Higher education in Amsterdam 2024

The Netherlands (Holland) is a recognized cultural, commercial and scientific world center. In addition to tulips and wooden clogs, the country offers a rich and varied experience for international students. From the Dutch capital of Amsterdam with its beautiful canals to smaller towns like Maastricht, it offers a wide range of study options depending on the student's preferences.

Amsterdam is the largest city in the Netherlands and its capital. Amsterdam has a reputation not only as the most liberal and free city in Europe, but also as one of the most popular European destinations among students. The capital of the Netherlands is in the top 25 best student cities in the world in the ranking. This city really has a lot to offer young people - from unique curricula to vibrant nightlife and interesting cultural leisure.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

Amsterdam, a city celebrated for its world-class universities and innovative academic programs, is a leading hub for quality education. Known for its vibrant culture, open-mindedness to foreign cultures, and international student and faculty communities, Amsterdam offers an ideal environment for both academic growth and career advancement. Home to global companies like Philips, ING, and Heineken, it presents unparalleled opportunities for employment post-graduation. Additionally, the city is famous for its world-class museums, galleries, concert halls, and lively nightlife. Consistently ranked as one of the happiest, cleanest, and safest cities in Europe, Amsterdam provides a stimulating and enriching experience for students.

Dutch higher education, highly sought after in Europe, is based on American and British standards, making it particularly attractive to Russian and international students for its abundance of English-taught programs.

Higher education institutions in Amsterdam offer the following programs:

• Bachelor Programs: 4-year courses at universities of applied sciences and 3-year courses at research universities, covering all specialties in English.

• Master Programs: Postgraduate programs for Bachelor's degree holders, lasting 1-2 years depending on the specialization.

• PhD Programs: Offered exclusively by research universities, involving significant research work and requiring a Master's degree from a research university for admission.

• Postgraduate Certificate Programs: Short-term courses offering certification for various degrees.

There are two main types of higher education institutions in Amsterdam:

• Research Universities (Universiteit): Provide Bachelor's (3 years), Master's (1-2 years), Doctoral (2 years), and academic degrees (4 years) based on research-oriented programs.

• Universities of Applied Sciences (Hogescholen): Offer practical professional training in Bachelor’s (4 years) and Master’s (1-2 years) programs in fields like health care, economics, technical sciences, education, arts, and agriculture.

In addition to these main categories, there are international education institutes and specialized institutions, including private ones, offering programs for foreign students.

The teaching methodology in Dutch universities emphasizes a combination of independent study and effective teamwork, aiming to foster students' creative potential and critical thinking skills.

• University of Amsterdam

• Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences ONCAMPUS

• Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)

• Global School for Entrepreneurship

Each higher education institution in Amsterdam sets its admission criteria. Some require entrance exams, others interviews, and some may require both. Popular fields like medicine, economics, and business often have special quotas.

Generally, Amsterdam universities do not conduct entrance exams, requiring only a standard set of documents. However, research universities, especially for science-related specialties, may require test assignments, while creative fields might ask for a portfolio.

The application process can be completed remotely, without the need to travel to the Netherlands. Required documents typically include:

• Previous education certificates or diplomas

• English language proficiency certificate (TOEFL minimum 80 points, IELTS minimum 6.0)

• Application form specific to the university

• Motivational letter

• Resume

Higher education fees in Amsterdam depend on the chosen field, institution, and student nationality. Non-EU students typically pay higher fees: €7,000-€15,000 per year for Bachelor’s, €8,000-€25,000 for Master’s, and €13,000-€40,000 for MBA programs. Programs at research universities are usually more expensive than those at universities of applied sciences.

EU citizens and Dutch nationals also pay for education but at a significantly lower rate, with a typical academic year costing around €2,000, regardless of the program. This fee is partially subsidized by the government.

Additional costs not included in the tuition fees can vary by university and specialization. On average, students may need to budget an additional €1,000-€1,500 per year for textbooks, uniforms, internship arrangements, and excursions.

Regarding accommodation, students can seek assistance from university committees to find nearby housing. Rent prices vary by city, with an average room rental in Amsterdam costing €400-€600 per month. Overall living expenses, including housing, food, and transportation, typically do not exceed €1,000-€1,200 per month.

For those looking to reduce education costs, scholarships and grants are available. These can range from government scholarships and university funding to the Orange Tulip Scholarship program for Russian students, which covers partial or full tuition costs and sometimes includes housing and insurance.

Foreign students in Dutch universities are not only allowed to work part-time during their studies but also have the opportunity to stay and work in the country post-graduation. Amsterdam, as a hub for international businesses, offers excellent prospects for employment in various fields like design, arts, IT, light industry, engineering, etc. Research-oriented careers also thrive, with many universities being part of prestigious research networks, providing ample opportunities for scientific endeavors.

Conclusion

Studying in Amsterdam opens doors to world-class education, vibrant cultural experiences, and significant career prospects in a city known for its quality of life and open-mindedness. With a range of programs and institutions catering to diverse interests and specializations, Amsterdam stands as a premier destination for higher education in Europe.