2021/22.

Study Netherlands

The university education system:

There are 3 different types of institutions: University (academic research), Applied Science
(vocational courses with integral work experience) and University College (link) (generally smaller
classes with liberal arts focus). In all, there are around 1,700 international study programmes and
courses and the largest number of English taught degrees in continental Europe.

Tuition: In Dutch or English and you will need to be able to prove you have a sufficient level of
fluency in the relevant language.

Medical Science in English (link): The route to qualification as a doctor in general practice in the
Netherlands consists of three main phases: BSc in medicine (3 years). This is offered in English at
two Dutch Universities; University of Groningen (link) & Maastricht University (link) followed by
studying an MSc in medicine (an additional 3 years) which must be studied in Dutch and then a one-
year placement. *Clearly studying medicine in the Netherlands is therefore both a very competitive
and a very challenging option. Students should also be aware of very specific subject requirements
(often including 3 sciences and maths or passing additional entrance / subject specific tests (with
some subject specifics still a requirement) *Check specific university websites for latest
requirements.

The application process and entry requirements:

Two stage application: Enrolment via Studielink (link) (limited to four courses) * 1st then an
application process via the individual university’s portal. Be aware that within an individual
university each course may also have different application processes.

*Be aware that you can change the courses on Studlielink at any time before the enrolment deadline.

Admissions processes are generally found on the course page of the university website. Look around
and click through as there will normally be an application guide. You can also contact the institution
that offers the programme as they can tell you exactly which admission requirements apply to the
programme of your choice.

Numerus Fixus: Restricted number of choices of Numerus Fixus courses. You can only apply to a
maximum two (although this does change and was previous only one) of these courses. Numerus
Fixus is in place for popular courses such as Medical Sciences (medical course remains only one) and
Law, with a form of lottery determining those students who successfully get on to Numerus Fixus
courses.

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Deadline dates: Generally, the application deadlines for the Netherlands are the 15th January for all
Numerus Fixus programmes. For all other courses Non-EU students, generally the deadline is the 1st
April and for EU students generally the 1st May. *Be aware that some universities/courses will have
different dates so check university websites very carefully.

Remember your school will set its own deadlines, as they will want to check the application and may
need to write references.

Some courses will require writing; many will explicitly ask for students to give information about the
classes they want to take, especially at the University colleges. Amsterdam university college is a
particularly good example click here. *Site is only open during the admission periods.

Fees:
For UK passport holders exploring studying in Europe, it is really important to be aware how BREXIT
has affected your university fees, as you will now be seen as a ‘international student’ for both fees &
visa requirements. For all International (non-EU/EEA) It remains important to check individual
institutions as often international student fees will vary between universities and courses within
those universities.

Tuition fees in the Netherlands are a lot lower than in many other countries in Europe and the rest
of the World. Tuition fees are for all students with EU nationality, irrespective of where they
currently live in the world (Note this only applies to EU passport holders & important to check status
during the application process). For students who do not have EU nationality (which now includes
UK passport holders), universities are free to decide the tuition fees with these ranging from €6,000
to €32,000 with most programmes costing around €13,000.

For 2021-22 fees were significantly reduced (50% reduction) for Dutch Nationals and EU students,
students can check 2022-23 fees status (once updated) and other information around visa’s /
Coronavirus travel information, etc. via the Dutch Government website who will have the latest
news Click here for more details.

*Private universities will almost always be more expensive.

Visa requirements:
If you are from the EU, a visa is not required. Students from other territories may require a visa.
Check individual university websites for further details.

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Highest ranking universities in The Netherlands:

Any decision about which university / institution to study at, should never be purely based on league
tables – you should research options carefully to ensure they offer you what you want from the
course and where you would wish to spend your time (See Next steps below to support you with this
and remember the support offered in school and by SPW Careers).

Latest QS World ranking (2022): QS World University Rankings 2022 | Top Universities

Latest QS World ranking (2022): University of Amsterdam (link), Delft University of Technology
(link), Utrecht University (link), Leiden University (link), Wageningen University & Research (link).

Further information:
www.topuniversities.com/where-to-study/europe/netherlands/guide Includes lots of information
and articles, plus their version of world university rankings data.
www.studyinholland.nl Lots of information and articles for international students.
http://info.studielink.nl/en/studenten/Pages/default.aspx information on the central application
process, remember this is a two-stage process.
Study in the Netherlands, an insider's view - YouTube – Produced by SPW Careers.

Research tips:
The Three R's Rule:
Is the information Recent? This is particularly important when applying to international universities
as entry requirements, visa rules, finances, etc. generally change each year. Ensure you are reading
the most up-to-date information. If in-doubt talk with the careers/university team in school or
contact SPW Careers advice@spwcareers.com
Is it Relevant? Does it actually provide you with answers to questions you have?
Is it Reasoned? Does it provide statements and back them up with facts or data that are useful for
you as an individual?

Next steps:
Example questions you might like to find the answers to when exploring your options. We all have
different priorities and reasons for studying a course so you are likely to have other questions.

❖ Find out about the course including course content, structure, options and assessment methods.

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❖ What are the course requirements: subjects, grades required and anything else, such as
additional entrance tests, work experience, etc. Are predicted grades accepted or must you
already know your final results?
❖ What is the application process: is it multiple applications using one document (UCAS, Common
Application), or individual university forms or a mix of both?
❖ Is there any additional documentation that needs completing and at what stage in the
application process is this required (personal statement, motivational letter, CV, etc)?
❖ Do you have to provide proof of English language (or other) ability? * Students who have studied
in English / are native speakers can be exempt, but it is important to check with universities.
❖ What are the application deadlines, including dates for any additional entrance tests?
❖ What are the costs: Tuition fees and accommodation/living costs, and finance/funding options?
❖ Is it possible to study in more than one country/gain work experience as part of the course?
❖ Logistics to and from home: how long will it take, how many flights etc?
❖ What do you know about the country: climate, culture, languages spoken etc?
❖ What are the work regulations, both during the course and after graduation?
❖ Are there any health requirements in advance, for instance some countries insist on certain
vaccinations before an entry visa is issued?
❖ Are the qualifications you gain from the course recognised through-out the world/in the country
you plan to work? If not, can these be converted?
❖ Do you need post graduate qualifications/specific work experience after completing your first
degree to work in your chosen career?

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