The Netherlands
Holland lies at the point where the German, British and French cultures meet. This is evident as soon as you turn on the television. In this well-cabled country, programming from the neighbouring countries and beyond can be received in nearly every household.
The Dutch are accustomed to dealing with people from around the world, and above all, to working with them. Groups of people with non-Dutch backgrounds have been living in Holland for decades as a result of historical ties with other parts of the world.
Multicultural Diversity
Cinemas show films from around the world in their original languages. Alongside the usual church towers and synagogues, the minarets of mosques can increasingly be seen in the large cities. You can dance the salsa every bit as easily as in Latin America. And Asian, Mediterranean and fast foods are becoming as familiar as wholesome Dutch fare.
The majority of the Dutch people speak English and very often another foreign language, such as German or French.
International study environment
Holland was the first non-English-speaking country to offer courses taught in English. The Dutch higher education institutions together offer about 1,150 international study programs and courses which are taught entirely in English. This makes Holland the front-runner in continental Europe.
Browse the international study programs and courses database at: www.studyinholland.info/ispacsearch
The Dutch education system is interactive and focuses on teamwork, which makes it easy to meet other international students. By studying in Holland you will develop an open mind and increase your international orientation.
Quality and Diversity in Education and Research
Higher education in Holland enjoys a worldwide reputation for its high quality. This is achieved through a national system of regulation and quality assurance.
Experience shows that people who have studied at a Dutch institution of higher education perform very well in other parts of the world.
World Leading
Dutch higher education is world leading in areas like business administration, agricultural studies, civil engineering, medicine, remote sensing and, arts & design.
Research
The high quality of the research and the dissertations that are defended in Holland does place it in the very top ranks. In fact, Dutch international scientific research is leading in Continental Europe. Holland occupies the fifth place in the world raking of numbers of publications per capita.
Central Spot in Europe
Once you arrive in Holland, you'll discover that many European capitals are within easy reach. Brussels is two hours by train, and a short flight from Amsterdam will take you to Paris, Madrid or Berlin.
Ideal Starting Point
The Dutch universities are an ideal starting point for study tours and exchanges with other European countries. The result of all of this is that Holland is a place where knowledge, ideas and cultures from all over the world come together.
Value for Money
Education in Holland is not free, but tuition fees are reasonable compared to other countries. In Holland, higher education is subsidized, which means that tuition fees can be kept relatively low, especially compared with the United Kingdom and the United States.
Tuition Fees
The annual tuition fees for enrolment on a degree program or course at a Dutch higher education institution start at approximately €1,500 for EU students. The costs of programs or courses for non-EU students are generally higher.
Cost of Living
The latest Worldwide Cost of Living Survey shows that the cost of living in Amsterdam is modest compared with cities like New York, London, Paris and Beijing.
Student Culture
The higher education institutions are spread throughout the country and very few of them have campuses. The buildings of a single university might even be scattered throughout a city. Nevertheless, there certainly is a student culture.
Part of Society
Around each institution, a network of associations brings students together for study-related activities, sports and recreation. These associations are run by students and some are internationally oriented. Students also have their favourite pubs, restaurants and other meeting places. In general, we can say that the Dutch higher education community seeks to be part of society and not isolated from it.
