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Study in Holland

The Netherlands (Holland) is quietly making a name for itself as a top study destination for international students. For a small country it punches well above its weight, with 11 out of 13 research universities ranked within the Global Top 200.*

After the UK, the Netherlands offers the largest number of English-taught university careers in Europe. Here are some reasons that make the Netherlands a compelling choice for international students.

*THE World University Rankings 2025

Why study in the Netherlands?

Quality of Education

  • 11 Dutch universities can be found in the Global Top 200* with 5 of these in the Top 100. Given that there are very few universities in the Netherlands that’s quite an achievement.
  • The Dutch education system has a global outlook, based on strong ties with industry, collaboration and teamwork. This student-centred teaching style will help international students settle in quickly.
  • One of the first non-English speaking countries that started to offer higher education programmes in English. Nowadays Dutch universities offer approximately 2,000 programmes entirely taught in English, the largest number of English-taught programmes in continental Europe.*

* Times Higher Education (THE) World University rankings 2025 and Nuffic

An international community

  • The Netherlands is a very multicultural society with Dutch society being open and inclusive, making international students quickly feel at home.
  • Tens of thousands of international students come from all over the world, representing more than 160 different nationalities.
  • A country in which 95% of locals speak English as a second language which helps make live in general more convenient for international students.

Quality of Life

  • A country with a rich history having the highest concentration of museums in the world.*
  • Due to its central location the Netherlands is known as the Gateway to Europe. It’s many international rail and air connections ensure that the rest of Europe can be explored easily.
  • The Netherlands is one of the safest countries in the world, according to the 2018 Global Peace index and belongs to the top 10 happiest countries in the world.

*Nuffic and holland.com

Value for Money

  • Tuition fees in the Netherlands are relatively low compared to those in English-speaking countries.
  • The same applies to the costs of living in the Netherlands, ensuring your budget stretches a lot further.
  • Its central location allows for the rest of Europe to be explored by coach, train or plane at very economic rates.

Work Opportunities

  • Following successful completion of a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD programme, international students can apply for a one year residence permit to look for work or start a business.
  • This work visa option can be activated up to 3 years after graduation.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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J.L. RomoStudied Economics (MSc)

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