The Netherlands, a country in northwestern Europe, is known for its flat landscape, canals, tulip fields, windmills and cycling routes. Besides these, approximately 97% of Dutch population speaks in English as a second language. Almost all the universities use English as their main language to teach undergraduate and graduate levels. Thus, the country has become quite popular destination for international students.
Requirements to apply for Bachelors:
Language requirements: It is essential that you speak, read and write English. You must have passed an English language test like IELTS and TOEFL are commonly accepted, but institutions may accept other tests as well, like Cambridge English. The required scores are at least 550 (paper based) or 213 (computer based) for TOEFL. For IELTS a score of at least 6 is required for direct bachelor program for applied sciences universities and IELTS 6.5/7 for research universities. All academic certificate and mark sheet, IELTS certificate required as a paper.
Preparatory year: Sometimes you are not yet eligible to the program of your choice, but with a little extra preparation you could succeed next year! The Dutch higher education institution of your choice can provide you with a conditional letter of acceptance. Dutch immigration law then allows you to come to the Netherlands for a maximum of one year prior to your studies to follow preparatory courses and pass the examinations set by the institution. After you have passed the examinations, the conditional letter of acceptance will be turn into a definite letter of acceptance. The fact-sheet 'A preparatory year before admission to a Dutch university' gives you all the information on this topic. However, some of university allows IELTS 5.0 for one year English Language Program and IELTS 5.5 for six months. Tuition Fees: For bachelor studies range from 6000 to 10000 Euros a year for applied sciences universities and for research universities 8000 to 12000 euro. Better come with a scholarship or just come for masters because it will be very hard to fund your own study for four years bachelor program.
Is there any scholarship so far?
:- There are only few scholarship opportunities for Bachelor’s study. There are two types of scholarship for bachelor.
1. University Excellence Scholarship. 2. Holland Scholarship.
These are for once only and you have to apply for September session. In February session there are no opportunities for scholarship. Go to this link to find a required bachelor scholarship for your interested area: https://www.studyinholland.nl/scholarships/find-a-scholarship
Masters or Pre-Masters:
Most universities follow online application system. The most important documents that a student needs to submit are undergraduate and graduate results, resume, IELTs score minimum 6.5 for direct masters and for pre-masters IELTS 6 required. GMAT score (depends on subject if necessary or not), Motivation letter, recommendation letter, bachelor thesis or internship report, CV, job experience or volunteering experience paper and so on. After reviewing these documents if the university feels like you have all the necessary qualifications to study in the Masters program then you will be directly admitted to the program. However, if you do not meet the admission requirements for a master program, you could be considered following a pre-master, which usually takes a year or six months. After completing a pre-master program successfully, you have direct access to the desired master program. Tuition Fees and Scholarship: For Masters program tuition fee ranges from €9,000- €18,000 per year.
Research Masters: The same application package can also be followed to apply in a research master’s program. The Master of Research degree is an advanced postgraduate research degree in a specific academic discipline. The benefit of studying this program is that you have higher chance to get accepted as a PHD candidate. The program is extensively scientific research oriented. It usually takes two years to finish the program, however, after finishing research masters it only takes three years to complete the PHD.
Is there there any scholarship for Masters?
:- Yes. You can read this documents: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AbroadInquiry/permalink/1359709577569820/
PHD Programs: Getting accepted in this program is very competitive. A candidate has to have basic knowledge about scientific research or at least have written few articles following scientific research method. Most Universities in Holland gives full scholarship if accepted in research masters and also research assistance ship. Post Doctorate: Being a doctorate candidate in Holland has lots of benefits. A PHD candidate gets a work permit as they are treated as paid employees. The salary ranges from €2300- €3500 per month. As the student does not have to pay any tuition fees it becomes easy to bear all living expenses by themselves. In addition to that, PHD scholar considered as full time worker. Interestingly, university will sponsor for their spouse and kids in order to come in the Netherlands. In Holland, PHD candidate also have to work as a teacher in the university which means there is a higher chance to get permanent work permit as a lecturer after completion of PHD degree. However, you need to be highly talented and have written and published few research articles to get direct admission in PHD from Bangladesh.
Studying and Working: As a student you will have permission to work 16 hours per week. It is very hard to find a suitable job as an international student. Most jobs are odd and in restaurants. Language barrier is a problem in small cities like Groningen. Best advice is to be prepared for anything. It is not possible to cover tuition or living cost by working part-time. Besides if you can’t manage and fail in your studies then there is a big chance that you will lose your residence permit.
Working after Studying: Holland gives you 1 year after studying to look for a job. If you studied something related to IT, engineering and technical then you don’t need to know the Dutch language and there is a huge demand for IT people in Holland. For people who are studying other subjects it might be hard to find job without knowing the language. In that case, the best way to prepare yourself is by doing a lot of networking while you are studying, doing extracurricular activities, knowing about the culture and people.
When to Apply:
There are two session available in the Netherlands. 1. 1st May. 2. 1st November.
For fees paying students either bachelor or Masters you have to apply before 1st of May, November. If you would like to apply for scholarship then before 15th of February you have to get the unconditional offer letter. On the other hand, for PHD candidates there have always room for them.
How to Apply (For Bachelor or Masters): The first way I would like to recommend you to see the selected university website. 1. Open an account in Studielink. https://student.sl-cloud.nl/ 2. Apply through Studielink. 3. Upload your all necessary paper through university OSIRIES website. 4. After 2 to 3 weeks they may ask for interview then they will give you offer letter within one week. 5. Transfer your money according to invoice through bank student account. 6. Wait 20 to 30 working days for IND approval. 7. While you get your IND approval you will have to face embassy viva in Dhaka Dutch Embassy. 8. Then embassy will decide you will get the visa or not within 14 days.
For PHD candidates they must have to manage their professor via universities website. Then professor will arrange your fund and apply for the rest. Literally candidates just have to mange the professor then rest will be......
Finally, we are waiting to welcome you. If you get any fund then please don’t forget to bring some gifts for your professor.
Applying for Residence Permit and Living Cost: The good news is after being accepted in a program the university will apply for your residence permit. All you have to do is follow the instructions given by the university after coming in the Netherlands. As living cost you have to show or transfer €10,500 in university bank account along with tuition fess. For scholars they have to pay literally nothing. However, it does not cost that much to live in Holland for a year. A student shared flat can be rented from €350- €550 per month. If you can cook at home your grocery expenses will not be higher than €200 a month. A health insurance need to be taken which will cost around €500 a year.
My request to everyone: Firstly, do not go to any agency for your application and process. We 🇧🇩Bangladeshi Students Association in The Netherlands🇳🇱 are here to help you. Simply post your questions on this group, if you have any questions so far. Secondly, if you come to the Netherlands then help others as much as possible. As we experienced can help the most to the new comers. Please, do not be selfish like other.
Join our official group here: Abroad Inquiry. Best of luck for your higher study in Netherlands. Thank you.
Abu Musa
Founder at Abroad Inquiry
Student Ambassador at Study in Holland