Netherlands

Education in Netherlands

Have you thought about studying in Netherlands? For over 112,000 international students, the Netherlands has been a great choice in the academic year of 2016-17. Studying Masters in the Netherlands is one lucrative option for international students. With this number growing, and more and more Indian students studying abroad, the Netherlands is worth considering. 

The real question is, why not study in Netherlands? It simply is one of the best study abroad destinations to study in Europe.

Education System in Netherlands

If you are looking forward to Study in Netherlands, and are not sure about the Education Structure in Netherlands, we have got you covered. For international students who are willing to pursue Bachelor's or Master's in Netherlands, it is a straightforward system, however, Secondary and high school is a little complex system.

Why Study In Netherlands?

The Netherlands was the pioneer European nation to offer English taught courses. This also implies that this was the first country in Europe to have an open mind to welcome foreigners to their system. Most Dutch people today understand English and so, it is easy to make yourself understood in the Netherlands.  Some of the other important reasons to study in Netherlands are:

• Universities in Netherlands is not as expensive as other study abroad destinations such as the UK or US. Education in the Netherlands is subsidized by the government and therefore the tuition fees are relatively low.

• Students get excellent international exposure while studying in Netherlands. Foreign students from over 150 countries are currently studying in Holland which offers you an amazing multicultural experience.

• Universities in Netherlands are known for their unique and innovative methods of teaching. Classroom teaching takes place in small groups and  emphasis is laid on promoting group work among students with practical applications.

• An added advantage of studying in Netherlands is that no matter where you stay, you will always have easy access to other parts of Europe. You can easily travel to neighbouring countries such as Germany, Belgium,  Poland, Luxembourg, etc, that too on a budget.

• Netherlands is a very safe and welcoming country. People are warm and value individual freedom.

Top Courses

Institutions offering higher studies in Netherlands have a diverse range of courses to choose from. Some of the best courses in Netherlands for international students are:

• Agricultural

• Liberal arts

• Sciences

• Engineering

• Fashion

• Sports Management

• Philosophy

• Business and Finance

Study in Netherlands Requirements

To be accepted into a Dutch University, international students are required to prove their language proficiency for the medium of instruction. To prove your English Language abilities in English Universities in Netherlands, you will be asked to give English Language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, etc. The score requirements will change with the Universities. Here are the Top Universities in Netherlands and their English Language requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

Studying in Netherlands is an opportunity you cannot miss. However, there must be some questions you will have in your mind before you start applying for Universities in Netherlands. From Language requirements to Transcripts and Student visas, every step of the process is decisive when it comes to Study Abroad. 

Student's Life in Netherlands

Since there is such a large multicultural environment, for international students it is an easy adjustment. Finding food that reminds you of a home is no great task. The Netherlands is also known for its flat landscape, tulip fields, mild climate, wonderful food, and beautiful cycling routes. Van Gogh, Picasso, Vermeer, and Rembrandt are just some of the world-famous artists that one might come across in art museums. 

There are many wonderful places around the Netherlands to visit, Belgium and Germany share a border, and a quick cultural trip is always just around the corner. Keeping all this in mind, balanced life of studying and cultural exploration will more than enrich any student's life. Working while studying is an option many students select so as to help with expenses or just a bit of pocket money. There are many opportunities to work while studying to make things easier in your pocket.

Safety in Netherlands:

Compared to Southern European countries, the crime rate has been lower in the Netherlands. It holds 16th rank in World’s safest countries. Police presence in the country has been increasing over the years, and one can feel it while they are in Netherlands. The law might be liberal in nature, but it is strictly enforced. The students themselves should be aware of their environment, and their belongings. The overall Netherlands is one of the safest countries to live in.

Student Insurance Netherlands

Every resident of Netherlands is required to have basic dutch insurance by law. However, if you are an international student, then you are not eligible for the Dutch basic Health insurance. So if you are in Netherlands just for study purposes, you might want to get insured by a provider in your home country, or a private provider in Netherlands.

