Beyond Windmills, Cheese, and Bikes: Discover Why the Netherlands Strikes?
Are you a cheese fan? 500 million kilos of cheese are exported per year. Culture of Netherlands? After a few weeks, you’ll be doing everything by bike, eating sandwiches for lunch and saying ‘gezellig’ (try to pronounce that typical Dutch word!) when you’re meeting your friends in Netherlands
Whether it’s the world-class education, cutting-edge research opportunities, or the vibrant student life, the Netherlands has a little something for everyone. Let’s dive into why the Netherlands could be the place to unlock your global career and academic success.
1. High-Quality Education
The Netherlands boasts top-tier universities consistently ranked among the best in the world for research, innovation, and teaching. With a problem-based learning approach, Dutch universities make sure you’re not just memorizing facts, but gaining the real-world skills that employers love. Plus, Dutch degrees are recognized worldwide, which means your degree has global credibility.
Top universities include:
- Delft University of Technology (Ranked 49th in QS World University Rankings 2025)
- University of Amsterdam Ranked 55th in QS World University Rankings 2025 (No. 1 in the world for Communication Science & Media)
- Wageningen University & Research Ranked 155th in QS World University Rankings 2025 (No. 1 in world in agriculture and sustainability)
- Erasmus University Rotterdam Ranked 158th in QS World University Rankings 2025 (Ranked 19th in world for business studies)
Scroll down for full list of Universities in Netherlands
Fun Fact: The University of Amsterdam library has 200 kilometers of bookshelves. That’s about 5 times the length of the Eiffel Tower!
2. A Range of Programs Taught in English
The Netherlands offers more than 2,100 academic programs completely taught in English. So, if you’re worried about language barriers, fear not! You can get your bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, business, IT, design, health sciences, and more—all in English.
Mind-Blowing Fact: Nearly 90% of Dutch people speak English fluently, and most are happy to switch to English if you don’t speak Dutch. So, you can navigate the country easily without worrying about language!
3. Affordable Tuition and Living Costs
Compared to the USA, UK, or Australia, the Netherlands offers an affordable education with tuition fees ranging from €6,000 to €15,000 per year. Plus, there’s more good news: living costs in cities like Eindhoven, Rotterdam, and Groningen are much lower than in major cities like Amsterdam.
Eye-Opening Tip: Did you know the cost of living in the Netherlands is lower than in major cities like London, Paris, or New York? So, you’ll get high-quality education without the jaw-dropping expenses!
4. Scholarships for International Students
The Netherlands offers a range of scholarships to help reduce the cost of studying abroad. Here are some top options:
- Holland Scholarship: Up to €5,000 for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
- Orange Tulip Scholarship Program: Offers partial or full scholarships for master’s programs at select Dutch universities.
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: A prestigious program for international students to study joint master’s degrees across multiple European universities.
University-Specific Scholarships: Many universities offer their own merit-based scholarships, such as the University of Amsterdam’s Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.
5. Strong Focus on Innovation and Research
The Netherlands is a global leader in innovation, especially in fields like renewable energy, robotics, water management, and sustainability. If you’re passionate about solving real-world challenges and working on cutting-edge projects, this is the place to be. The country is constantly working toward green technologies that could change the future!
Eye-Opening Fun Fact: The Netherlands is home to CERN, one of the world’s most advanced scientific research centers! You could be studying in a country that is literally making groundbreaking discoveries every day.
6. Ample Part-Time Job Opportunities
In the Netherlands, international students can work 16 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. With a thriving economy, there’s no shortage of part-time job opportunities across retail, hospitality, tech, and more. Plus, you’ll gain valuable work experience that looks amazing on your resume!
Fun Fact: The Netherlands is the second-largest exporter of agricultural products in the world (after the USA)! That means plenty of innovation-driven jobs in sectors like agriculture, green tech, and sustainability—so you’ll be contributing to global solutions.
7. Post-Study Work Visa and Career Opportunities
After graduation, the Orientation Year Visa allows you to stay for 12 months and explore job opportunities. Whether you want to work for a tech giant like Philips or Shell, or join the booming sustainability sector, the Netherlands has you covered.
Eye-Opening Fun Fact: If you’re into AI, robotics, or green energy, the Netherlands has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, with a strong demand for skilled professionals in these fields!
8. Multicultural and Inclusive Society
The Netherlands is known for being one of the most open-minded and progressive countries in Europe. You’ll meet people from all over the world, broadening your horizons and building a global network. Plus, Dutch cities are incredibly student-friendly, with cafes, parks, and events designed to make students feel at home.
Fun Fact: The Dutch are famous for their biking culture—there are more bikes than people in the Netherlands! Get ready to become a pro cyclist navigating through picturesque streets and canals.
9. Pathway to Permanent Residency
After your studies, the Netherlands offers a clear pathway to permanent residency. If you work for a year after graduation and meet the necessary criteria, you could qualify for long-term residency.
Pro Tip: Once you gain work experience and a foothold in the Dutch job market, you’ll have even more opportunities to secure a permanent residence permit—giving you access to the European Union job market!
10. Scholarships for International Students
The Netherlands offers a range of scholarships to help reduce the cost of studying abroad. Here are some top options:
- Holland Scholarship: Up to €5,000 for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
- Orange Tulip Scholarship Program: Offers partial or full scholarships for master’s programs at select Dutch universities.
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: A prestigious program for international students to study joint master’s degrees across multiple European universities.
University-Specific Scholarships: Many universities offer their own merit-based scholarships, such as the University of Amsterdam’s Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.
Final Thoughts
From world-class education and cutting-edge research to a rich, multicultural environment, the Netherlands offers everything you need to thrive as an international student. The affordability, work opportunities, and clear pathways to permanent residency make it an unbeatable choice. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery, cycling culture, and a country known for innovative thinking.
Ready to take the next step toward studying in the Netherlands? Reach out for personalized guidance on how to turn your study abroad dream into reality!
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