The Netherlands is known for its impeccable education system offered by world-recognised universities. So, if you are planning your overseas education, you can consider the Netherlands. Here’s a brief guide to assist you in your journey to study abroad.

Key Highlights:

• Why study in the Netherlands?
• Popular areas of specialisation to study in the Netherlands
• Popular universities in the Netherlands for international students
• Eligibility criteria to embark on the Netherlands study abroad journey
• Cost of education in the Netherlands
• Does the Netherlands need IELTS?
• What you must know about the Netherlands student visa

Why study in the Netherlands?

• The higher education provided by Dutch universities focuses on a practical approach to develop your analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Did you know 9 universities in the Netherlands are ranked among the top 200 varsities as per the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2022? So, you can access quality education when you study in the Netherlands.
• The Netherlands is a warm and welcoming country that will enable an amazing student experience. 

Popular areas of specialisation to study in the Netherlands

• Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM)
• Archaeology
• Economics
• International Business
• Management Studies
• Political Science
• Psychology

Popular universities in the Netherlands for international students

• Delft University of Technology
• Utrecht University
• University of Amsterdam
• Eindhoven University of Technology
• Leiden University
• University of Groningen
• Wageningen University & Research
• Erasmus University Rotterdam
• Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
• University of Twente

Eligibility criteria to embark on the Netherlands study abroad journey

• For the master’s degree, complete your bachelor’s course and be ready with your results. Ensure you meet your university-specific CGPA/percentage requirement.
• English proficiency exams: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
• Entrance exams: Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

Note: Please remember that the eligibility requirements may vary depending on your choice of college. Therefore, check the university-specific requirements.

Cost of education in the Netherlands

For a master’s degree, the cost will range between ~EUR 8,000 – ~EUR 30,000, i.e.,  ~INR 7,20,000 to ~INR 27,00,000 per year. Please note that tuition fees at private colleges are more expensive than public universities. The cost of living will be approximately EUR 650 to 1,250, which will be ~INR 58,000 to ~INR 1,12,000 per month.

Does the Netherlands need IELTS?

Most universities in the Netherlands will require you to appear for English proficiency exams, such as the IELTS. Some universities, such as the University of Groningen, Erasmus University Rotterdam and Utrecht University, don’t need IELTS. However, IELTS is not mandatory for a Dutch student visa if you have an acceptance letter from a Dutch university.

What you must know about the Netherlands student visa

• About the Netherlands study visa

  To study in the Netherlands, you will need a provisional residence permit also known as machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf (MVV). This visa acts like an entry visa needed to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days. In addition to MVV, you will also need a verblijfsvergunning (VVR), which is a regular residence permit. You can apply for MVV and VVR simultaneously.

• The Netherlands study visa requirements
  • The Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders or The European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR) should recognise your study program.
  • You can apply for a Dutch student visa if enrolled in a full-time program.
  • Valid visa
  • Health certificates
  • You need to prove that you have sufficient funds to support your education and stay in the Netherlands.
• The Netherlands study visa cost
  • The cost of the application is EUR 210.
• The Netherlands study visa processing time
  • Ideally, you will receive a decision within 60 days. Please ensure you enter the correct contact details to get a notification on time.
• Things to remember regarding the Netherlands study visa for Indian students
  • You need to complete your Biometrics process when you collect your MVV. So, keep all your documents ready, along with the latest photograph. As a part of the process, you must provide your signature and fingerprints for the record. Once your residence permit is ready, your university also will receive the update.

So, with this information, you can gear up to go to the Netherlands for your overseas education. If a lack of finances is creating a roadblock in your academic journey, you can opt for a study abroad education loan to fund your higher studies independently. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer student loans that cover the holistic cost of education, including tuition fees, accommodation costs, travelling costs, living expenses, cost of learning devices and other education-related expenses. If you want to know about the interest rate for education loan, application and documentation process, please feel free to connect with us.