You are required to have Dutch Medical Insurance in case you are willing to work while studying, even a part-time job. The same is the case if you want to work after your studies are completed. The basic Dutch Medical Insurance covers your hospital expenses for you. In some cases, you will be eligible for a Students Discount.

To get health insurance, students will first have to get registered at a local council. You can apply for health insurance from any provider in Netherlands, and the registration will be complete once you receive your ‘polisblad’ (insurance policy). If you are planning to leave Netherlands, you must terminate the insurance to avoid unwanted charges.

Working and living while studying in Netherlands

Living and studying in the Netherlands is not nearly as expensive as living and studying in countries like UK, U.S.A or Australia. Moreover, this difference will not affect the quality of education or the cost of living in the Netherlands. The high quality of education is widely acknowledged all over the world. The Dutch teaching style is known for its creativity, being student-centered and highly interactive, and all quality ingredients in a successful education that produces students with an edge above others. For those who need it, there are many scholarship opportunities as well.

International Community

Students from all over the world come for higher education from international schools in Netherlands . German, Chinese, British, and French are just some of the 160 cultures that are represented in the international student body. For international students, this is a wonderful environment to learn in and be part of a truly international community.

Stay back and Work permit for International Students in Netherlands

Once your studies are over in Netherlands, and you want to stay back in the country, there will be multiple factors deciding the stay back period and the type of permit you will be required to apply for. The rules will also change for EU and non-EU students. Find out Stay back options in Netherlands and how to apply for a work permit

With over 412 people per square km living there, it has one of the world’s highest population densities. One of their most well-known cities in the Hague. Located in the Hague are the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, and the International Criminal Court. Due to this, The Hague has gained the name Legal Capital of the World.

Study in Netherlands for Indian Students:

A large number of Indian students prefer Netherlands as their study abroad destination. Over 2500 Indian students chose Netherlands in 2018 for their higher education. English taught programs offered in the Dutch Universities are one of the reasons why the majority of students pick Netherlands. The tuition fees are also affordable compared to the English-speaking countries, and the after studies opportunities are also attractive to Indian students who are looking to study abroad.

Admission Process

The process to study in the Netherlands for international students can be completed online. 

• Check the top universities of Holland and select the course that suits you.

• Once you’ve shortlisted your desired universities, check out the official university website to gather more information about the Netherlands university requirements and eligibility criteria.

• Keep in mind the deadline of application and plan your preparation.

• Attend the required tests to seek admission. GMAT/GRE are qualifiers to seek admission in any Netherlands university. Along with that, you will have to present your IELTS or TOEFL score for an English-taught course. In the case of a Dutch course, you can take the CNaVT and NT2 language tests.

• You can apply to study in Holland via the official website of your desired university or via studielink.

• Fill out the application form and upload all the required documents and certificates on the official site. Proceed to pay the application fees online.

• Wait for the universities to revert. If selected, you will have to acquire a student visa to study abroad in Holland.

• Note that your university is responsible for initiating your visa process at the IND. Therefore, check with the university you have been enrolled in. After a go ahead from the university, you can apply for a student visa and a resident permit at your local embassy.

Visa

Being accepted to a Netherlands university implies that you don’t have to struggle too much with documentation as the Universities initiate your visa formalities.

• In case of a short course in the Netherlands (Shorter than 90 days), you can opt for a Schengen visa or a short-stay visa.

• In case of a recognised long course, you will require an Entry visa (MVV) and a residence permit (VVR) to study in the Netherlands.

Given below is the Student visa procedure for the Netherlands:

• Coordinate with your selected university on initiating your visa application.

• After completing your visa initiation, visit the Embassy or Consulate and apply for your visa.

• Pay the visa fees and submit your application.

• Attend your visa interview.

• Your visa application might take up to a month to be approved.

• Collect your MVV.

Document as per Netherlands Visa Requirements

• Completed Netherlands Visa application form

• Valid passport

• Two photographs

• Birth certificate

• Academic transcripts

• Official letter from the institution of study in the Netherlands

• Complete study plan

• Travel and health insurance

• Photocopies of all the original documents

• Biometric Information

Apart from this, it is highly recommended that you attach proof of English proficiency. It is possible to get a Netherlands visa without IELTS, but it is best to have some proof of language skill, either the TOEFL or IELTS.

