Why Choose the Netherlands for a Master's (Europe Series)

erlands is getting more attraction lately for higher education among Indian students as a study abroad destination. It offers unique blend of benefits compared to other European destinations. In this topic, we will try to cover all aspects that student needs know.

Why Netherlands!!!

High Quality Education: Dutch universities are consistently ranked among the best in the world (e.g., TU Delft, University of Amsterdam). They are known for a pragmatic, interactive, and student-centered teaching style.

·        English Proficiency: The Netherlands has one of the highest non-native English proficiency rates in the world. Many Master’s programs are taught in English, and you can easily navigate daily life without speaking Dutch.

·        International Environment: It is a hub for international students, offering a multicultural environment that is welcoming to Indians.

·        Strategic Location: Located in the heart of Europe, it offers easy travel to Paris, London, and Berlin, and is home to many multinational headquarters (Philips, Unilever).

For students seeking to take along their spouse while planning for study VISA for themselves may explore the options, as it is one of a very countries (Sweden, Denmark and New Zealand) that offer Spouse /dependent VISA.

Netherlands universities AND the programs they offer are classified as Research Universities (WO) AND Applied Sciences Universities (HBO). Do note – while applying for a program of your choice. A student needs to have a relevant bachelor’s degree to continue for higher research led program.

Work Rights & Spouse Visa - Working Hours for Students during their academic period (Part-time) are 16 hours per week while during vacations (summer months - June, July, August) students can work Full-time.

Post-Study Work Permit (Orientation Year) : Duration: 12 months.

After graduating, you can apply for an "Orientation Year" (Zoekjaar) visa. This allows you to stay in the Netherlands and work unrestricted (no employer sponsorship needed) while looking for a permanent job as a "Highly Skilled Migrant."

This can also be the route for Permanent Residence (PR). You can apply for PR after 5 consecutive years of living in the Netherlands. Note - Student years count towards the 5-year requirement (for Dutch National PR). And there are other requirements too. Refer this.

1. Job Status: At the time of application (after year 5), you must have a non-temporary contract (e.g., an indefinite contract as a Highly Skilled Migrant).

2. Civic Integration: You must pass the Inburgering exam (Dutch language A2/B1 level and culture test).

   
   

Typical Path for Indians: Master's (1-2 years) --> Orientation Year (1 year) --> Highly Skilled Migrant Job (2-3 years) --> Apply for PR.

Getting Admission:

It seems we are now interested to explore Netherlands as your higher education destination. Recommended programs for Indians students for Masters study programs are - Tech & IT ( Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science), Engineering (Sustainable Energy, Civil Engineering ) Business (Finance, Supply Chain Management, Econometrics), Food Technology, Environmental Science (Wageningen University is world #1 for Agricultural Sciences, environmental and life sciences subjects).

Top Dutch Universities:

Admission Process:

·        Intakes : September (Primary), Start your application in October/November of the previous year to maximize scholarship chances.

·        February (Secondary): Only a few programs available

Test Requirements –

·        English Language Tests : IELTS or TOEFL

·        GMAT/GRE : Required for only limited Business, MBA, Economics, Management, competitive Science/Engineering programs at top universities (e.g., Erasmus University Rotterdam, University of Amsterdam).

The Netherlands has a national database for higher education called Studielink ( Studielink.nl ).  You generally apply to a university post registering here first. Once you register in Studielink, you will receive an email from the specific university (usually within 24-48 hours) containing login details for their own separate portal (often called OSIRIS).

Standard documents required for admission process:

·        Motivation Letter (SOP): 1-2 pages explaining why you want this specific course at this university.

·        CV/Resume: Academic style (focus on projects and skills).

·        Reference Letters (LORs): Usually 1 or 2 academic references

·        Academic Transcripts and Degree certificates

·        IELTS/PTE and/or GRE/GMAT

Certain Universities do offer conditional offer letters, ie. Students pursuing their under graduation can also apply while they are currently in final year of graduation.

Next Step – VISA process

This is the best part of the Dutch system, students do not apply for your own student visa. The university does it for themselves. Do note - One must maintain 3 months old funds equal to the sum of 1 year tuition fee and one year living cost (12,000 – 15,000 Euros, specified by university). Consider average VISA time, post appointment, of 4 – 6 weeks for VISA outcome. So manage your timelines accordingly.

Recommended Timelines:

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