Study in the Netherlands

Types of higher education institutions
Universiteit
– university
Hogeschool - universities for professional education
Internationaal Onderwijs - Institutes for International Education offer high quality education to foreign students. Short postgraduate courses are designed primarily for professionals who have already started their careers. Courses are practically oriented and lead to master's degree, diploma or doctorate.

Structure of university studies
The academic year in the Netherlands starts in the end of August and ends in mid-June. The languages of instructions are English and Dutch. It is very difficult to be accepted for medical studies and pharmacy as a foreign student.

a) University
1st level – one year preparatory course

2nd level
- Master's degrees are awarded after 3-4 years full-time study (doctoraal)
- Graduates of a doctoraal program may use the title doctorandus (drs), ingenieur (ir) or meester (mr)

3rd level- post-doctoraal study
a) one year preparation for qualification to teach at secondary schools
b) at least 4 year full-time study leading to a doctorate; graduates may use the title Doctor

b) Hogeschool
1st level - one year preparatory course

2nd level - 3 years full-time study
* Ingenieur (ing) - awarded in engineering, technology and agriculture
* Baccaulareus (bc)/Bachelor - awarded in all other programs

An essential component of all programs is the internship placement
An advanced program at Hogeschoole can last anywhere between 2 weeks and 2 years. Some lead to postgraduate diplomas, and some to accredited master's degrees. The latter are often conferred in cooperation with a British university. Graduates are eligible to pursue a doctorate at a university

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Application procedures

- students should begin the application process about 12 months before they hope to enroll
- students are advised to contact a student dean at the relevant university to get the information on admission
- for the first year of undergraduate studies, the International Baccalaureate exam and admission test are required
- the admission test consists of a language test (it is necessary to prove a knowledge of Dutch at the undergraduate level)
- remedial courses are often given to help foreign students fill gaps and to learn Dutch
- questions on credit-transfer should be directed to NUFFIC
- only master's degrees holders can apply for doctorate studies
- a complete list of Dutch courses in the Netherlands is available at the Foreign Student Service

Financing of university studies
- the living expenses in the Netherlands average between NLG 1,300 and 1,750 per month
- the tuition is about NLG 2,500 per academic year
- there are no scholarships available from the universities
- some students studying in the Netherlands are sponsored by their own governments

Health insurance
Information on student health services are available from the university's student dean or NUFFIC. Students who arranged for their insurance in their home country should bring the relevant document (the English translation) to the Netherlands.

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Visa

Students do not need student visas to enter the Netherlands if their planned stay will not exceed three months. Work-permission is not required unless you work more than 10 hours a week.

Important addresses
NUFFIC (Netherlands organization for international cooperation in higher education)
P.O. Box 29777
2502 LT The Hague
tel. +31 (70) 426 0260
fax +31 (70) 426 0141

Foreign Student Service
Oranje Nassaulaan 5
1075 AH Amsterdam
tel. +31 (20) 671 5915

Useful publications
title: Higher Education in the Netherlands
published: NUFFIC
title: Scholarships and Fellowships for Study & Training in the Netherlands
published: NUFFIC
title: Study in the Netherlands
published: NUFFIC 1996
title: Studying at a university in Holland - Should you?
published: NUFFIC 1992

Internet addresses
http://www.minocu.nl/english/backinfo/9604f08e.htm - information on education, addresses
http://www.educ.kent.edu/ulist/nl.html - information on universities
http://bioc-www.uia.ac.be/u/pvosta/pcrbel.html - information on universities

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