Student Life in Netherlands

The Netherlands is a European country that is not only known for its windmills, canals, bridges, scenic beauty, culture and beautiful tulip fields, but for world-class quality education as well. According to education.com, the Netherlands has been ranked #7 in the list of top 10 places in the world to study abroad. The number of international students in the Netherlands is increasing every year, making students wonder what student life in Netherlands may look like. Let’s walk you through the journey of student life in Netherlands that you might experience in future!

Know about the Top Ranked Universities in Netherlands 

Get to Know the Country Better

Getting to know the country in terms of geography, topography, culture, habits, lifestyle, etc is something that should be on top priority for students. It would surprise you that student life in the Netherlands differs depending on the university you attend. When it comes to experiencing student life in Netherlands, each university/campus or city has its own unique attributes. You can’t expect life in a small town to be the same as life in Amsterdam.

Nurturing the Friendly Atmosphere

Students will always be surrounded by a friendly atmosphere in the country. The Dutch are really friendly and welcoming people. Students will be able to get along with fellow classmates and local people. Even the faculties are always very supportive. Since the focus of the education system emphasises more on student interaction, students can expect more personalised attention from their professors than they would have ever received. Seeking help when necessary is one of the common features of student life in Netherlands.

Affordable Tuition Fees and Cost of Living

The Netherlands is not only known for its free or affordable tuition fees but for also a low and affordable cost of living too. International students are now more willing to study in the Netherlands as the average cost of the study is much cheaper than in other countries like the UK, Canada, the USA, Australia and more. Public universities in the Netherlands charge lesser tuition fees as compared to private ones. Monthly expenses of living charges include expenses for accommodation, food, travel and other basic amenities.

Additionally, public services are also pocket friendly than other countries. Students have an option to commute via trains, metros, buses, trams, taxis and rented bicycles which are all affordable. A big cherry on the cake is that students can even buy subscriptions to make their travelling expenses even more affordable. Also, if students have Dutch Student Finance, they can travel completely free and can enjoy their student life in Netherlands to the fullest. 

Note: International students can expect to pay anywhere between €6,000 – 15,000 (INR 5,22,417- 13,06,044) per year for a Bachelor’s degree and €8,000 – 20,000 (INR 6,96,556- 17,41,392) per year for a Master’s degree in the Netherlands. Also, the average cost of living of an international student in the Netherlands is around €800 – 1200 (INR 69,655- 1,04,483) per month.

Education System in the Netherlands

As said earlier also, the model of education in the Netherlands lays major emphasis on interactivity in the classroom with a strong focus on teamwork. This is to ensure students get to shape their existing knowledge and at the same time also express their opinion and convictions. The opportunity to study in the Netherlands is not something students should miss out on as it helps students to develop an international perspective. What must be taken note of is the fact that the grading system in the Netherlands is different from India? In the Netherlands, a 10 points system is used wherein a grade of 10 is the highest and 6 is the minimum pass grade.

Choosing the right Accommodation

Students must try and sort their accommodation before their arrival. University hostels are one common option available for international students as many Dutch universities provide accommodation support to international students. Additionally, students can also have an option to stay in PGs, private hostels, rented rooms, or in a homestay. Many international students rent a house together which not only splits the cost but also helps them in building friendships and long-lasting bonds with each other. 

Weekends are for Fun

Another great thing about living a student life in Netherlands that you’ll highly appreciate is that students here are always motivated to live a balanced life. Dutch people are big tie supporters of maintaining a work/life balance. Henceforth, students living here will always be found taking some time out for leisure activities from their busy study schedule which further help in rejuvenation. Students enjoy their weekends indulging in sports, partying, visiting famous tourist spots, eating outside and many more such activities.

Work While Studying in Netherlands

Student life in Netherlands also includes working part-time and earning extra side income while studying in the country. For students who wish to support their education funding, this is a great way of doing that. If students wish to work while they study in the Netherlands, they must apply for a work permit as well. This permit authorizes them to work for 16 hours a week during term time and full-time during holidays. 

Learning Dutch as an International Student 

Your student life in Netherlands is incomplete without learning or getting familiar with the Dutch language. Dutch can be learned in a variety of ways, and it is commonly taught at three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Consider attending an evening school or summer courses, asking your university’s foreign office for Dutch language courses, or looking for free online courses if you wish to improve your Dutch language skills.

Joining Various Student Clubs 

As an international student, you should make the most of your time in living a student life in Netherlands. Despite the fact that Dutch society places a strong focus on independence, group work and teamwork are the norms in the Netherlands—and student life is no different. For many students, both local and international, participating in some type of student activity is more of a rule than an exception. As an international student, joining student clubs may require some time and work, but it is frequently well worth it. It can provide a fresh perspective on Dutch culture, society, and language, as well as open doors to future professional life for those who aspire to live and work in the Netherlands – and, of course, assist in making local friends.

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Travel and Explore 

The Netherlands is in the heart of Europe, with easy access to all major European cities. The Netherlands is frequently referred to as the “gateway to Europe”. Flying from Amsterdam to some of Europe’s most appealing locations, such as Paris, Berlin, Brussels, or London, takes only an hour or two. It also offers excellent train connections and accessibility to all of Europe’s main cities. The Netherlands also boasts a well-developed and well-connected transportation infrastructure, and different student discounts make travel very inexpensive.

Types of Student Visa in Netherlands (BONUS)

Before revealing some of the interesting facts about student life in Netherlands, let’s tell you about the type of visa required by an international student for studying in the country. Candidates belonging to the EU/EEA or Australia, Canada, Japan, France, New Zealand, South Korea, the USA, and the Vatican City do not need a residence permit nor a student visa to study in the Netherlands. However, students from other countries like India must apply for either of the 2 given below:

1. Schengen Visa: If the period of stay in the Netherlands is for 90 days or less, then a Schengen Visa would suffice.
2. MVV/VVR: If the period of stay exceeds 90 days, an Entry Visa (MVV) or a Residence Permit (VVR) is required. In this case, the MVV is also only valid for 90 days. The MVV  has to be followed by the application for a VVR.

Also read: Netherlands Study Visa – Types, Application and Documents

We hope you found this blog to be informative. Let us know what you feel about it in the comments below. If you are interested in pursuing higher studies in the Netherlands and need guidance with the application process, get in touch with our Leverage Edu experts right away!