Netherlands vs USA: Which is the Better Study Abroad Destination?

Both the Netherlands and the USA are home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world. So, it becomes obvious that so many international students prefer these countries for pursuing their higher education. Both nations offer world-class education and employment opportunities to overseas students. Hence, it can become a bit difficult to choose between the Netherlands and the USA for higher education, as both options are excellent. But you can now leave all your concerns behind as we will end the debate of Netherlands vs USA once and for all in this blog. We are about to compare these two countries and finally conclude which is a better option for studying abroad. 

Parameters	Netherlands	USA
Area	41,850 KM²	9.834 Million KM²
Currency	Euro (€)	United States Dollar ($)
Capital	Amsterdam	Washington, D.C.
Total Higher Education Providers	145	4,313
Total Indian Students Studying	55	211,930
Average Cost of Living	€800 – €1000 Per Month	$2,500 – $3,500 Per Month
Average Cost of Studying	€6,000 – €20,000 Per Year	$7,000 – $55,000 Per Year
Popular Job Sectors	IT professional, Engineering jobs, Finance sector, and Healthcare jobs.	Tech and IT, Energy, Marketing/Creative, Life sciences, Healthcare, Retail, E-commerce, and Business Services
Permitted Part-Time Working Hours	16 Hours Per Week	Up To 20 Hours Per Week During School Sessions and Full Time During Holidays

Top Universities: Netherlands vs USA

Choosing the right university is one of the most important decisions that a student ever makes in his/her life. The right university can offer you a bright future with a wide range of career opportunities. You can see below a list of top universities in the Netherlands and the USA. At the end of this section, we will conclude which nation is home to the best universities. 

Universities in the Netherlands 

Here are some of the top universities in the Netherlands:

Top Universities in the Netherlands	QS World University Rankings 2024	Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023
Delft University of Technology	47	70
University of Amsterdam	53	60
Utrecht University	107	66
Eindhoven University of Technology	124	201–250
Leiden University	126	77
University of Groningen	139	75
Wageningen University and Research Centre	151	59
Erasmus University Rotterdam	176	80
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam	207	121
University of Twente	210	251–300
Radboud University	222	139
Maastricht University	256	145
Tilburg University	371	251–300

Universities in the USA

Here are some of the top universities in the US:

Top Universities in the US	QS World University Rankings 2024	Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1	5
Harvard University	4	2
Stanford University	5	3
University of California Berkeley (UCB)	10	8
University of Chicago	11	13
University of Pennsylvania	12	14
Cornell University	13	20
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	15	6
Yale University	16	9
Princeton University	17	7
Columbia University	23	11
Johns Hopkins University	28	15
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	29	21
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor	33	23
New York University (NYU)	38	24

Which Country is Better?

As you can see from the tables above, universities in the USA are ranked higher than the universities in the Netherlands. Hence, we will give a score of +2 to the USA in this round of our Netherlands vs USA. 

Also Read: Part-Time Job Opportunities In Netherlands

Admission Requirements

You need to carefully assess the criteria in both the Netherlands and the USA before you choose between these two options for pursuing education. You will understand the admission criteria for education in each country in this section.

Admission Requirements For Netherlands 

You have to submit the following documents in order to get admission to the universities of the Netherlands: 

• GMAT (minimum 550) or GRE (minimum 310 to 330) score,
• TOEFL results (at least 550 for paper-based or 213 for internet-based) or IELTS (minimum score of 6),
• The student must score a minimum of 75% in class 12, 
• Mark sheets of Class 10, 12, and the bachelor’s degree (if applicable),
• Two letters of recommendation (LOR) from the employer/manager (if you have work experience),
• Results of Dutch language test Staatsexamen NT2 only for enrolment for programs in Dutch,
• Motivation Letter,
• Portfolio (in case of students applying for art and design courses or architecture programs),
• Resume,
• Proof of funds,
• Others (Certificates/achievements at the state and national level and extracurricular activities),
• A copy of your passport, and
• Health insurance.

