If you think of the Netherlands, flowers, windmills, canals, and wooden clogs come to mind . The picturesque cities offer a mix of the charming and the modern. Despite the excellent transport system, almost everyone in the Netherlands uses a bicycle to get around. Cycling is a symbol of Dutch culture. It is interesting to note that there are more bicycles than people in the country. Studying in the Netherlands offers several advantages for foreign students coming here for higher studies, making it an attractive destination for international education. If you are ready, here are plenty of reasons to “go Dutch”:

High-Quality Education: The Netherlands is known for its top-notch education system, with a strong emphasis on academic quality and innovative teaching methods. The World Economic Forum has ranked the Netherlands as the third most educated country in the world. Dutch degrees are internationally recognized and respected, providing graduates who come for Higher education abroad with a strong foundation for their careers.

Wide Range of English-Taught Programs: Despite the official language being Dutch, almost 95% of the population speaks English. A sizeable number of programs are offered in English , allowing international students to study comfortably without language barriers.

Research and Innovation: Netherlands is often referred to as the “Silicon Valley” of embedded systems and nanotechnology. The unique mix of a highly skilled workforce working alongside world-class institutions has made Netherlands an innovation leader in Europe. They have ushered in a huge transformation that include everything from agriculture to transportation. The attractive R&D incentives offered by the Dutch government have acted as a catalyst in encouraging businesses looking to make the Netherlands their base of operations.

Wageningen University in the Netherlands is the top-ranked agrifood university in the world. Its contribution to agrifood innovation has had a major role in catapulting the Netherlands as the world’s second-largest exporter of agricultural products.

Practical learning approach: The education system in the Netherlands has received international acclaim for its problem-based learning system. The teaching style is interactive with an emphasis on teamwork. Self-study also plays an important role due to the way the courses are structured. This fosters an independent and critical way of thinking among the students.

Part-time work: International students with a valid student residence permit are allowed to work up to a maximum of 16 hours per week throughout the year, or full- time in the summer months (June to August).

Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Netherlands’ emphasis on entrepreneurship has encouraged a large and vibrant start-up ecosystem. The country's start-up culture and innovative environment offer opportunities for budding entrepreneurs and business-minded students. Companies like Philips, Unilever, Heineken, Airbus, Shell and ASML Holdings are some of the biggest employers.

Post-Study Work Rights: Graduates from Dutch universities are granted a search- year visa, allowing them to stay and find work in the Netherlands after completing their studies.

Cultural Diversity: The multicultural and tolerant Dutch society fosters a welcoming and open environment for international students, promoting cross-cultural interactions and understanding.

Quality of Life: The Netherlands offers a high quality of life, healthy work-life balance, excellent healthcare, and a range of cultural and recreational activities. The capital city of Amsterdam is one of the liveliest centres of international youth culture.

Affordable Tuition and Scholarships: Compared to some other Western European countries, tuition fees in the Netherlands are relatively affordable for international students. Students can use the Nuffic Grantfinder to find scholarships for study in the Netherlands. Nuffic is the Netherlands’ organization for international cooperation in higher education.

Strong Focus on Sustainability: The Netherlands' commitment to sustainability and forward-thinking approach towards climate change and green initiatives, aligns with global concerns. The universities offer a variety of programs in Water Management, Biosystems engineering, Organic Agriculture, Environmental sciences, etc.

Studying in the Netherlands offers a combination of academic excellence, research opportunities, cultural enrichment, and career prospects that can greatly enhance the educational journey for foreign students who come here for higher studies.