Why Study in Netherlands? Top Reasons for International Students

Picture this: you’re cycling through Amsterdam’s historic canals on your way to class, chatting with your Korean flat mate about weekend plans to visit Berlin, all whilst mentally preparing for a group project with students from Brazil, Nigeria and Germany. That’s what it’s like to study in the Netherlands for international students, where over 131,000 have already discovered that this small but mighty nation packs a serious punch when it comes to higher education. The benefits of studying in the Netherlands go way beyond tulips and cheese (though both are excellent), so let’s dive into why this progressive country should be your number one study destination.

An International and Multicultural Environment

The Netherlands is a global hub in miniature. Walk into any Dutch university and you’ll hear a symphony of accents, with students from Asia, Africa, Europe and beyond, all learning side by side. This isn’t just nice-to-have diversity; it’s brain-expanding, perspective-shifting education that happens as much over coffee as it does in lecture halls.

Amsterdam perfectly captures this international spirit and life in Amsterdam as an international student means you’re never more than a bike ride away from authentic Vietnamese pho, proper British fish and chips or your new Ethiopian friend’s family restaurant. And as great as that cosmopolitan atmosphere is for your social life, it’s also a real-world masterclass in global business culture that’ll make you infinitely more employable.

Affordable Study Cost and Living Expenses

Here’s something that’ll make your wallet smile: studying in the Netherlands won’t leave you surviving on instant noodles for four years. Whilst Amsterdam isn’t the cheapest Dutch city, it is more affordable than most major capitals.

You’ll need around €1,550–€1,800 per month, including rent, food, insurance, travel and everything in between. Student housing here is in high demand, especially in shared flats, where rooms average about €1,000/month. Groceries typically land between €200–€350, insurance around €100–€128 and public transport roughly €40–€100.

That might sound like a lot. But compared to London or Paris, these figures are genuinely refreshing. The relatively affordable living expenses mean you can enjoy your student years rather than working three part-time jobs just to afford rent. Plus, tuition fees for international students in the Netherlands remain competitive, especially when you consider you’re getting world-class education that doesn’t require selling a kidney to finance.

High-Quality Education System with Global Recognition

The Netherlands has quietly become Europe’s education powerhouse, and the global rankings prove it. The country consistently outperforms nations many times its size, with Dutch institutions performing well in international league tables and earning respect from employers worldwide.

What makes higher education in the Netherlands special is its refusal to rest on tradition. The education system here has evolved beyond the lecture-heavy, memorize-and-regurgitate approach that many countries still cling to. Instead, you’ll find problem-based learning, practical applications and teaching methods that prepare you for modern careers. When employers see a Dutch degree on your CV, they know you’ve been trained to think, not just to remember.

Excellent Career Opportunities for International Graduates

The job opportunities for international students in the Netherlands are genuinely impressive, thanks to the country’s transformation from tulip fields to tech hub. After graduation, you get a full year (the “zoekjaar” visa) to find work without visa stress (which is basically the Dutch government saying “we trained you, now we’d quite like you to stick around and put those skills to good use”).

Amsterdam’s position as Europe’s business playground makes it particularly golden for ambitious graduates. The city’s packed with international companies who actively seek graduates with global perspectives and cultural fluency. For business students, these ample career opportunities are one of the best reasons to study a BBA in Amsterdam, where you’ll be networking with tomorrow’s business leaders whilst your degree is still warm from the printer.

Innovative Teaching Methods

Dutch education doesn’t revolve around lectures and textbooks You’ll spend less time copying notes and more time debating, creating and solving problems that companies are genuinely grappling with. And your lecturers? They’re often industry practitioners, bringing live case studies and project work into the classroom.

Expect:

• Problem-based learning and applied challenges
• Real business cases and briefs from local companies
• Diverse group projects reflecting global workplaces
• Strong academic support if you’re adjusting to this style

It’s a system built for the real world. Employers know that too.

Study in English: Wide Range of English-Taught Programs

No Dutch? No problem. The Netherlands offers over 2,000 English-taught programs, from bachelor’s degrees to master’s courses, making it a top pick for international students. It’s one of the highest numbers in Europe and covers everything from business to engineering.

Not only that, but research suggests over 90% of Dutch people speak excellent English, so you can dive into your studies and social life from day one, without wrestling with a new language.

That doesn’t mean you won’t pick up the language, though. You’ll hear Dutch all around you, and many students do take lessons while they study. But it’s not a barrier to your success, either academically or socially.

Excellent Opportunities for Travel

The Netherlands is your gateway to Europe. Smack in the middle of the continent, it’s got transport links that make weekend trips a breeze. Paris is three hours by train, Berlin’s just a short flight away. Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam connects you to over 300 destinations worldwide, so your wanderlust won’t go hungry.

But even locally, there’s a lot to explore: charming canal towns, beach escapes on the North Sea coast, forest bike rides or the quiet of small towns like Leiden and Delft. Your student card often gets you discounts on transport too. You don’t have to wait for a long weekend to see something new.

Scholarships and Financial Support for International Students

Money talk time: yes, there are scholarships available, and no, you don’t need to be the next Einstein to qualify for them. Dutch universities, the government and various organizations offer funding options ranging from partial tuition coverage to comprehensive packages that include living expenses. Some focus on academic merit, others on specific nationalities or fields of study and many simply recognize students who show genuine potential.

At UE, several scholarships are open to international students, some based on entrepreneurial spirit and others focused on diversity or family ties. For comprehensive details about what’s available and how to apply, check out the scholarships and funding opportunities that could significantly ease your financial planning.

Conclusion

There’s a reason the Netherlands keeps rising on international students’ lists. In fact, there’s several: globally respected degrees, genuinely affordable living costs, innovative teaching that prepares you for real careers and a multicultural environment that’ll expand your worldview faster than you can say “stroopwafel”.

And if you’re thinking about a bachelor’s in business, particularly in Amsterdam, UE Amsterdam could be the right fit. It’s designed for future-focused, international careers, with practical teaching, close industry links and a strong network behind you.

Ready to join the thousands of international students who’ve already discovered the Dutch difference? Explore UE Amsterdam’s BBA program in Amsterdam and start your own Dutch adventure.

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University of Applied Sciences Europe (UE Amsterdam) offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree program designed to prepare you for success in the dynamic business world. One of the significant advantages of studying at UE Amsterdam is the 12-month post-study visa available to graduates, providing ample time to gain work experience in the Netherlands and take in the work culture. Learn more about the BBA program or explore our campus in Amsterdam virtually.