Admission Requirements For USA

Let’s look at the eligibility criteria you must meet in order to be deemed eligible for admission to US universities:

• You need to have a TOEFL score of 55 to 79, or equivalent for bachelor’s level programs. 
• You need to have a TOEFL score of 55 to 89 or the equivalent for master’s level programs. 
• Applicants need to have a GPA of 2.5 to 3.5 or above in their previous studies. 
• One must have a minimum score of SAT score of 1500-1600, a PTE Academic score of 50-70, an ACT score of 25, an IELTS score of 6-6.5, and an iTEP score of 3.7.
• You are also required to have finished high school or the equivalent. 
• Students need to have a four-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent to apply for a master’s degree program. 
• You must provide letters of resume, recommendation, essay, and a copy of your current passport. 
• Students also have to present proof of financial support, which is required for the I-20 Form.

Which Country is Better?

As we can see, the admission process for universities in the Netherlands is easier than in the USA. Hence, the Netherlands will receive a +2 score in this round of our Netherlands vs USA contest. 

Also Read: PhD in the Netherlands

Tuition Fees

We will find out which country has the lowest educational expense in this section. The country with the lowest cost of education will be given +2 points. So, let us compare tuition fees in the Netherlands and the USA. 

Tuition Fees in the Netherlands 

As per the websites of the universities in the Netherlands, the average annual tuition fees in the country are as follows: 

Study Program	Average Annual Tuition Fee
Undergraduate	€6,000 – €15,000
Postgraduate	€8,000 – €20,000
Doctoral	€6,000 – €20,000

Tuition Fees in the USA

As per the websites of the universities in the USA, the average annual tuition fees in the country are as follows: 

Study Program	Average Annual Tuition Fee
Undergraduate	$8,000 – $40,000
Postgraduate	$10,000 – $60,000
Doctoral	$28,000 – $55,000

Which Country is Better?

The tables above demonstrate that the cost of studying in the Netherlands is lower than in the USA. As a result, we are giving a +2 score to the Netherlands in this round of our Netherlands vs USA contest. 

Also Read: List of MBA Scholarships in the Netherlands

Living Expenses

One of the biggest concerns among students while deciding to study abroad is the cost of living. So, in this section, we will compare the living expenses in the Netherlands and the USA, and conclude which country is less expensive. 

Cost of Living in the Netherlands 

According to Numbeo, the cost of living in the Netherlands is as follows:

Monthly Rent	€967.26 – €1,817.26
Average Apartment Price (Price per Square Metre)	€3,669.49 – €5,044.22
Average Cost of an Inexpensive Restaurant Meal	€15
Average Transportation Cost (Monthly)	€80.95
Average Cost of Utility (Monthly)	€277.51

Cost of Living in the USA

According to Numbeo, the cost of living in the USA is as follows:

Monthly Rent	$1,382.53 – $3,055.29
Average Apartment Price (Price per Square Metre)	$3,205.66 – $4,725.85
Average Cost of an Inexpensive Restaurant Meal	$20
Average Transportation Cost	$70
Average Cost of Utility (Monthly)	$306.27 Per Month

Which Country is Better?

It is clear that the overall cost of living is lower in the Netherlands when compared to the USA. Hence, we are granting +2 points to the Netherlands in this section of our Netherlands vs USA contest. 

Also Read: Cost of MBA in USA – Living Costs & Scholarships

Work Permit and PR

Students often study abroad with the hope of getting employed and eventually receiving permanent residency. So, let’s understand the easiness of obtaining a work visa and permanent residency in the Netherlands and the USA. 

Work Permit in the Netherlands 

Here is how a work permit is granted in the Netherlands:

Eligibility Requirements for a Work Permit in the Netherlands:

• You need to have an employment contract with an employer in the Netherlands.
• You are required to earn at least the minimum wage for employees over the age of 23.
• Your employer has to show that the position could not have been filled by a Dutch or other EU/EEA national.

Apply for a Work Permit in the Netherlands:

You have to submit your visa application in person at the Dutch mission, embassy, or consulate in your country of residence. In case this is not possible, you can reach out to a Dutch mission in a neighbouring country. A visa sticker will be attached to your passport by the Dutch mission after the approval of the application. The processing of a work permit for the Netherlands can take anywhere between 2 weeks and 90 days. 

PR in the Netherlands

Non-EEA residents can obtain permanent residency after staying in the Netherlands for over 5 years. 

