Jaime BIPH students consider pursuing their higher education in many locations around the globe. In fact, most students simultaneously submit university applications to the US, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Australia and Canada. A common denominator, and primary factor for seeking an education in these locations, is that the language of instruction is English. While there are few countries in Europe that offer degree programs in the English language, there is one country where, while not their native language, 95% of the citizens speak English! Having served in the role of college counselor for a few international high schools over the past decade, I have come to know and appreciate the value of studying in Holland, and have received many great reviews from my past students about their experiences.
Why Study in Holland? Here are 10 reasons.
- English-taught degree programs
Dutch universities offer the largest number of English-taught degree programs in continental Europe. About 2,000 programs are taught entirely in English!
- Good value for money
The quality of Dutch higher education is well-recognized. The tuition fees and cost of living are considerably lower than in English-speaking countries. The average tuition fee for bachelor’s programs is between € 6,000 and € 15,000/year.
- Interactive and student centered learning.
The Dutch style of teaching is highly focused on helping students develop transferable skills such as analysis, problem solving and critical thinking.
- A truly international community
NL’s many international students come from more than 150 different countries. The Dutch society is diverse and inclusive. While many come from Europe, more than 19,000 Asian students were enrolled in the 21/22 academic year, with more than 5,000 students from China.
- Quality of life
The Netherlands is one of the safest countries in the world, according to the 2022 Global Peace index and belongs to the top 25 happiest countries in the world. Read more about the good Dutch standard of living in the OECD’s Better Life Index.
- Excellent career opportunities
The Netherlands is the 15th largest economy in the world. Some of the world’s biggest multinationals, including Philips, Heineken, KLM, Shell, ING and Unilever, are Dutch. The Netherlands is a world leader in many areas of expertise, including agriculture, water management, art & design, logistics and sustainable energy.
The Dutch government wants to attract knowledge and retain talent. International graduates can therefore apply for an orientation year. This is a residence permit of one year to find a job, or start a business within three years of graduation.
- Work during studies
Non EU/EEA international students are permitted to work in the Netherlands for 16 hours a week or fulltime in the summer months June, July and August. Regarding internships, there are no restrictions regardless of where you are from.
- In the heart of Europe
The Netherlands has a lot to offer, but you may want to take some international trips as well. You can easily travel by train or plane to major European cities. Schiphol International airport is just a short train ride away from Leiden and The Hague, where exciting European cities like London, Paris, Antwerp and Berlin are within easy reach. If you’d rather travel by train, there are regular departures to Belgium and France from both Leiden and the Hague.
- Cheap housing for students
While you may have to find housing independently, it will most likely be affordable, and you might also be living with other international students, which can be very exciting and rewarding.
- Liberal Arts & Sciences
In Europe, the Netherlands is one of the leading countries for a Liberal Arts and Sciences education, having over 9 international ‘university colleges’ with an excellent reputation. The model in these colleges largely resembles that of the USA, however special emphasis is placed on a smaller number of students, often below 600 students.
Top 5 Dutch Uni’s:
The UvA scores highly in various world university rankings. It is ranked among the top 10 universities in Europe (US News) and the top 65 worldwide (QS and THE rankings). Students benefit from excellent academic career paths, with multiple options to pursue a study within or across disciplines, from the Bachelor's up to the PhD level and beyond. Teaching and research are closely linked in all Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes at the UvA. The UvA is a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and of Universitas 21, a leading global network of research-intensive universities. It is also an active partner in many EU-wide initiatives with other universities and research institutions.
Our mission: what do we want to contribute to the world? We are working towards a better world.
We do this by researching complex issues beyond the borders of disciplines. We put thinkers in contact with doers, so new insights can be applied. We give students the space to develop themselves. In so doing, we make substantial contributions to society, both now and in the future.
Utrecht University is one of Europe's leading research universities, recognized internationally for its high-quality, innovative approach to research and teaching. Studying at Utrecht University means studying at one of the world's best universities.
Our unique profile enables us to make a difference in solving major social, economic and environmental challenges based on our forward-looking education and excellent academic research, and connecting knowledge to society. Have a look at the facts and figures of our university taken from the Annual Report 2021.
Erasmus University Rotterdam consists of seven schools, two institutes and a university college with their own administration.
Leiden University is an internationally oriented, comprehensive University. Our scientific research and teaching inspire one another, and this cross-pollination shapes our contribution to society. With our research, we work to gain a fundamental understanding of the world and the people around us. In our teaching, we train our students to become analytical thinkers and critical world citizens who can apply this knowledge to make the world a safe, healthy, sustainable, prosperous and just place. Where possible, we endorse and apply the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
VU Amsterdam is a unique university with faculties in the humanities, STEM, social sciences and medical sciences. Our education and research are closely linked. We combine our top position in research with a strong social orientation, which has resulted in an excellent international reputation. Our education and research are distinctly multidisciplinary. This is reinforced by the fact that our faculties are all located on one campus. We are a true campus university in the heart of the Zuidas Knowledge District, sharing its excellent national and international position and accessibility.