Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the world's most densely populated countries, with 16.5 million people living in an area half the size of Scotland. Famed for its multicultural cities and institutions, why not join the 37,000 EU students already studying in the Netherlands each year…
There are two types of higher education system in the Netherlands:
In 2011, there were 12 Dutch universities in the top 200 of the Times Higher Education University Rankings . The highest ranking is Utrecht University, coming in at number 68.
According to NUFFIC (Netherlands Organisation for International Co-operation in Higher Education) , the top four most popular subject areas among enrolled foreign students are:
The Dutch grading system differs from many other countries in the world. A ten-point grading system is employed, with ten being the highest mark and six the minimum pass grade. To find out how Dutch grades compare to the UK system, see NUFFIC - Grading Systems .
When applying to higher education institutions, it is important to contact them individually first. This way the institution can tell you exactly what is required to apply for your chosen programme.
When applying for a Masters degree, students must have a minimum qualification of a Bachelors degree or equivalent.
There are more than 1,500 international study programmes in the Netherlands, the largest offering in continental Europe, and all are taught in English. Of these, 1,088 are degree programmes and 472 are non-degree programmes, which includes traineeships, short courses, certificates and diplomas.
There are regular degree programmes taught in Dutch which you can apply for, with a number of institutions offering Dutch language courses to help sharpen your skills before lectures begin.
To search for courses, go to NUFFIC Study Finder .
European Union (EU) citizens are entitled to attend university in the Netherlands or any EU country (this means the 27 member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway). The same conditions apply to all EU citizens whether a national of the country or not.
The average annual fee for enrolment on a degree programme or course at a Dutch higher education institution is €1,771. Non-EU students face the considerably higher cost of €8,000.
Funding and study grants in the Netherlands are available depending on individual circumstances.
To search for a specific grant for your nationality, subject area and level of study, go to Netherlands Student Grantfinder .
For those looking to study a PhD in the Netherlands, you can find helpful information at EURAXESS Netherlands .
The Dutch government offers different types of study grants. Be aware that the money you are given must be repaid in monthly instalments. Payments begin two years after your right to a student grant comes to an end.
Students attending UK universities can take part in the EU's flagship educational exchange programme Erasmus . The scheme offers work placements, study opportunities and language assistantships, which last from three months to one academic year in EU countries.
Financial support is also available to selected Masters and Doctoral students through the Erasmus Mundus initiative.
Your university must have a formal agreement with a partner university in another EU country. Check that your university is involved in the programme and offers the Erasmus scheme in your subject.
As an EU citizen, you are permitted to live in any EU country while studying as long as you:
All students in the Netherlands are obliged to have health insurance. In addition, students staying for longer than four months are required to register at their local municipality.
Despite being amongst the smallest countries in Europe, the Netherlands has always maintained a strong economy. With plenty of career paths, coupled with a high standard of living, going Dutch may well be the answer
The largest sector in the Netherlands is business services, which accounts for approximately two-thirds of its gross domestic product (GDP). Nearly 80% of the Dutch workforce is in the services sector, involved in areas such as transportation and financial and business services.
The agriculture and food sector is a vital part of the Dutch economy, with the Netherlands exporting three-quarters of its agricultural produce.
The Netherlands is Europe's largest producer of natural gas, with some of the world's biggest chemical companies also based there.
To search for the latest jobs in the Netherlands, visit:
As in many other countries, the Dutch hold work experience in high regard.
Multinational company Philips offers international internships to graduates from all types of backgrounds. To find out more, see Philips - Student Internships .
For those interested in teaching English in the Netherlands, read i-to-i Teach English in the Netherlands . There are numerous schemes available that don't require you to speak Dutch.
Internships and summer work placements for students can also be arranged by securing:
Voluntary work is well worth considering if you can afford to live without any form of regular income. Most voluntary work across Europe is rewarded with free accommodation and main meals.
The European Commission (EC) funds a scheme called The European Voluntary Service (EVS) , which is a scheme aimed at people aged 18 to 30 wishing to volunteer abroad. It offers young people the chance to work for free for up to 12 months in a number of European and non-European countries.
Opportunities vary from placements concerned with sport and culture to others focused on social care and the environment. For successful applicants, accommodation, travel, food and insurance are all covered by a European grant and you even receive a personal allowance each month.
The majority of Dutch people can speak English. However, it is also important to learn basic Dutch to get by in the workplace.
Learn some key phrases before you set off by visiting BBC Languages - Dutch .
According to the EC, European Union (EU) citizens have the right to:
For more information and to check what conditions and restrictions apply, see:
If you are going to work in the Netherlands, you will need a Citizen Service Number (Burgerservicenummer or BSN). This is a unique identity service number that you can apply for at your local municipality. Workers must also insure themselves against the costs of medical care.