Work Permit in the USA

Here is how a work permit is granted in the US:

Eligibility for a Work Permit in the US

The immigrants who are eligible to receive a work permit in the US include:

• DACA recipients,
• K-1 Fiance Visa holders,
• Immigrants with pending adjustment of status (green card) applications,
• Asylees,
• Immigrants with extraordinary abilities,
• Certain exchange visitors,
• Spouses of some visa holders,
• Immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED),
• F-1 students who are experiencing financial hardship who want to apply for optional practical training (OPT), and 
• Approved temporary workers.

Apply for a Work Permit in the US

Follow the steps provided below to apply for a work permit in the United States:

1st Step: First of all, apply for an immigration status that will enable you to work in the United States. 

2nd Step: Now, you have to fill out USCIS Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization to apply for a work permit in the United States.

3rd Step: Gather and submit the mandatory documentation, which includes a copy of your passport photo page, a copy of your original Form I-94 travel record, and two 2-inch-by-2-inch passport-style photos of yourself. 

4th Step: Now, you have to pay the filing fee. Most I-765 forms are charged an amount of $410 by the USCIS. 

5th Step: Submit your work permit application to USCIS once you have completed Form I-765, compiling all supporting documents, and paying the application fee.

Form I-765 is usually processed in 6.7 months by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

PR in the USA

Green Cards, which are also known as alien registration cards, are valid for a period of 10 years. In case a person has been a lawful permanent resident for 5 years via employment or 3 years through marriage to a US citizen, then that individual can petition for citizenship.

Which Country is Better?

As you can see, it is easier to get a work permit and PR in the Netherlands than in the USA. Hence, we will grant +2 points to the Netherlands in this round of our Netherlands vs USA contest.

Also Read: Study a Bachelor in Biology in the USA: A Guide

Average Salaries: Netherlands vs USA

The average salary is €46,665 per year after graduation in the Netherlands as per WeAreDevelopers, while the average annual wage of a postgraduate in the country is €56,87 according to Glassdoor. On the other hand, the average annual salary is $55,260 after graduation in the USA according to Indeed. The yearly salary stands at $85,502 after completing postgraduate studies in the nation according to Indeed. 

Which Country is Better?

As we can see from the above comparison, the average salary in the USA is more than in the Netherlands, Hence, the USA will receive a +2 score in this round of our Netherlands vs USA contest. 

Also Read: GRE and TOEFL Scores For Top US Universities

Other Major Elements

Let’s see some additional crucial things to consider while choosing the country for pursuing education. Here are some of these crucial considerations:

Climate

The Netherlands has a moderate maritime climate. This kind of climate usually features cool summers and mild winters. The country doesn’t experience any dry season, and precipitation is common throughout the year. On the other hand, the USA enjoys a diverse climate, ranging from sunny Florida to arctic Alaska. Depending on where you are in the nation, temperatures can range from -40 to +50 degrees Celsius. 

Safety

Netherlands in general is known to be a very safe country. Crimes related to drugs, murder, and other forms of human aggression are extremely rare in the nation. The USA, on the other hand, has a greater rate of crime when compared to the Netherlands. However, the crime rate varies greatly by location and city, and the country is mostly very safe. 

Culture for International Students

The Netherlands is known to be a very welcoming country for international students. The country enjoys a rich and vibrant culture. Also, the Dutch people are known to be very friendly and open-minded. Overseas students may experience cultural shifts in the USA, but they will surely benefit from this cross-cultural experience. 

Also Read: Masters in Digital Marketing in USA

Conclusion

When we calculate the scores of the Netherlands and the USA, we discover that the Netherlands has received a total score of 8, while the USA has obtained 4. Hence, the Netherlands is the winner in this contest.

But it should be noted that both the Netherlands and the USA have pros and cons. It is advised that you carefully choose a degree or topic of study before applying for admission to any of the country’s institutes.

Take into account the educational facilities and financial aid accessible for the degree of your choice to make a better-informed decision. With that being said, both the Netherlands and the USA are excellent study-abroad destinations, offering equal opportunities to international students. 

Also Read: USC School of Cinematic Arts

FAQs

So, this was all about the Netherlands vs USA. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.