What makes the Netherlands an ideal study abroad destination? (2024)

New Delhi,UPDATED: Mar 1, 2023 12:19 IST

The Netherlands is a popular study-abroad destination known for its world-renowned universities and vibrant culture. It is a country known for providing high-quality education to international students, with its universities ranking among the top in Europe and globally.

The cities, such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam, offer a unique blend of history, art, and modernity, making it a great place to immerse oneself in the local culture.

With its bike-friendly streets, scenic canals, and strong international community, the Netherlands is an ideal destination for students looking for an enriching study abroad experience.

In recent years, the Netherlands has become a popular destination for Indian students seeking to study overseas.

The country has seen a significant increase in the number of Indian students coming to study in its universities and colleges. Let's take a look at some of the factors.

FACTORS FOR THE NETHERLANDS' POPULARITY AMONG STUDENTS

Several factors have contributed to the increasing popularity of the Netherlands as a study-abroad destination for Indian students.

World-class education: The Netherlands is home to several top-ranked universities and colleges, offering a wide range of high-quality programmes in various fields. Some of the globally top-ranked universities in the country include Leiden University, Erasmus University Rotterdam, University of Amsterdam and Delft University of Technology, among others. Many courses and programmes in these universities are taught in English, making it easier for international students.

Research opportunities: The Netherlands is known for its cutting-edge research and innovation, providing students with numerous possibilities. There are many research universities which offer research-oriented programmes in an academic setting.

Cost-effectiveness: Compared to other popular study-abroad destinations, the cost of living and studying in the Netherlands is relatively low, making it an attractive option for students who are seeking a high-quality education at an affordable cost. Amsterdam and Rotterdam are much cheaper than other popular European cities like London or Paris. Tuition fees in universities in the Netherlands are also comparatively less than in the UK, USA or Canada.

Multicultural environment: The Netherlands is a highly diverse and inclusive country, making it an ideal destination for international students who are seeking a multicultural learning environment.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR INDIAN STUDENTS

Various scholarships are available for Indian students who want to study in the Netherlands. Here are some of the popular ones:

Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS): This scholarship is available for Indian students who have been accepted to study at a Dutch university. The scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a monthly allowance.

Holland Scholarship: This scholarship is available for international students, including Indians, who want to study a full-time bachelor’s or master’s programme at one of the participating Dutch higher education institutions. The scholarship amounts to €5,000.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree Scholarships: This scholarship is available for Indian students who want to study in a joint master's programme offered by a consortium of European universities, including Dutch universities.

A THRIVING ECONOMY, CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The Netherlands is the 17th largest economy in the world in GDP terms. It is a commercial transportation hub with thriving industrial manufacturing, petroleum extraction, and processing sectors.

The country has a highly developed agricultural sector and is the second-largest agricultural exporter in the world. It also has a large financial services industry providing ample employment opportunities to graduates.

While studying in the Netherlands, international students can work up to 16 hours per week throughout the year or full-time in the summer months (June to August).

The Dutch government gives highly educated migrants opportunities to find jobs or set up their businesses in the Netherlands after graduating.

Highly educated individuals can apply for a visa valid for one year. The so-called 'Orientation year' highly educated persons' residence permit allows holders to work in the Netherlands without restrictions. The Netherlands also grants permanent residence permits to those who apply and meet the requirements.

SIGNIFICANT PRESENCE OF INDIAN DIASPORA

The Indian diaspora has been a significant contributor to the increasing number of Indian students in the Netherlands. The country has the second largest population of Indian origin in Europe, next only to the UK.

The strong cultural ties between India and the Netherlands, combined with the thriving Indian community in the country, make it a welcoming and attractive destination for Indian students.

In 2022, the number of Indian students who went to study in the Netherlands was around 1,900, according to data released by the Ministry of External Affairs.

This number is expected to grow in 2023 and beyond as more and more Indian students seek to take advantage of the many opportunities available in the Netherlands.

--Article by Vaibhav Singh, Co-Founder of LeapScholar.