro.

Government

The Netherlands has two constitutions: one for Europe and a federal constitution that applies to the whole of the Netherlands. There is no traditional separation of powers in the Dutch system of government. The Queen and cabinet of the parliament share legislative power. All legislation has to pass through the parliament; the Raad van State (States General) and the Social-Economic Council advise the government on most socio-economic legislation. Twelve provinces form the administrative layer between the national government and the local municipalities.

Living Conditions and Cost of Living

While the cost of living in the Netherlands is among the lowest in Europe, actual living costs depend on lifestyle and on the city/town of residence. As in most countries, the big cities are more expensive than rural areas. The average total cost of living per month is estimated to be in the range of €800–€1,500, including accommodation, food, books/stationery, and other expenses. Bicycles are an extremely popular and cheap form of transport in the Netherlands. Students may be able to obtain discounts on some purchases if they have an international student card.

Costs will also vary according to the type of accommodation, transport, and each student’s financial situation. Types of accommodation available include on-campus; staying with a family or renting/sharing a flat.

Within public institutions, tuition fees for students from the EU range up to €2,100 per year. Fees for non-EU students are considerably higher: from €6,000–€15,000 for undergraduate programmes and up to €20,000 for master’s degrees. Fees at private universities are higher still.

Education System

There are 14 research universities (many ranked in the top 200 on world university rankings) and 41 universities of applied sciences in the country. Research universities offer more research-intensive education, while applied science institutions are focused on preparing students for a particular professional field. Altogether some 90,000 international students are enrolled in higher education programmes in the Netherlands.

Another form of Dutch higher education (which has been offered for more than 50 years) is advanced courses taught in English in what is known as “international education” (IE). There are five large IE institutes and a number of smaller ones which all focus on development-oriented courses. These are based on working in small, intercultural groups and exchanging knowledge.

Teamwork, interactivity, and problem-based learning (emphasising self-study and self-discipline) are important elements of the Dutch education system. Admission and language requirements vary among institutions.

Information Specific to International Students

Though it is a non-English-speaking country, the Netherlands nevertheless offers most of its higher education programmes and courses in English, with an emphasis on an international outlook. Dutch higher education institutions are known for being very high quality and for their student-centred approach.

Prospective international students should always check with the Netherlands embassy or consulate in their own country to ensure they have the most up-to-date information on visa/permit requirements and conditions. Most international students, except those from the EU and several other specified countries, require a visa. As issuing of visa applications can take three to six months, students must ensure they allow sufficient time for processing prior to their proposed date of commencement. For more information on visas, please visit https://www.studyinholland.nl/practical-matters/visas-and-permits.

All international students must either produce evidence of multinational health coverage or take out health insurance while studying in the Netherlands. The cost of health insurance is €40–55 per month.

Regarding working while studying in Holland, please visit this link: https://www.studyinholland.nl/practical-matters/working-while-studying

More Information

• Study in Holland website: https://www.studyinholland.nl
• Admissions process: https://www.studyinholland.nl/plan-your-stay/how-to-apply
• Visa process: https://www.studyinholland.nl/plan-your-stay/do-you-need-a-visa

More Useful Resources

www.studyinholland.nl: (NUFFIC’s website) general information about studying in Holland
www.government.nl – Official site of the Netherlands Government
www.dutchgovernment.com – Unofficial site for information on the Netherlands system of government
www.postbus51.nl – Information on different areas of government including education and health
www.minocw.nl – Ministry of Education, Culture and Science site
www.cpb.nl – Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis: information on the economy
www.eubusiness.com/Netherlands – Information on the Netherlands economy
www.iisg.nl – International Institute of Social History (Amsterdam)
www.internationalstudy.nl – Information for international students
www.studychoice123.nl – Compares all higher education courses taught in English in the Netherlands
www.studychoice123.nl – Compares all higher education courses taught in English in the Netherlands
www.esn.org – Erasmus Student Network: student support organisation
www.studentsupport.nl/aegee – Association des Etats Généraux des Etudiants de l’Europe (AEGEE)
www.ind.nl – IND organisation website for entry into the Netherlands
www.europa.eu – European Union: information on studying abroad by EU nationals in EU countries
www.holland.com – Netherlands Board of Tourism
www.movetothenetherlands.com – Information on the Netherlands, including living and studying