The Netherlands consists of 12 provinces and is bordered by Germany at its East, Belgium at its South, and the North Sea to its Northwest. It has four large cities: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague, among which Amsterdam is the most populous city and is also the Netherlands’ capital.
There are many private and public institutes and universities offering higher education to the Netherlands’ students and international students.
| Benefits of Studying in the Netherlands | Drawbacks of Studying in the Netherlands |
| Innovative teaching methods | The high cost of living |
| Enjoyable social life | Fast-paced educational system |
| Wide range of courses available | Harsh weather conditions |
Advantages of Studying in The Netherlands
- Language is not a barrier
Many people think that the Netherlands’ people speak Dutch as their native language, which is not entirely true. About three-quarters of the population residing in the Netherlands speaks fluent English.
This is a tremendous advantage for foreigners who do not know the Dutch language. Most of the courses are also instructed in English.
- Communication Relaxation:
This is an astonishing fact for the students as they will be able to communicate and enjoy their life outside of the college campus.
Learning a new language is always considered to be fun, but some Dutch words may be too complicated for you, therefore speaking and communicating in English is an advantage for the students.
- Good quality education:
Dutch universities are considered to be one of the top best universities around the globe, and in competition with the other famous universities of the UK and U.S.
Well, one can say that a country with non-English speaking people can have some of the best universities, where one can achieve quality education majorly taught in English.
- Job opportunities in the Netherlands
One can acquire several advantages if qualified from universities from the Netherlands in the country itself.
You will be able to get a job in the English-speaking companies situated in the Netherlands, and your qualification and the value of your degree will be recognized all over the world. Thus, you can take this advantage and can make the use of it in your future.
- Availability of scholarships:
The universities of the Netherlands, irrespective of public and private, charge tuition fees for all the necessary programs.
The average tuition fees for a Bachelor’s degree can cost between 2,000 and 6,000 EUR per year, whereas, for a Master’s program, the prices may start from 8,000 and can go up to 20,000 EUR per year.
EU students have a slight benefit of being charged less amount of fees in comparison to the Non-EU students. Therefore, to recover this amount, you can opt for various available scholarships; some of them are:
Holland Scholarships for non-EEA students have an award of up to 5,000 EUR per year.
The Netherlands Fellowship Program is for the students who come from developing countries, and then there are several other scholarship opportunities that are provided by the universities or by different companies and associations.
Well, most of these universities are of technology and engineering-related, which have their collaboration with different private companies; therefore, one should always maintain their GPA score to achieve.
- Availability of fee discounts:
There are certain offers which are given by the government of the Netherlands for the students in terms of discount on fees.
According to the regulation of states, if a student pays the statutory tuition fees as in your first enrollment and you want to opt for a second degree at the same time, you will be excused paying the tuition fees for the second time.
- You can choose multiple electives:
However, this will only work if you enroll at the same time in the university or in a different university, but both the universities should be public universities.
Also, in most of the Dutch universities, you are allowed to choose many elective courses according to your choice paying absolutely no fees.
- Announcement of the new policy:
Recently, a new policy was also started in EU/EEA countries where when one starts studying for a Bachelor’s course at a public university, and you will only need to submit half of the amount stated in the fee structure.
This discount is also available in the Master courses as well.
Disadvantages of Studying in The Netherlands
- Fast-paced educational system:
Most of the other countries have a traditional style and slow-paced learning environment where usually the professors give you a specific schedule or deadline and you need to submit it accordingly, however, the time limit is more than enough. But, here things are different.
Here, the professors pressure the students to learn fast, and the professors have a different attitude towards the education pattern. You need to be super active and attentive during your class hours, and you need to share your opinions and points whenever asked.
- Assignments are the difficult part:
Each student needs to have their own strategic plan where you need to submit your assignments before the deadline at times with clear research ideas. The education system of the Netherlands makes you become an independent learner.
- Summer season is missed:
The Netherlands is a place where you won’t be able to enjoy a sunbath and for a long time.
The sunny weather is infrequent to be seen. The country has a four seasons theory but always misses the summer season. Almost every day, either it is raining, or the weather is super windy.
- Harsh Winter Conditions:
Winters are also a bit harsh and with no snow. So, you won’t be able to enjoy the snow too.
This can be considered as a pro and con at the same time. Therefore, if you want sunny weather conditions or are prone to cold and cough, then living here can be a problem.
- Too frank environment:
Suppose you are from a society where you are expected to maintain a strict and professional relationship between you and your professor, then in the Netherlands. In that case, you will face several cultural problems.
However, in the Netherlands, you will find that the professor and students’ relation is way too frank here. It is a demanding attitude to adjust to in the starting as when to speak what, which can sometimes create communication problems.
Conclusion
In spite of all the disadvantages, the country has a lot to offer in terms of education, accommodation, etc. After a short span of time, you will get to know the city and the people and ultimately adjust to one.
Just make sure to recheck the facilities, course structures, scholarship programs, and the detailed fee structure in nearly every area and then apply.
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I’m a former teacher with a background in child development and a passion for creating engaging and educational activities for children. I strongly understand child development and know how to create activities to help children learn and grow. Spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and volunteering in my community.