Amsterdam Canal on Herengracht; Photo Copyright Eurogates

Recent information published by the Annual Study in Europe Interest Monitor for 2013 shows that the number of Indian students interested in studying in The Netherlands is increasing. About six percent of the 33.25 million students searching for study programmes in The Netherlands over the past two academic years were from India.

At the moment, there are about 800 students in The Netherlands who have come from India for their higher studies. The Monitor suggests this number is about to grow, as it has steadily for the past 5 years according to another study published by Study in Holland (Nuffic).

Benefits of studying in Holland

There are many benefits to studying in Holland. With 12 universities ranked in the top 200 of both the Times Higher Education ranking and the Academic Ranking of World Universities, The Netherlands has top notch higher education institutions. Many of the programmes in a wide variety of fields are taught in English and there are more than 1,700 such programmes available, which makes this education accessible to students from all over the world.

About 87,000 students in The Netherlands come from other countries to study at higher education institutions. High numbers of students come in from Germany and China, as well as from neighbouring Belgium. This makes the atmosphere at universities across the country very international with many cultures and backgrounds living, studying, and working together. The global exposure that students gain from this environment help them in getting the experience necessary to work in international companies or situations. They are able to make new friends while expanding their network and receiving high quality education that is recognised world-wide.

Another benefit is the type of education offered by Dutch institutions. There are two main types of universities in Holland, research universities and universities of applied sciences. The key difference between the two is that one focuses more on research-based knowledge while the other promotes more practical knowledge, gained by completing internships and learning from actual study cases and projects. While research universities provide a more ‘academic’ career path for students, the universities of applied sciences equip students with the necessary skills to begin their professional careers immediately upon graduating.

The Netherlands also benefits students by providing them with a wide variety of opportunities to gain work experience while they study. With a long history of trade and international relations, many universities offer internships and exchanges to countries from all over the world. Being able to receive an excellent education while also gaining valuable work and life experience makes studying in The Netherlands very appealing.

• a secondary school diploma, or a diploma or equivalent from a higher education institution
• satisfactory IELTS (for a BA degree a score of 6.0 is necessary) or TOEFL (550 score on the paper test) results
• sufficient financial resources for tuition and living expenses for the duration of the programme

In order to make sure a certain diploma is eligible, students must get it evaluated compared with a Dutch diploma at the same level of study. This is generally done by the institution being applied to, in The Netherlands. Nuffic, a Dutch governmental organisation responsible for informing international students about studying in The Netherlands, is an authorised agency which prepares diploma evaluation for students from abroad. Their evaluation of a diploma will be taken into account by the Dutch institution, although the final decision remains up to their discretion.

Scholarships

There are a number of scholarships and grants available to Indian students wishing to study in The Netherlands. These can cover some or all of the tuition fees or expenses at certain institutions. The scholarships and grants are offered by institutions themselves, or by sponsoring Dutch organisations, such as Nuffic. A list of bursaries can be found via the Eurogates' Study Grants in Holland. It is important to also check for scholarships and grants from the home institution and country.

Visa conditions and requirements

Students from India and other parts of South Asia, as non-EU students, will require a residence visa in order to stay in The Netherlands for longer than three months. As of June 1st, 2013, the Dutch government has adopted a new immigration policy called the Modern Migration Policy.
 
The changes brought on by this policy make it easier for students to apply for a residence visa. The institution the student wishes to attend will apply as a sponsor of the student. All that is needed from the student are the documents required for the application. These must be sent to the sponsoring institution in due time and the student can then receive their visa upon entering The Netherlands. Indian students are also required to get a temporary residence permit (MVV), which can be applied for at the nearest Dutch embassy or consulate. This must be done before leaving the home country for The Netherlands.
 
Residence permits will be valid for the duration of a study, for up to five years. The new migration policy will also allow students to change their study without having to reapply for a new visa.
 
Most universities have great international offices available for students coming from abroad. The staff at these offices can help students by answering questions, preparing them with information, and clearing up any confusion.

More information can be found on the Eurogates site:

• Benefits of studying in Holland
• Universities in Holland
• Programmes for international students
• What do you need to study in Holland
• Admistion requirements for Indian students
• A list of bursaries
• Student visa

Eurogates is an educational portal about living and studying in Holland. Eurogates provides information about Dutch universities, available programmes, scholarships, open days, student stories, and other news and hints that can help prospective students from all over the world come to The Netherlands and find their desired degree. More information can be found at www.eurogates.nl.