Education in the Netherlands in English. Universities of the Netherlands. Work while studying

Education in the Netherlands attracts students from all over the world with a wide range of English-language programs, cutting-edge interdisciplinary areas and rich traditions. The education system in the Netherlands is built on the Anglo-Saxon model, so studying in Dutch universities is often like studying in British and American institutions. The structure of educational institutions in the Netherlands is very multifaceted: here you can find both old medieval universities and ultra-modern research centers. Finally, studying in the Netherlands is comfortable and interesting, as it is a country with a unique atmosphere of free-thinking, innovation and creativity.

Tuition fees and structure of education in the Netherlands

Type of training	Age	Duration	Min. price	Avg. price	Language Proficiency	Exams
Summer camp	5+	1–10 weeks	€400/week	€650/week	Elementary (A1)	–
Language schools	5+	1–12 weeks	€200/week	€500/week	Elementary (A1)	–
Secondary education	4-5+	11-12 years old	€0	€18,000	Intermediate (B1)	NT2, NLQF level 1
Undergraduate	16+	3-4 years	€1,200/year	€8,500/year	Upper-Intermediate (B2)	NT2, NLQF level 6, IELTS 6.0
Master's degree	20+	1-2 years	€1,800/year	€10,000/year	Upper-Intermediate (B2)	NT2, NLQF level 7, IELTS 6.0
MBA	20+	1-2 years	€25,000/year	€35,000/year	Advanced (C1)	NT2, NLQF level 7, IELTS 6.0
Doctorate	21+	4 years	€1,800/year	€12,000/year	Advanced (C1)	NT2, NLQF level 8, IELTS 7.0

Benefits of studying in the Netherlands

• Opportunity to study in English. The Netherlands became one of the first countries on the territory of continental Europe, where university programs were launched entirely on English language. Today there are more than 2,000 programs in the country in a variety of areas - from bioengineering to comparative literature. Therefore, to get an education, you do not have to learn the local language, as in other European countries - school knowledge of English and several months in a language school are quite enough. The prevalence of English-language programs has also had a positive effect on the teaching staff - almost 40% of teachers in Dutch universities are foreigners, which contributes to cross-cultural dialogue and makes it possible to meet the best professionals in their field.
• Creativity and innovation. As one of the most developed and progressive countries, the Netherlands is strongly associated with innovation and creativity in science and education. Strong university programs in urban planning, architecture, engineering, design and sustainable development, as well as world-famous art schools, have been attracting progressive youth from all over the world for several years.
• Scientific career prospects. Public research universities offer young researchers ample opportunities for scientific careers. Developed material and technical base of universities, great emphasis on practical use research results and an active scientific community make PhD programs in applied sciences among the best in Europe.
• "Happy Learning", - as the Dutch themselves call it. The education system in the Netherlands is completely student-centered: from kindergarten to university, educational institutions create the maximum conditions for stress-free learning. In universities, it is not customary to stir up competition or divide the group into “achievers” and the rest, and average results are considered the norm. The grading system itself is designed in such a way that the highest and lowest scores are given only in 0.01% of cases. This allows students not to lose confidence in their abilities and motivates them to further work.
• "Free Morals". The Netherlands, and especially the capital of the country, Amsterdam, are known to many for their tolerance and free-thinking of their inhabitants. Ever since the Renaissance, a free spirit of liberalism and freedom has taken root here, which attracts thousands of creative people from all over the world. The Netherlands is perfect for those students who want to make a lot of new acquaintances with interesting people and plunge headlong into the fun life of a European student.

What is worth knowing about education in the Netherlands?

For students who are not citizens of EU member states, studying in the Netherlands will be very expensive. Bachelor's programs will have to spend at least €8,000 per year of study, master's programs - over €10,000. In addition, the Netherlands has one of the highest price levels in Europe: accommodation costs at least €9,000–€11,000 per year. The average check in a student cafe in the capital is about €20. You will also have to pay for housing at best €400 per month, and in the capital, rental prices can even bite (about €700 per month). Therefore, a prospective student of Dutch universities should carefully plan their budget and, if necessary, try to compensate for the costs through scholarship programs or part-time work.

