Study in the Netherlands: International Students’ Views

According to the StudyPortals International Student Satisfaction Awards 2014, the Netherlands is considered a very good study destination in Europe. The awards are based on almost 7,000 students who reviewed their study experience on the world’s largest database of international student experiences, STeXX.eu. The Netherlands received a total score of 8.7 out of 10, based on 960 comments from over 400 international students who had chosen to study in the Netherlands.

Out of thirteen awarded universities in the Netherlands, Leiden University was the only one to receive the highest distinction of Outstanding International Student Satisfaction, rated 9.5 out of 10. Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen and Radboud University Nijmegen placed second and third, being rated as “excellent” together with other three Dutch universities. A further seven universities in the Netherlands were rated “very good” by international students.

What makes the Netherlands special compared to other countries?

According to international student reviews, the Netherlands offers a higher academic satisfaction than the European average. Many students are satisfied with the quality of learning and the modern facilities provided by universities in the Netherlands. Campuses are safe and offer many possibilities for leisure time activities. Teachers also try to implement innovative learning techniques to make study courses more interesting.

“There are multiple reasons why I liked the university: starting with one of the finest academics and teaching stuff in Europe, the abundance of very interesting and useful subjects and the international environment surrounding you.” – student from Poland

“It gives the best knowledge and technologies to the students, so they can give their best in their work once they graduated. It also has a complete set of sports and cultural facilities, and even a supermarket located inside the campus. This is very helpful for me and other students, since we don't have to go all around the city to do our activities (study and extras).” – student from Indonesia

Reviews of what it was like to study in the Netherlands compliment the country’s international environment and the openness of the Dutch culture, emphasizing how this helped students’ personal and professional development. Students were impressed with the cities and generally enjoyed the social life. Many emphasized that the language is not a problem as courses are conducted in English and in general, most of the local people speak English as well.

“Plenty of nationalities are present in the program: e.g. Chinese, Dutch, German, Mexican, Vietnamese, British, Finnish and lots more! Even though it can be tough to work in an international group, it is a great experience for your future international workplace. Also great is that we are not just studying out of books, but apply the theories on different projects throughout the year. It is also very international – most locals speak English fluently.” – student from Germany

“I spent so much time at museums, galleries, at the parties and pubs with my new international friends. If someone is not so much into culture, such as myself, it is possible to bike around Amsterdam or to the neighborhood, to discover other cities. Simply, I think that everyone will be satisfied with this city and everyone will be able to find his or her own preferred lifestyle.” – student from the Czech Republic

What to consider before applying to study in the Netherlands

Even if students in the Netherlands enjoy the facilities and activities provided by the universities, they think that there is still some room for improvement. Students reported that every now and then there’s a lack of communication between staff and students, and misunderstandings happen often. Some students also reported excessive bureaucracy at universities in the Netherlands. International students who prefer a high level of academic challenge to the social experience might consider lectures too simple and a bit unrewarding.

Dutch universities offer a wide range of study opportunities. For information about the Student Satisfaction Awards and universities in the Netherlands, visit the StudyPortals country overview. Those planning to study in the Netherlands can also find over 1,100 English-taught master’s programs, and a selection of English-taught bachelor’s programs.