Why Study In The Netherlands?

With the number of study destinations increasing year on year we focus on the increasingly popular Netherlands and explain why this destination should make your shortlist.

KEY INFORMATION 

The Netherlands, or less formally Holland, was the first non-English speaking country to offer courses and degrees in English back in the 1950’s. This experience along with a unique teaching approach involving more teamwork and problem-solving compared to other countries has helped Holland become one of the leading alternative destinations after studying in the UK, Australia and the USA.

The Netherlands (Holland) is in North-west Europe across the sea from the UK and with borders to Belgium and Germany. It is easy to visit other countries during your studies as the country offers extensive transport links by aeroplane, train and bus into most European countries and almost everyone in the country speaks fluent English as well as their native Dutch language. You will also find the Dutch people very welcoming and happy to help you on your travels.

Education in the Netherlands is intensive and whilst in some circumstances you may be able to complete some part-time work you should expect to commit most of your time to your studies.

UNIVERSITIES IN HOLLAND 

With three Universities in the QS top 100 world rankings 2011/12 the education system in the small country of Holland commands more respect than might be expected. Click here to see an overview of these University Rankings.

The higher education structure in Holland has three distinct types of institution with each institution offering different degrees and different subjects.

There are:

• 13 Research Universities (similar to the UK’s Russell Group) which are heavily research oriented and tend to specialise in more science based subjects
• Over 40 Universities of Applied sciences (called Hogescholen in Dutch) which place more emphasis on work experience as part of the qualification.
• 6 Institutes for International Education (IE) which only offer postgraduate qualifications that are aimed towards professionals with a considerable amount of experience in the field.

Most Dutch Universities are based in and around towns and cities giving a more metropolitan feel to your studies, the only full campus-based University is the University of Twente. The University, which celebrated it’s fiftieth anniversary this year, offers degrees in a wide array of subject areas including science and engineering. MBA program. In one of our other articles Business School Netherlands explain how their MBA has been helping develop business leaders for the last 20 years. See that article here.

You will also find more subject specialisation in Dutch institutions, good examples of these are Van Hall Larenstein, which is the largest ‘green’ University of Applied Sciences in Holland and offers degrees in Land and Water Management and Rural Innovation to name a few and Tio University of Applied Sciences, a private institution which offers bachelors degrees in the management of Hotels & Events and International Tourism.

WHY STUDY IN THE NETHERLANDS?

Below we have listed our Top 5 reasons we think you should consider the Netherlands when you’re thinking about studying abroad. If you have any other reasons you think students should consider then please put them in the Comments section at the bottom of this article.

Top 5 Reasons to Study in Holland:

1. A wide variety of degree programs are on offer

2. The qualifications are well respected worldwide

3. Tuition fees are low compared to other destinations

4. The Netherlands is well placed for travelling around Europe

5. Your career prospects after graduating are good

For more information about the Netherlands and to search for courses please visit our Study in the Netherlands directory.

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