University preparation in Netherlands for international students

Flexible rules of admission in universities in the Netherlands allow foreign students to enter on the basis of a certificate of full secondary education and the results of  international language exam. However, in the case of insufficient command of English or Dutch, it may be necessary to complete preparatory courses aimed at replenishing the applicant's language skills and adapting to further study in a foreign university. TOP-10 prestigious universities in the Netherlands begin to receive documents before the beginning of May.

Part-Time Work Opportunities for University Students in Netherlands

Students enrolled in Dutch universities have the opportunity to engage in part-time work. They can obtain a work permit either through their university or directly from the employer. However, it's essential to ensure that the workload does not exceed 10 hours a week or negatively impact academic performance. During the summer holidays, students are allowed to work without any time restrictions.

Post-Graduation Opportunities: Preparing for Life After University in Netherlands

After completing their studies, students can extend their stay in the Netherlands for up to a year to search for employment opportunities. By applying through the Dutch migration services, students can obtain a "qualified migrant" status and a residence permit that allows them to work. This status needs to be renewed annually and requires proof of employment.

The Economic Powerhouse: Why Choose the Netherlands?

Despite its relatively small size, the Netherlands is a significant global economic player. It is home to the headquarters of numerous international corporations, such as Philips, Sony, Heineken, and Microsoft. Acquiring a higher education degree in the Netherlands can be a valuable investment for a successful international career.

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.

Requirements for University Prep Courses Netherlands

Getting admitted to your desired educational institution in the Netherlands typically requires the following documents:

• Certificate of completed secondary education

• Language tests like IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught courses, or the NT2 certificate for courses taught in Dutch

• Motivation letter

Sometimes, a specialized entrance exam might be needed, although this is usually an exception rather than a rule and will depend on the specific university and course of study.

Language Requirements for University Admission in Netherland

Here are the minimum required scores for common language tests:

Preliminary Admission and University Preparation Course Fees

Enrollment at top universities in Netherlands usually concludes by early May. If you don't yet have the required certificates, preliminary admission is still possible, provided you have an official letter confirming the expected dates of your secondary education completion.

If you don't pass the language tests on your first attempt, don't worry. Many universities offer additional preparation courses. The cost of preparing for university in the Netherlands will depend on various factors like the duration of the course and living conditions.

The University of Amsterdam, in collaboration with the Cambridge Education Group, offers one of the most highly-ranked university preparation courses. This program provides several advantages:

• Option to start classes in either January or September

• Assistance with accommodation selection

• A personal teacher for one-on-one guidance

• Cultural orientation programs

• Access to the full university infrastructure

The tuition fee for these comprehensive programs can vary, making it crucial to research university preparation course fees beforehand.

There are two factors, influencing on the cost of preparation of international students for university in Netherlands – duration of courses and conditions of living:

• For instance, 4-weeks program of the Saxion university will cost on average 2 000 euro (studying + accommodation)
• The tuition fee of semi-annual courses of different universities varies from 3000 to 4500 euro, annual programs – from 6000€ to 9000€ (includes only studying). The cost of accommodation (for example, in Amsterdam) fluctuates from 250€ to 350€ per month.
• For comparison: the cost of annual preparation, including accommodation, will account for  on average 14000€.

Preparation programs can last from 4 weeks to a full academic year, depending on your language proficiency level. For instance, a 4-week summer course at Saxion University of Applied Sciences aims at improving English language skills and costs approximately €2,000, including accommodation. Longer programs can range from €3,000 to €9,000 in tuition fees, with additional costs for accommodation.

1. Orange Tulip Scholarship

This general scholarship program is open to international students aged 18-35 (up to 45 for MBA programs) and covers various fields of study. The scholarship can offset costs like tuition fees, accommodation, visa, and insurance.

2. Holland Scholarship

Offered by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, this scholarship provides a one-time payment of €5,000 upon admission.

Get Started Today

For personalized guidance on preparing for university in the Netherlands, including scholarship opportunities and university preparation courses, feel free to reach out to us for a free consultation!

Learning programs-summary information

Top 21 boarding colleges in England 2024

Top 10 best universities in Netherlands 2024