Disadvantages of studying in the Netherlands

1. When to enroll in Dutch universities

Dutch universities generally start around September each year, and the academic year usually runs from the end of August to mid-June of the next year. Only a few schools offer admission in the spring, and the academic year runs from February to December.

2. Basic conditions for applying to Dutch universities

The first basic condition for Chinese international students to apply for regular full-time higher education institutions in the Netherlands is: a good foundation in English, which is equivalent to TOFEL: 500- 600 points, IELTS: 5.5-7.0 or pass the entrance English test of a Dutch school.

Some schools require students majoring in economics to have a certain foundation in mathematics. To apply for undergraduate courses, you need a high school diploma; to apply for a master's degree, you need to have an undergraduate diploma and a bachelor's degree certificate in the same or related major. Some more professional colleges may impose other conditions and require students to have relevant work experience.

3. Cost issues

Tuition fees and registration fees: There is no unified standard for tuition fees and registration fees in Dutch universities. Within the fee range stipulated by the Dutch Ministry of Education, schools can set fees according to their own circumstances. The Dutch government provides discounts on tuition fees for international students from countries outside the EU. Under this premise, tuition fees for undergraduate students generally range from 3,000 Dutch guilders/year to 8,000 Dutch guilders/year. Tuition fees for all master's degree courses generally range from 10,000 Dutch guilders/year to 50,000 Dutch guilders/year. Due to the extremely wide range of majors offered by master's degree programs and the different academic arrangements, tuition fees vary greatly. The International Relations Office of each school will provide detailed information.

Living expenses: Generally around 13,000 Dutch guilders. This standard is set with reference to the average living standards of European students. Generally, Chinese students will have savings. The monthly living expenses (food, accommodation, transportation, etc.) of Chinese students in the Netherlands are about 1,000 Dutch guilders.

Insurance: The Dutch government stipulates that foreign students must pay insurance premiums while studying in the Netherlands. The most basic insurance premium is about 1,000 Dutch guilders per year.

4. What language should be used when traveling to the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is a multilingual society, and Dutch universities basically use both Dutch and English for teaching. The degree courses that foreign students study in Dutch universities are generally international courses. Dutch universities can provide more than 600 international courses in different majors, and these courses are all taught in English. Dutch is a very useful course to take in your first year at university. To facilitate the life of international students while studying in the Netherlands. In fact, studying in the Netherlands is almost like studying in an English-speaking country, because 95% of Dutch people can communicate in English.

5. Is financial guarantee required?

No, students studying in the Netherlands do not need to provide corresponding financial guarantee documents after receiving the school’s admission notice.

6. Where do international students live?

Generally, they live in student apartments provided by the school. Some schools also help students rent residential buildings near the school. Fees range from 500-1000 Dutch guilders/month.

7. What kind of visa should I hold?

Students studying in the Netherlands hold an MVV visa (short-term residence visa).

After the applicant obtains the admission notice, we can directly apply for a visa in the Netherlands through the school. That is: the applicant provides us with all the required materials, which will be transferred to the Dutch school after approval. The specific procedures will be carried out by the Dutch school in accordance with the regulations of the Immigration Bureau and in accordance with the visa return procedure in the Netherlands.

The visa application takes about two to five weeks. At that time, the visa approval letter will be sent to the embassy in Beijing, Shanghai or Guangdong consulate according to the student’s residence location.

Applicants must go to the corresponding embassy or consulate in person to handle specific visa procedures with the approval letter from the embassy or consulate. Generally, visas can be collected within 48 hours. We will assist students in making various preparations for obtaining visas.

8. What means of transportation are usually used when traveling in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands has a complete public transportation system, and the public transportation network consisting of subways, buses, etc. covers the entire country. .

Bicycles are the most economical and convenient means of transportation in the Netherlands, especially in cities. Most people, regardless of their professional status, have their own bicycle.

9. Cultural life

Dutch universities are distributed all over the country, and the school buildings are also relatively scattered in a city. But every school has various associations that organize students to participate in various learning, sports and recreational activities. These activities are generally organized by the students themselves, and some are international.

10. Can I apply to study abroad in a language school (English) in the Netherlands?

Yes. However, since the language schools (English) in the Netherlands are all international schools, the fees are higher.