For many applicants from abroad, the requirements for a high school diploma can seem rather confusing. The fact is that in the Netherlands, school graduates can receive one of two types of certificate: either HAVO (general education) or VWO (pre-university education with specialization). For admission to public research universities, you need to have the equivalent of a Dutch VWO. A foreign applicant must present the results of the final exams in specific subjects (similar to the Russian USE). Due to academic differences in admission, it may be necessary to take additional tests at the university or even take an additional year of study. Such difficulties are not a distinctive feature of the Dutch system, but make many applicants change their decision to study abroad in favor of countries where they can go right after school: for example, Norway or France.

Most prestigious universities in the Netherlands, including 14 public research universities, have campuses that do not accommodate even 20% of students, while many universities have completely abandoned the use of hostels. Thus, many students have to fully equip their living and living conditions on their own, since the university administration can only help with good advice. Therefore, you need to remember, when going to study in the Netherlands, that in addition to moving, you will need to deal with the issue of finding housing, which can take more than one month.

The Netherlands is located on the very coast of the North Sea, known for its ability to catch up with nearby countries overcast weather, chilly wind and cold damp air. All this fully describes the usual weather in the northern cities of the country (Amsterdam, The Hague, Groningen) for most of the year. Of course, you can often see sunny days, but their number is very confusing compared to the rest of Europe. The Netherlands is clearly not the place to go for those who are prone to get sick often or love warmth and dryness: such applicants should consider Malta, where higher education is also conducted entirely in English. For the rest, it is better to prepare for climatic features and buy a good raincoat - you cannot do without it in the Netherlands.

The higher education system in the Netherlands

Binary system: research and applied direction

The system of higher education in the Netherlands is called "binary". This is due to the deep division of the entire education system into specialized and research areas. Research universities are classical universities where priority is given to scientific research and innovative developments. Specialized universities offer high-quality education in technical and creative professions without a scientific bias and are aimed at preparing for professional activities.
Both options are available to foreign students. Research education is provided at 14 public universities, as well as some private research universities. This type Universities require deep theoretical and methodological training, but still, most of the curricula are aimed at practical application, and the curriculum is built in a very pragmatic way.
The main disciplines in which research universities specialize are economics, law, medicine, cultural studies, linguistics, natural sciences, and public administration.
Higher specialized schools offer education with a strong focus on practice. The most demanded sectors of education are economics, healthcare, agronomy, engineering, and pedagogy.
Since higher education in the Netherlands was accepted into the Bologna process, education takes place within three classical levels: bachelor's, master's and doctoral studies.
Bachelor's programs in the Netherlands provide a sufficient basis for professional activity, therefore, up to 60% of students stop at this stage, immediately after graduation they go to the labor market. The standard duration of study at research universities is 3 years, including preparatory (1 year) and main stages (2 years). In higher schools, the bachelor's degree lasts 4 years, since 2 years of the preparatory stage are expected. The bachelor's program gives the student 180 ECTS points, which is enough for international recognition of the diploma in accordance with the Bologna system.
Master's programs in the universities of the Netherlands are distinguished by a narrow specialization in specific disciplines and applied subjects. The period of study is from 1 to 3 years, which in total allows the student to accumulate from 60 to 180 ECTS points. For most research university programs, the training lasts 1 year, specialties at technical universities will require 2 years. The longest three-year programs are offered in the fields of medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy and dentistry.

Doctorate

Having a master's degree, a student can continue his studies on a doctoral program. Doctoral studies involve a fairly long period of preparation - up to 4 years. The learning process includes lectures, research and dissertation writing. Unlike academic traditions in the CIS, a thesis in the Netherlands is a small but rich in scientific novelty work of 150 pages or more. After a public defense, the student is awarded a doctorate degree. This means that the prefix “Dr.” appears before his name, which immediately indicates the highest degree of qualification.

Education in the Netherlands in English

Higher education institutions in the Netherlands offer over 2,000 programs in English. Almost all courses available at research universities and public high schools are available in English. For admission to English-language courses, most universities require an international certificate confirming knowledge of the English language. As a rule, IELTS 6.0–7.0 is sufficient for admission, depending on the chosen program.

