Many applicants want to study at universities in the Netherlands for several reasons at once: a high level of education, inexpensive education, affordable housing prices by European standards. We will tell you how to find a suitable university in the Netherlands and submit documents!
University education in the Netherlands
Dutch universities conduct teaching according to the Bologna system: bachelor's studies last up to four years, master's studies take two years, and doctoral studies take another four. Universities of applied sciences accept students immediately after school, whereas research universities require a prior year of study at another university or completion of a Foundation program. In research universities, students master a wide range of scientific disciplines, but in applied universities, they receive exclusively professionally oriented education.
In Dutch universities, you can get to know the profession better through an interesting method of project-based learning. The teacher asks students to analyze the problem and suggest ways to solve it, giving basic theoretical knowledge, and then invites students to discuss on a given topic, based on the information received.
Top Dutch universities
The best universities in the Netherlands, which are among top universities in the world, are research universities. Here are the universities we recommend you to pay attention to:
- University of Amsterdam. The educational institution, founded in 1632, is still one of the best in the country. The most popular areas are law, business, and medical specialties.
- Delft University of Technology. The oldest and most prestigious technical university in the Netherlands is considered a kind of European Stanford, because here graduates are very active in launching their startups and developing business projects.
- Utrecht University. One of the best research universities in the country, especially students are famous for their research in chemistry and medicine.
What you need to pay attention to when applying to a university and how to enter
When submitting documents, pay attention not only to the specialty and program of study, but also to the activities and opportunities that the university offers. For example, some partner with large companies and students can do internships there, while others have a vibrant university life with many communities and extracurricular opportunities.
Once you've looked at the universities and the programs offered, it's time to apply. First, you need to register on the Studielink portal and provide the necessary information about yourself there. After reviewing the application, you will be sent a letter with access to the website, and then you can apply for different specialties at individual universities. Usually, the list of required documents is different for all universities, but basically you will need language certificates, resume, letters of recommendation and motivation, previous diploma (if you have one and if you are applying for a master's program). Some universities require you to provide a portfolio or pass an interview.
You must pay a service fee, which, however, usually does not exceed one hundred euros. After the university has reviewed and accepted your application, you will receive a response letter, and if you have been accepted, you will be given payment details to pay for the course.
What documents are needed for admission?
The list of required documents includes:
- Diploma of education (high school diploma or university diploma – depending on the program you are applying to),
- IELTS, TOEFL certificates to confirm English language proficiency. To confirm proficiency in Dutch (at least B2 required), you need to provide an NT2 or CNaVT certificate,
- Resume
- Motivation letter.
If you are planning to study in the Netherlands, you will need the appropriate visa. As a rule, university staff help with this. To apply for a long-term student visa, you need:
- Completed application form,
- A valid passport,
- A document confirming financial solvency, for example, a certificate of grant or account statement, etc.,
- Paid receipt for the first year of study,
- Two photos of 35x45 mm format,
- Confirmation of a ten-month accommodation reservation in the Netherlands.