Netherlands Visa Fees:

Netherlands visa application fees are €250, which roughly converts to 21350 Indian Rupee.

Once the Netherlands visa application has been made, it goes into processing. The visa processing time can take anywhere between one to three months, so it is recommended that you get your Netherlands visa form at least six months in advance.

THE MVV VISA AND VVR Netherlands VISA

The visa process in the Netherlands is different for EU students and international students. EU students do not have any Netherlands visa requirements. However, for international students, visa applications need to be made.

MVV Study Visa and Residence Permit Netherlands:

MVV Netherlands is a long stay entry visa, while VVR is the residence permit to stay in the Netherlands.

Hence, they need to acquire a student visa or education visa, the VVR. Students need to apply for either the VVR or a Residence Permit. However, to make the student’s life easier, the hosting university also applies for the VVR.

Once the student receives the VVR, they can study in Netherlands for as long as they have the visa.

Netherlands Student Visa Work Permit:

All international students are allowed to work along with their studies. However, there are certain restrictions.

Students cannot apply for a work permit. Only their employers can.

They are permitted to work for a maximum of 16 hours per week. They can work full-time only during June, July, and August.

You need to register with the municipality to receive a “citizen service number”, which allows you to receive wages. There are no specific guidelines for Netherlands work permit minimum salary requirements. There is no minimum requirement when it comes to a student visa.

Those people who wish to work in the Netherlands need to get the Dutch Basic Healthcare Insurance. It is compulsory.

Netherlands Student Visa Stay Back Options:

Students in Netherlands are allowed to extend their residence permit after their studies are over. The extension or the Stay back period in Netherlands is for one year and it is known as “orientation year”. The students can actively look for the job during their orientation year. The students who are willing to study further can also extend their residence permits. For example, a bachelor's graduate who wants to pursue post-graduation in Netherlands. There is no separate work permit required for students who have just completed their studies in the Netherlands.

Changes in situation

If there are changes in your situation, the residence permit and study in Netherlands visa need to be changed accordingly.

If you decide to change courses and join a new one, the number of years you’ve already studied will be subtracted from the full duration of the new course. What this means is that before your VVR expires, you need to apply for an extension of stay for the rest of your studies.

The residence permit can also be withdrawn if your academic quality is not maintained. For example, if you don’t manage to reach a score of 50% each academic year, your residence permit may be revoked. There are often other requirements set up by individual universities, all of which must also be followed.

Your visa and residence permit can also be canceled by the Netherlands Immigration and Naturalization Service if you discontinue your studies, end your registration as a student of the university, or don’t have sufficient funds to cover your living costs.

Dependent Visa in Netherlands:

If you have family in the Netherlands, it may be possible for you to go there on a dependent visa. If you are the spouse, partner, a child under 21, parent, or grandparent of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen who is a lawful resident of the Netherlands.

However, this also applies if you have a spouse. In which case, once you get a valid residence permit for at least 1 year, your spouse or other dependents can join you on a dependent visa. However, they do have to meet certain conditions.

Conditions on Netherlands Student Visa: Spouse and Dependents

• You must be married or in a long-term exclusive relationship with each other.

• Both of the candidates should be 21 years or older.

• One of you must be holding a minimum of 1 year of resident permit.

• Must have cleared the civic integration examination.

• You and your partner should have the same residential address.

The application for a dependent visa costs 237 Euros. Once the application is made, it can take the IND up to six months to decide and return with a response.

When getting a dependent visa, certain documents are required.

• Your valid passport/travel ID;

• A proof that you are related to an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen. For example, a marriage or partnership certificate, a tenancy agreement so as to prove that you have lived with your partner for a minimum of six months before applying, and a valid declaration of your relationship by a recognized authority.

• Proof of your relative's lawful residence in the Netherlands, namely their registration.

• Proof that the relative has sufficient monetary funds to cover you're for stay.

• Proof of registration in BRP, the Dutch Municipal Personal Records Database.