Grading system and progress control

Student performance at Dutch universities is assessed on a scale of 0 to 10, with the highest score being “outstanding”. According to statistics, about 40% of students get a grade of "6", 34% of a grade of "7", and only 0.1% of students are awarded a grade of "10". This means that the Russian "excellent" corresponds to 7.5-8 points in the Netherlands. The equivalent of "good" is 6.5–7, and "satisfactory" corresponds to 6 points. In most universities in the Netherlands, exactly 6 points are a passing result, while an average score above 8.0 is already a reason to apply for a scholarship or grant from the university.
Higher education in the Netherlands takes a rather delicate approach to the regulation of learning cycles. Each university and each faculty is free to appoint academic periods and terms of examinations independently. Traditionally, the academic year is divided into quarters, while exams are not held en masse (analogous to the Russian "session"), but as students complete individual courses.
Starting from undergraduate studies, students write small graduation papers. The final work should be no more than 30 pages, the topic of the work is assigned individually to each student. For students of research universities, written work evaluates not only the correctness of the facts, but also creativity and scientific novelty. For students of higher specialized schools, it is sufficient to reveal a given topic well; elements of scientific novelty are not required.

Academic career and teaching staff

In order to become a teacher at one of the universities in the Netherlands, you must have a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. Without a scientific degree, you can only count on assistant positions with a minimum salary. In addition to a scientific degree in a relevant field, the applicant must have a BKO (Basic Teaching Qualification) certificate, which can only be obtained through a special examination.
At research universities, the selection of applicants for positions is especially strict, since here a successful candidate becomes both a teacher and a researcher. Approximately 40% of working time is devoted to teaching, and 60% to research work, so the educational process does not lag behind scientific progress. Candidates for a teaching position at a Dutch university must have cited publications in scientific journals and experience in scientific projects.
Since the Netherlands places a special emphasis on the internationality of the educational system, teachers must be fluent in English. Preference is given to candidates who already have experience in international teams. Thus, almost half of the teaching staff of Dutch universities are foreign teachers.
A teaching post is considered one of the most prestigious positions in the Netherlands, and teachers' salaries in the Netherlands are accordingly decent: from €3,000 to €6,000 per month, which is 50% higher than the average salary in the country.

Opportunity to work while studying

For foreign students who are not EU citizens, special permission from the immigration service is required to work during their studies. Foreigners can find either seasonal work (from June to August, full time) or a part-time position (no more than 10 working hours per week). You also need insurance and, in some cases, a certificate from the medical board.
The main trouble is that all the formalities for hiring a foreign student fall on the shoulders of the employer. The student himself cannot issue a work permit, as it must be requested by the employer. For this reason, many employers simply do not want to hire foreigners. Moreover, most jobs require fluency in Dutch, which also does not favor those who come to the Netherlands to study in English.
In this regard, the practice of “dirty work” is widespread in the country, when students get jobs without official registration. This way you can compensate for a significant part of the cost of education, but the state does not guarantee the protection of the rights of "illegal immigrants". So, an employer who has not paid a salary will remain absolutely unpunished. However, in most cases, such incidents can be avoided by getting a job on the feedback of other students.

Prospects and employment opportunities

• In the Netherlands: successful graduates have every chance of finding a job while still studying: for this, you need to contact the university's career center, where the student will be given recommendations for further employment. The most successful graduates can be directly invited by companies with which the university has an agreement. Thus, immediately after graduation, the graduate has the opportunity to obtain a residence permit and a work permit.
• In Europe: Graduates of Dutch universities are highly valued due to the stable system of higher education in the country. Diplomas of international standard, issued in the Netherlands in accordance with the requirements of the Bologna process, have the same validity in any EU country. As strengths education in the Netherlands is high technology, urbanism and design, the chances of finding a job in these areas in Europe are quite high.
• In Russia and CIS countries: having a diploma from a prestigious Dutch university immediately allows you to apply for the best employment options in Russia and the CIS countries. Large Russian companies, as well as international corporations with representative offices in Russia, are more willing to hire candidates with European diplomas than Russian specialists.
• Academic career. A master's degree provides grounds for admission to doctoral programs in the relevant specialty. An academic career may seem longer than in commercial structures, but if you succeed in this area, you can count on high pay and income stability. It is the academic career that gives the maximum chance to stay in the Netherlands and within the EU to a foreign student.
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Primary and secondary education in the Netherlands is based on the belief in the need for free education. This means that most forms of education are funded by the state, and various pedagogical directions are encouraged.

