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The Netherlands is home to 55+ universities, which are among the best universities in the world. In the Times Higher Education's World University Rankings 2024, all 12 universities in the Netherlands are ranked among the top 300. These top universities are spread across 11 cities in the Netherlands. Furthermore, eight universities in the Netherlands are featured in the Global University Employability Ranking 2023-24. Erasmus University Rotterdam holds the top position for graduate employability, followed by Delft University of Technology.
The Netherlands is known for being the first non-English speaking country to offer university programs in English, attracting students from around the world. As more international students opt for Dutch universities, the number of English-taught degree programs has expanded. With over 2,100 English-taught programs, covering various fields and awarding bachelor's, master's, PhD, diplomas, or certificates, studying in Netherlands is increasingly popular among international students.
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Types of Universities in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has two major types of universities that specialize in honing students in the chosen field of study. Students must choose from the two types depending upon their interest and future career goals. The type of universities in Netherlands for international students are:
| Type of University | Description | Number of University | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Universities | Inspired by the Bologna system, these schools provide 3-year bachelor's degrees. These degrees focus on academic learning and usually don't involve chances (or obligations) to gain work experience while studying. | 14 | For students interested in research oriented programs |
| Universities of applied sciences | Bachelor's degrees at applied universities usually last for about 4 years. During this time, there may be a chance to gain work experience or participate in an exchange or study abroad program. | 41 | For students interested in training for professional fields |
| Others | - | 3 | For students interested in international vocational programs |
Universities in the Netherlands: Duration of Programs
| Program | Duration |
|---|---|
| Research Universities | |
| Bachelor of Arts (BA) | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Science (BSc) | 3 years |
| Master of Arts (MA) | 1-3 years |
| Master of Science (MSc) | 1-3 years |
| Professional Doctorate in Engineering (PDEng) | 2 years |
| PhD | 4 years |
| LLB (Bachelor of Laws) | 3 years |
| LLM (Master of Laws) | 1 year |
| Universities of Applied Sciences | |
| Associate (Ad) | 2 years |
| Bachelors | 4 years |
| Masters | 1-4 years |
| Bachelor of Science (BSc) | 4 years |
| Bachelor of Arts (BA) | 4 years |
| Master of Science (MSc) | 1-2 years |
| Master of Arts (MA) | 1-2 years |
| LLB (Bachelor of Laws) | 4 years |
| LLM (Master of Laws) | 1 year |
Top Universities in Netherlands for International Students
Education in Netherlands is really good, and people all over the world recognize Dutch universities for their great courses and modern facilities. Dutch universities really care about students having a good relationship with their professors. Usually, the classes are small, with only 15 to 30 students, making it easier for everyone to connect. Some of the best universities in Netherlands are tabulated below:
| QS World University Rankings 2024 | University | International Students | Tuition Fee (EUR) | Tuition Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47 | Delft University of Technology | 6,843 | 19,000 | 17.2 lakhs |
| 53 | University of Amsterdam | 10,464 | 15,000 | 13.6 lakhs |
| 107 | Utrecht University | 4,454 | 20,000 | 18.1 lakhs |
| 124 | Eindhoven University of Technology | 3,187 | 15,050 | 13.6 lakhs |
| 126 | Leiden University | 7,385 | 22,000 | 19.9 lakhs |
| 139 | University of Groningen | 10,529 | 15,000 | 13.6 lakhs |
| 151 | Wageningen University & Research | 4,401 | 16,300 | 14.7 lakhs |
| 176 | Erasmus University Rotterdam | 7,487 | 8,600 | 7.7 lakhs |
| 207 | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam | 5,949 | 14,100 | 12.7 lakhs |
| 210 | University of Twente | 4,070 | 13,000 | 11.7 lakhs |
| 222 | Radboud University | 3,090 | 11,500 | 10.4 lakhs |
| 256 | Maastricht University | 12,606 | 15,000 | 13.6 lakhs |
| 371 | Tilburg University | 2,939 | 15,100 | 13.6 lakhs |
Programs Offered by Universities in the Netherlands
Netherlands is renowned for its technological innovations, the curricula of the programs offered in the Dutch universities are designed keeping the same image in mind. The programs offered are fairly advanced and are only meant for the best of the minds.
