EDUCATION SPECIAL..STUDY IN HOLLAND

STUDY IN HOLLAND

    Pioneering, innovation and creativity. There could only be one country which could represent all three–Holland! Even as far back as the early 17th century, Holland was an advanced country, with much of its wealth coming from international trade. Today, international trade is still the main engine of economic growth.
    One may find that Holland is considered as a gateway to Europe with many European capitals, a stone’s throw away. With Dutch historical ties reaching across the globe, it truly has a multicultural society.
    The Dutch education system is interactive and focuses on teamwork, which makes it easy to meet other international students. Studying in Holland implies developing an open mind and increasing international orientation. Holland has also received international acclaim for its ground-breaking problem-based learning system, which trains students to analyse and solve practical problems independently through emphasis on self-study and self-discipline.
    Holland has two main types of higher education institutions: research universities and universities of applied sciences. There are 18 research universities and 43 universities of applied sciences of which 11 universities are ranked in QS rankings 2012, 12 in Times Higher Education Rankings 2012 and 13 universities are ranked in the ARWU 2012, respectively. This indicates a high ratio of presence in worldwide rankings when compared with other countries.
    Most study programmes and courses lead to a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, a PhD degree, a diploma or certificate. Students are advised to select the course of their interest and apply accordingly. IELTS or TOEFL is a must to apply for most courses. The courses alternate theory with practice in real or simulated work situations.
    Education in Holland is not free, but tuition fees are reasonable. The Dutch government is attempting to make Dutch higher education as accessible as possible to students and mid-career professionals from other countries. In Holland, higher education is subsidised, which means that tuition fees can be kept relatively low, especially when compared with the United Kingdom and the United States. There are several possibilities for obtaining funding.
    The EIU’s latest Worldwide Cost of Living Survey shows that the cost of living in Amsterdam is modest compared with cities like New York, London, Paris and Beijing. Experience shows that to live and study in Holland for a year costs a student between Euros 500 and 800 a month. Housing will be offered by the Dutch Higher Education Institution and will also be available outside the campus.
    After graduation at a research university or university of applied sciences in the Netherlands, foreign students do have the possibility of extending their stay for a period of one year to search for a job as a highly skilled migrant.
    Nuffic Neso Desk India, the official representative for promoting Dutch Higher Education Institutions in India, has a database that lists over 1,500 international study programmes taught in English which can be accessed online. Students can find more information on life and study in Holland, study programmes and scholarships at www.nesoindia.org/ 

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