The education system in this country is also focused on the needs of the student, whether it is junior or high school. This approach to teaching children requires a more detailed consideration of the Dutch educational system.

How is the system of secondary education in the Netherlands

It is compulsory for children aged 5 to 16. However, most children start school at the age of four.

The Dutch Primary School has eight grades. The structure may seem confusing due to the different systems of formation of primary school classes and final classes in high school. But this system has worked very well.

Secondary schools are divided into three types: the first for preparing students for vocational studies (VMBO), the second for preparing children for the university (VWO) and the third for preparing students for future studies in universities of applied sciences (HAVO).

All schools in the Netherlands are divided into two categories:

• Public schools (Openbaar). Public or regular schools have no religious or philosophical affiliation and are run by the government.
• Special schools (Bijzondere). Special schools operate independently and are based on a particular religion or educational philosophy. The most common types of such schools include religious, Montessori, Steiner (Vrieh's school), Dalton, Genaplan and international schools.

According to modern education doctrine, the school system in the Netherlands is as follows:

Nursery, kindergarten, playgroup (kinderopvang, kinderdagverblijf, peuterspeelzaal).

Up to the age of five, young children in the Netherlands can attend a variety of non-compulsory educational childcare programs such as nursery, kindergarten or childcare. Parents or relatives can also look after them.

Students then attend elementary school for eight years until they are 12, where they acquire basic skills such as reading, writing and arithmetic. They also begin to learn English.

High school in the Netherlands (voortgezet onderwijs). When children begin secondary school at the age of 12, they enter one of three different streams of their secondary education. Different streams represent different educational paths depending on the academic level and interests of the students:

1. VMBO is a four-year vocational course focused on practical knowledge that leads to vocational training (MBO). It has two skill levels and students complete their studies at the age of 16.
2. HAVO— (senior general secondary education). HAVO is a five-year intermediate course that prepares students for higher professional education at universities of applied sciences (hogescholen), where they can earn a Bachelor of Applied Science (HBO) degree. Students complete HAVO at around 17 years of age.
3. VWO is a six-year academic stream with an emphasis on theoretical knowledge that prepares students for a bachelor's degree (WO) at a research university. Students study VWO in schools and grammar schools and graduate at around 18 years of age.

How long is the academic year

Minimum number of lessons required by law: 1040 hours per year for the first four years. AT last years VMBO, HAVO and VWO the student must receive at least 1000 hours of instruction. This applies to every year of vocational education. In the final examination year, the number of hours of study is reduced to 700. Most school hours start at 08:30 from Monday to Friday.

Please note that school attendance is compulsory for children aged 5 to 16. If a child is frequently absent from school, the school will notify the municipality. Parents are responsible for enforcing the rules of compulsory education, and if parents knowingly allow their children to miss school, they may be held liable.

Parents and young people over the age of 12 can be fined and subject to other penalties. If a child has a reason for being absent, parents must notify the school.

Attendance is controlled by a special school officer (leerplichtambtenaren). These officials keep strict control over pupils' attendance at their school and make regular reports.

The duration of school holidays in the Netherlands varies from county to county. The Netherlands is divided into three holiday regions, with holiday dates staggered to avoid the holiday rush. Some vacation periods are mandatory and set by the government, while others are more flexible and schools can set their own dates.

Diploma

Acquisition of the required knowledge in compulsory subjects is tested in a performance test at the end of primary education, as well as in nationwide external examinations at the end of secondary education.

If the child has reached the age of 16 and has not received a diploma, he must prepare for a qualification (kwalificatieplicht). This means that he must remain at the school until his 18th birthday or graduation.

How to study in schools for Russians and foreigners

If you are moving to Holland from abroad and looking for schools, be aware that in bilingual primary and secondary schools children still speak Dutch about 50% of the day. Also, final exams at the end high school are held in Dutch.

