Studying in the Netherlands: features, ratings, tuition fees

Today we would like to talk about education in Holland . Special conditions, training features, recognition of programs in the world - about all this in our article. Recall that the last publication was about a magistracy in Germany and received a lot of comments.

The high level of higher education in the Netherlands, recognized worldwide, is guaranteed by a strict state system of standards and quality control.

Dutch law (Act on Higher Education and Science) states that the curriculum offered by the country's universities should be evaluated according to a number of criteria.
The recognition of a diploma and a degree in Holland occurs only after the completion of an accredited program for the corresponding degree. Such a system ensures that higher education programs in the Netherlands meet the highest standards.

PhD and special courses

Postgraduate (PhD) programs are not accredited: specific educational institutions are responsible for them. This also applies to programs and courses, at the end of which students do not receive state diplomas, but certificates and certificates, including special courses.
The quality of special courses included in accredited master's programs is ensured by the accreditation of the entire master complex as a whole. Other special courses are regulated only by the educational institutions themselves.

International recognition

If a particular course does not have accreditation, this does not mean that it is of poor quality.
Some universities also offer undergraduate, graduate and other programs accredited by other countries. In this case, a diploma of such a course will be recognized in these countries, but will not necessarily be recognized in the Netherlands.
For example, the master's program of the Dutch University of Applied Sciences is approved by an accredited university in the UK, the diplomas of which are issued by those who completed the course.

Dutch universities in QS World University rankings

Dutch universities are among the best in the QS World University Rankings rating, both in the general ranking and in individual branches of knowledge.

In total, 13 Dutch research universities out of 18 were ranked. Almost all of them were in the top 300 (the position in the ranking is indicated in brackets):

• University of Amsterdam (50)
• Leiden University (75)
• Utrecht University (80)
• Delft University of Technology (86)
• Erasmus University Rotterdam (90)
• University of Groningen (90)
• Maastricht University (118)
• Eindhoven University of Technology (147)
• Wageningen University and Research Center (151)
• Radboud University Nijmegen (156 )
• VU Amsterdam University (171)
• University of Twente (212)
• Tilburg University (367)

See the full rating here .

Dutch approach

Interactive Learning The

Dutch teaching style is interactive and focused on the student figure. The main role is played by teamwork, during which students of different nationalities learn to communicate with each other.
A significant part of all training programs provides for writing independent work and group tasks for the analysis and solution of specific problems. You will also be able to gain practical work experience through internships or laboratory experiments (depending on the specialty).

Teamwork The

Netherlands is famous for its teaching style, the essence of which is in teamwork, which ensures self-education and self-discipline. The teacher works as a group moderator and guides the workflow.
Group interaction is extremely valuable. It is assumed that students actively reflect on the material of the lesson and express their opinion. Questions, criticism towards the lecturer or colleagues are always welcome. It is especially good when it is possible to find creative application of the acquired knowledge.

All opinions are valuable. The

Dutch teaching methodology is based on respect for personal opinion and belief. This applies not only to higher education, but to other areas of life. It was from this attitude that the diversity and pluralism of Dutch society came about.

Price and quality

Highest quality education is not always expensive

Compared to English-speaking countries, Holland is not a very expensive country. This also applies to higher education: there is not much to pay for tuition here. Given that teaching at universities in the Netherlands is top-notch, it should be recognized that studying in the Netherlands with its reasonable prices is optimal in terms of price and quality.

In many disciplines, for example, in the field of hydroengineering and water use, design and sustainable energy, Dutch education is considered one of the best in the world.

In 2015, 5 Dutch universities are included in the ranking of the 100 best universities in the world according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. In the same rating, Holland took third place in the world in terms of the balance of price and quality of education.

Investments are justified

Despite its modest size, Holland occupies a prominent place in the world. This is the 16th largest economy of the planet. Some of the leading multinational companies - such as Philips, Heineken, KLM, Shell, ING Bank and Unilever - are based in the Netherlands.
Moreover, the European headquarters of many global companies - such as Sony, Sara Lee and Microsoft - are located in the Netherlands.

Thus, your Dutch university diploma and experience in this country can be a great career advantage. And not only in Holland, but also in your homeland and in other countries. And all this - for a very reasonable fee.

Studying is not that expensive

For EU residents, the annual tuition fees are around € 1,700, depending on the university. For non EU citizens, tuition is higher.

You can see the current prices online .

Compared to other countries in Western Europe, living in the Netherlands is inexpensive .
Students receive discounts at many bars, restaurants, museums and cinemas. You can easily cycle around the city: it is not only the Dutch, but also the cheapest way to get around.

Are you still hesitant to act or not? Then we recommend the article " 5 Myths about Education Abroad ".

We hope that the material was interesting to you, in the next articlewe will continue to talk about education in the Netherlands - scholarships and grants, visas, accommodation and work while studying. Follow our publications.

The author of the article is Vyacheslav Davidenko, founder of MBA Consult .
This article was prepared jointly with Nuffic Neso Russia , the official representative of Dutch education in Russia.