A total of 1,874 programs are offered in languages other than Dutch across 58 universities in the Netherlands. Out of these, 1,860 are offered in English. A few programs are offered in French, German and Italian as well.
More than 300 undergraduate programs are offered in English while all the graduate programs are offered in English. These programs are offered in the following fields of study:
| Field of Study | Number of Programs |
|---|---|
| Agriculture and Environment | 68 |
| Economics, Commerce, Management, and Accounting | 296 |
| Engineering | 103 |
| General Programmes | 435 |
| Health Care, Social Services, and Care Services | 106 |
| Hotel, Catering, Tourism, Leisure, Transport, and Logistics | 59 |
| Humanities, Social Sciences, Communication, and Arts | 545 |
| Law, Public Administration, Public Order, and Safety | 79 |
| Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Computer Science | 160 |
| Teacher Training | 9 |
Best Engineering Universities in Netherlands
| University Name | QS Rankings: Engineering & Technology |
|---|---|
| Delft University of Technology | #13 |
| Eindhoven University of Technology | #78 |
| University of Twente | #129 |
| University of Amsterdam | #187 |
| Utrecht University | #249 |
Top Business Schools in Netherlands
| University | QS Rankings: Business & Management |
|---|---|
| Erasmus University Rotterdam | #18 |
| Tilburg University | #63 |
| University of Amsterdam | #85 |
| University of Groningen | #124 |
| Maastricht University | #151-200 |
Best Arts Universities in the Netherlands
| University | QS Rankings: Arts & Design |
|---|---|
| Design Academy Eindhoven | #9 |
| Delft University of Technology | #13 |
| Royal Academy of Art, The Hague | #51-100 |
| Amsterdam School of the Arts | #101-150 |
| Utrecht School of the Arts | #101-150 |
Best Medical Colleges in Netherlands
| University | QS Rankings: Medicine |
|---|---|
| University of Amsterdam | #30 |
| Erasmus University Rotterdam | #39 |
| Utrecht University | #59 |
| Leiden University | #65 |
| Maastricht University | #74 |
Universities in the Netherlands: Admissions Procedure
The application period generally commences in September or October for the following academic year, similar to the British system. While deadlines vary based on the university type, most courses have a deadline of 1st May. It is crucial to verify specific deadlines with the respective university, as exceptions may exist.
Universities in the Netherlands: How to Apply
Once you have identified the programs you wish to apply for, the next step is to create an account on Studielink. Similar to UCAS for UK applicants, Studielink serves as the Dutch national database for higher education admissions. Operated by DUO, it tracks students studying in Netherlands and receiving student loans to study abroad. Your Studielink login is essential for admission, requiring regular updates before enrollment and throughout your first year, and possibly more frequently, to provide necessary information to your university.
Universities in the Netherlands: Entry Requirements
- High school diploma (e.g., A Level, GPA, IB). Some programs, particularly in the arts, may have additional requirements.
- For English programs, a proof of fluency, such as IELTS: 6 | TOEFL 550 is required.
- Studielink necessitates the submission of transcripts, statement of purpose/motivation letter/CV. It is advisable to check how your diploma compares to the minimum requirements set by your chosen institution on the Nuffic website.
If you receive a conditional offer from your chosen university, you may be required to complete a preparatory year. Dutch immigration laws permit you to stay in Netherlands for one year before your studies if you receive this offer. Successfully passing the exams at the end of the preparatory year transforms your conditional offer into an official letter of acceptance.
Netherlands is a highly developed nation and one of the best places to study abroad, with a significant portion of its people residing in densely populated cities. The country is home to vibrant student cities like Amsterdam, Maastricht, Delft, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, known for their lively cafes and nightlife. These urban areas are easily accessible by bicycle, the preferred mode of transport, and are in close proximity to beautiful countryside landscapes.
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