A very young child who does not yet speak Dutch is likely to adapt very quickly and master the local language. But for older children who don't speak Dutch, this may not be the best option.

Some bilingual schools offer special programs for non-Dutch-speaking children. English is also available in some parts of the country.

How to get your child into a local school

In order for your child to be accepted to a Dutch school, you must select a suitable educational institution, as well as provide its administration with a certificate from the previous school, with grades in all subjects. Prior to enrollment, the child will be interviewed to ascertain their skills and knowledge.

Also, to enroll in the school, you must fill out a form on its website. To do this, you will need to enter the BSN number (burgerservicenummer), which the incoming child receives when registering at the place of residence in this country.

Tuition fees

For most foreigners, the question of price is the main one. In this regard, Holland is one of the most hospitable countries for studying in Europe.

• an international school with universal education will cost from 20,000 euros per year;
• domestic school 4000 - 15000 euros per year;
• boarding school - 30,000 euros per year;
• the pension will ask for about 45,000 euros per year.

It is also possible for students to live in host families, in the homes of friends of their parents or with close relatives. Then the cost of living will be lower and the biggest burden on the family budget will be eliminated.

Other features of secondary education

Schools in the Netherlands give very little homework. Research has shown that play and exercise are vital for children's growth and school performance. Dutch schoolchildren under the age of 10 receive very little, if any, homework, which gives them time for daily exercise.

Education in the Netherlands is quite affordable. It is free for primary and secondary schools. Parents only have to pay for annual tuition after their child turns 16, and low-income families can apply for subsidies and loans.

Education in the Netherlands involves learning a second language. Some schools in the Netherlands teach English as early as the first grade. All Dutch students learn English, but some schools require students to learn an additional language. There are even bilingual schools for every level of education, where some classes are taught in English and others in Dutch.

The school day in elementary school is usually held from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. on weekdays, but students go home for lunch instead of eating in the school cafeteria. On Wednesdays, schools release students around noon.

Visa policy

It comes out pretty easy. Almost all schoolchildren are given it quickly and free of charge. The Netherlands, like many EU countries, is interested in an influx of young and smart people. After all, the most gifted and persistent of them can stay here to live and work, promoting science or creating profitable business becoming an engineer, artist or a talented teacher.

When brought up in modern Dutch values ​​and traditions, the origin of the child will not matter.

Results

All secondary schools in Holland are a happy place for education for immigrants from the CIS. The child will get to know the world, learn foreign languages, meet new friends, which in the future can develop into reliable business contacts, make good friends in different countries of the world.

With a Dutch certificate, the knowledge of a graduate will not be in doubt throughout the EU, and any university will immediately accept his documents, knowing full well about the high quality of teaching in this state and the peculiarities of its education system.

Education in the Netherlands is characterized by democracy and innovation. Any group of people, regardless of religious or ideological affiliation, can apply for the establishment of an educational institution and count on state funding. Only a third of all educational institutions in Holland are state-owned.

Preschool education

There is no unified system of pre-school education in Holland. This is due to the fact that children go to school quite early, starting at the age of four. Up to this age, parents can bring their children to care centers or private kindergartens. Care centers, where, starting from 3 months, they organize children's leisure, can be an alternative to after-school groups for schoolchildren. In such establishments there is no hot food, but snacks with fruits and sandwiches are organized.

Secondary education in Holland

Studying in the Netherlands differs not only in the education system, but also in the amount of useful knowledge gained. Therefore, modern applicants are drawn there so much.
All children between the ages of 5 and 18 are required to attend school for secondary education. In elementary school, the first two grades are more like kindergarten than school. Only from the third grade do children begin to comprehend the basics of writing, reading, counting, and natural history. Homework starts only in 6th grade. For emigrants from the CIS, such a burden may seem frivolous, but you should not take it so lightly. Primary education in the Netherlands is, first of all, the development of communication skills and teamwork in children, knowledge of the world around through the game and interesting experiments. It is at this age that teachers determine children's abilities, based on which the child will choose a further educational profile.


