Why study in Holland?
Holland, or more formally the Netherlands, is an internationally oriented and innovative country located at a central spot in Europe.
Five reasons to study in Holland:
1. 1,300 study programmes taught in English
2. Excellent education and research
3. International study environment
4. Multicultural society in the heart of Europe
5. Value for money
1,300 programmes in English
Holland was the first non-English-speaking country to offer courses taught in English.
The Dutch higher education institutions together offer about 1,300 international study programmes and courses which are taught entirely in English. This makes Holland the front-runner in continental Europe.
Excellent education and research
Higher education in Holland enjoys a worldwide reputation for its high quality. This is achieved through a national system of regulation and quality assurance. Dutch international scientific research is even placed in the very top ranks. Holland has also received international acclaim for its ground-breaking Problem-Based Learning system, which trains students to analyze and solve practical problems independently through emphasis on self-study and self-discipline.
International study environment
The Dutch education system is interactive and focuses on teamwork, which makes it easy to meet other international students. By studying in Holland you will develop an open mind and increase your international orientation.
Multicultural society in the heart of Europe
Even as far back as the early 17th century, Holland was an advanced country, with much of its wealth coming from international trade. Today, international trade is still the main engine of economic growth.
The Dutch are accustomed to dealing with people from around the world, and above all, to working with them. Groups of people with non-Dutch backgrounds have been living in Holland for decades as a result of historical ties with other parts of the world. Although Dutch is the national language, the majority of the population speaks English and very often another foreign language, such as German or French.
Value for money
Education in Holland is not free, but tuition fees are reasonable. The latest Worldwide Cost of Living Survey shows that the cost of living in Amsterdam is modest compared with cities like New York, London, Paris and Beijing.
The education system
Holland has two main types of regular higher education: university education and higher professional education. The universities focus on the independent practice of research-oriented work in an academic or professional setting. The universities of professional education are more practically oriented, preparing students directly for specific careers. A smaller branch of education is provided by International Education institutes, which offer programmes designed especially for foreign students.
Visa Procedure
To enter the Netherlands for study purposes, nationals from most countries need a visa. Once in the Netherlands, a residence permit or a work permit is often required. Here you can find out which requirements apply to you and how you go about arranging things.
CATEGORIES OF STUDENT VISA
* Short-stay visa (VKV): This visa is appropriate for a short stay of up to three months
* Temporary stay visa (MVV): If you wish to stay in the Netherlands for more than three months you need an authorization for temporary stay (MVV). It is extremely important to have this visa before coming to the Netherlands. An MVV is a sticker placed in your passport
* Residence permit: In order to extend your stay beyond three months, you need to apply for a residence permit. To do this, you are required to report to the local immigration authorities (Aliens Police) within three days of your arrival. There you will have to present a number of documents and pay a fee.
PROCESSING OF VISA APPLICATION
Procedure: The procedure involves completing an application form and presenting all relevant documents. It will take about three to six months (and is some cases even longer) to process your application. Be sure to apply for your MVV as early as possible. When you apply for an MVV, the diplomatic representative submits a formal request to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands for authorization to issue the MVV to you. In some cases the local office of the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization department is consulted, and on the basis of the collected information a decision is taken. The embassy informs you of the decision.
Fee: When you apply for an authorization for temporary stay, you have to pay a handling fee (administration fee) of € 50.
MANDATORY DOCUMENTS
1. A valid passport
2. A letter or other document from the Dutch host institution stating that you are registered as a student, that you are going to do an internship, that you will be a guest lecturer, or that you are going to do research
3. Proof that you are adequately covered by health insurance
4. Proof that you can support yourself financially
5. A copy of the application for a work permit, if applicable
6. Documents such as a legalized birth certificate or a certificate of marriage