At the end elementary school each child takes two tests: a test for the level of knowledge of the school curriculum and an IQ test. The results of these tests determine which level of education a student is recommended to choose. There are three options for secondary education in the Netherlands:

• VMBO is a 4-year course comparable to a vocational education. Students receive basic school education plus specialized knowledge and skills, sometimes it is supported by a theoretical base, which gives the right to transfer to another level of secondary education /
• The HAVO level implies a school education that prepares the student for a higher profile education comparable to an institute. The training lasts 5 years.
• The most prestigious and difficult level of secondary education in the Netherlands is VWO. After graduating from this stage of secondary school, students can enter higher educational institutions in the Netherlands. At this stage of secondary education, children learn Latin, French, English, German and Greek, and mathematics, computer science, economics, and chemistry are also included in the curriculum. The VWO secondary education stage lasts 6 years and can be compared to upper secondary education.

Russian schools in Holland

In many cities in the Netherlands there are Russian schools that provide training on weekends. Children can study in them from 3 to 18 years old, the list of subjects is selected individually depending on age and level of language proficiency. Education in such schools is primarily aimed at preserving the Russian language and culture.

Summer educational camps in the Netherlands

In the summer, children in Holland attend summer camps, which are scientific, cognitive, educational, creative. Most often, such camps are outreach, but they are also daytime, when children spend the night at home and take food with them. English language camps are very popular, where children learn the language in a relaxed atmosphere, combining entertainment and learning.

Higher education in the Netherlands

Higher education in the Netherlands is considered one of the most prestigious and progressive in Europe. In addition, most universities here provide undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs in English, which attracts students from Europe and the CIS countries to the Netherlands. Dutch-style diplomas are recognized all over the world and will be a great start for a career in an international company. Higher education in the field of computer technology, engineering disciplines and business management is considered especially progressive and strong.
Universities in Holland are divided into three types:
- research universities, where the learning process is focused on scientific work, which is based on theoretical and practical research;
- universities of applied sciences, which at the very beginning involve the choice of a profession and a specific training program;
-universities of international education, which are designed for teaching foreign students.
The cost of higher education in the Netherlands is low, especially when compared to other European universities. For students from the European Union, the Dutch government provides scholarships for education and almost completely compensates for the cost of education. For other students, the cost of undergraduate education will be from 5.8 thousand euros per year.
The convenient location of the Netherlands allows students to actively travel, get acquainted with European culture and combine education with comprehensive development.

Postgraduate education in the Netherlands

A wide range of post-graduate programs makes Holland interesting for professionals who want to improve their professional qualifications or get a Ph.D. The list of postgraduate education includes intensive courses with a certificate, programs for bachelors, masters, as well as scientific programs with subsequent writing of papers and obtaining a degree.

Free education in Holland

The possibility of free higher education is available to talented students who have shown high results in the study of science or art. Many research and universities provide grants to students from abroad, which partially or fully cover the costs. Pay attention to the European Commission's Erasmus Mundus program, which is aimed at international student exchange between universities around the world. To receive an educational grant to study in the Netherlands, you need a certificate of education, a resume describing your professional experience and skills, a photocopy of your passport, letters of recommendation and your letter of motivation.

Holland is one of the most popular non-English-speaking countries in Europe among foreign students, offering higher education in English. There are a number of reasons for the popularity of studying in Holland, including the impeccable reputation of Dutch education, the high quality and flexibility of university programs, the relatively low cost of studying and living in the country, excellent employment opportunities, and an international environment that enriches the student's personal experience. In addition, Holland has a very favorable geographical position - it is easy to get to any Western European country from it.

The educational system of Holland has ancient traditions: already in the 5th century, schooling was conducted on the territory of the modern Netherlands, and by the 18th century. The country had one of the highest literacy rates in Europe.

The history of higher education in Holland began at the end of the 16th century with the opening of the first Leiden University in the country. A little more than half a century later, other well-known universities in the country began to work in the cities of Utrecht, Groningen (University of Groningen), as well as the University of Amsterdam. These universities are still the largest and most successful in the country today, and the Dutch higher education is one of the strongest in Europe.

The quality of the infrastructure and educational resources of Dutch universities is evidenced by consistently high places in the rankings of universities in the world. Depending on the type of university and program you choose, studying in the Netherlands provides you with deep knowledge in basic science at research universities or professional knowledge at universities of applied sciences, as well as skills and work experience that provide a quick career start.

Education in Holland for foreigners

Education abroad in Holland, in English is in demand among foreign students. In this relatively small country, there are more than 60 universities in which students from all over the world study: almost.

There are still relatively few Russian students in Holland, about 800 people, but their number is growing - largely due to the excellent quality of Dutch higher education, the low cost of studying in Holland compared to English-speaking countries, and attractive career prospects. A graduate of a Dutch university can find a job in the Netherlands after graduation, and then get a Dutch residence permit.

The most common languages ​​for studying in Holland are Dutch, English and German. The largest number of programs at universities in the Netherlands are, of course, taught in Dutch. Despite the fact that studying in this language will cost students quite inexpensively, not everyone is ready to learn it - especially at a level sufficient for obtaining a university education.

A significant number of programs in German at universities in the Netherlands is due to the fact that this country is very popular with German students - not least because of its geographical proximity. Well, teaching in English, the language of international communication, was declared by the government of the Netherlands one of the priorities for the development of higher education in the Netherlands.

Education in Holland in English

English is very widely spoken in the Netherlands and is well known by the majority of the population. It is not surprising that universities in this country also offer a significant number of undergraduate and graduate programs in English. The strongest areas of vocational training in the Netherlands are traditionally considered: design and all creative professions, engineering and technical specialties, transport and logistics, agriculture and horticulture, and a number of others. Read more about this in the material on job prospects in the Netherlands.

The higher education system in the Netherlands

The most important features of the higher education system in the Netherlands are an international educational environment, a problem-oriented approach to learning, which implies a high student activity in the process of obtaining knowledge: a joint search for solutions to problems in a group, where the teacher only directs the discussion, but does not give ready-made recipes, public speaking and presentation of ideas, the ability to formulate and reasonably defend one's point of view.

It is not surprising that with such an ultra-modern approach and the availability of the best educational resources, the quality of programs and, in general, education in Holland in English is consistently high - it is ensured by a multi-stage accreditation and control system developed by the state specifically to attract foreign students.

The main feature of the education system of the Netherlands is the division of higher educational institutions into scientific and professional - research universities and universities of applied sciences (polytechnic institutes).

Stages and degrees of higher education in the Netherlands

Higher education in the Netherlands is divided into scientific and professional. Students receive scientific education at universities that conduct fundamental research and occupy high places in the world rankings of the best universities. Professional higher education can be obtained at universities of applied sciences - otherwise they are called polytechnic institutes. In both cases, higher education in the Netherlands includes three levels of education:

• bachelor's degree - 3 years of study at research universities, BA, BS degrees or 4 years at universities of applied sciences, professional degrees BEng, BArch and similar;
• magistracy - 1 year at research universities, MRes degree or 2 years at universities of applied sciences, MA, MS degrees;
• postgraduate (doctoral studies) - 4 years only at research universities; degrees - PhD, DPhill, DSc.

Employment, work, internships in Holland for university students and graduates

In Holland, specialists with higher education, knowledge of foreign languages ​​and international experience are highly valued. Despite the fact that the stages of employment are approximately similar in all countries, the Netherlands has developed its own business culture and business ethics, which you need to learn in order to get your dream job in Holland.

Among the mandatory requirements for applicants and the selection criteria that Dutch employers apply include brevity and clarity in the formulation of career goals and reasons why the candidate considers the job suitable, openness, proactivity - Dutch companies welcome enterprising applicants who actively monitor their employment process, call in order to find out the points of interest to them, they ask clarifying questions both during the interview and before it.

Graduates of the Dutch universities of applied sciences are guaranteed to have work experience - they get it during a mandatory internship during their studies. For an employer, such an internship often becomes a stage in the search and selection of suitable candidates - accordingly, the student's chances of getting a permanent job after an internship are very high.

Studying in Holland - reviews and personal experience of students

Of course, student life in the Netherlands is not only visiting classes and libraries, but also gaining professional experience during an internship, a semester of study abroad, which provides an amazing international experience, as well as sports, travel, participation in hundreds of themed events, student clubs and organizations . According to many students, studying in Holland has become a bright personal experience for them, and Dutch education is an important step in their career. Look