Netherlands

Country in Europe

Capital: Amsterdam
Dialing code: +31
Currency: Euro
Official languages: Dutch, Frisian, Papiamento
Colleges and Universities: University of Amsterdam, more

The Netherlands, a country in northwestern Europe, is known for a flat landscape of canals, tulip fields, windmills and cycling routes. Amsterdam, the capital, is home to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the house where Jewish diarist Anne Frank hid during WWII. Canalside mansions and a trove of works from artists including Rembrandt and Vermeer remain from the city's 17th-century "Golden Age."

The Netherlands lies at the point where the German, British and French cultures meet. It is bound by the North Sea to the north and west, Germany to the east and Belgium to the south. The inland area is below sea level in some places, protected by coastal dunes and dykes. The capital of the country is Amsterdam, but The Hague is the seat of the Queen, Government and Parliament. The country has a population of 16.3 million. The official language is Dutch, while English is also widely understood and spoken. Once you have arrived in Holland, you’ll discover that many European capitals are within easy reach. Brussels is two hours by train, and a short flight from Amsterdam will take you to Paris, Madrid or Berlin. In the 2010-2011 academic year, some 81,700 international students were studying in Holland. These students come from many different countries and backgrounds. They all have their own unique experience in Holland, but it is always truly international.

The Higher Education System

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The education system in Holland is known for its high quality in education and research and its international study environment. In addition, with 1,560 international study programmes and courses it has the largest offer of continental Europe.

Holland has two main types of higher education institutions: research universities and universities of applied sciences. Research universities focus on the independent practice of research-oriented work in an academic or professional setting. Universities of applied sciences offer professional programmes in the applied arts and sciences that prepare students for specific careers. A third, smaller branch of higher education is provided by institutes for international education, which offer programmes designed especially for international students.

Higher education in the Netherlands is organised around a three-cycle degree system, consisting of bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degrees. Two types of higher education programmes are offered: research-oriented degree programmes offered primarily by research universities, and professional higher education programmes offered primarily by universities of applied sciences.

University of Amsterdam

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The University of Amsterdam is the country’s largest higher education institution, with around 31,000 students enrolled. Established in 1632, it is the third oldest university in the Netherlands, and the highest ranked, at 57th in the QS World University Rankings. Within Europe, it is the 15th highest ranked. It teaches undergraduate and graduate programs across a broad spectrum of subjects, with a large selection of English-taught master’s degrees, and a few English-taught bachelor’s degrees.

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

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The country’s oldest and largest public technical university, Delft University of Technology was founded in 1842, and is currently ranked 62nd in the world, according to the latest QS World University Rankings. Also known as TU Delft, it teaches about 19,600 students, with a focus on engineering disciplines, computer science, mathematics, applied sciences, and policy and management in technology. Prometheus, a figure from Greek mythology, is an important symbol of TU Delft, and his statue stands in the center of the newly renovated Mekelpark campus. In the 2016 edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject, TU Delft places within the global top five for architecture.

Leiden University

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The oldest university in the Netherlands, Leiden University was founded in 1575 by William I, Prince of Orange, an ancestor of the Netherlands’ monarchy. The institution is currently ranked joint 102nd in the world and third in the country. It has around 25,800 students, studying a broad range of subjects from bachelor’s up to PhD level. The university houses more than 40 research institutes and has links with many national and international leaders, including former US President John Adams, two Secretary Generals of NATO, as well as 16 Nobel Prize winners.

Utrecht University

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Established in 1636, Utrecht University is another of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe. The QS World University Rankings 2016-2017 place Utrecht University fourth among universities in the Netherlands and joint 104th in the world. Currently almost 30,000 students are enrolled across the university’s seven faculties, which makes it one of the largest universities in the Netherlands as well. The university claims 12 Nobel Prize laureates among its former students and staff, alongside 13 Spinoza Prize laureates.

University of Groningen

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The fifth-ranked university in the Netherlands is the University of Groningen , placed joint 113th in the world according to the latest QS World University Rankings. Established in 1614, it was one of the Netherlands’ first few universities, and has a long history of leadership, including claims to the country’s first female student, first female lecturer, the first Dutch astronaut and the first president of the European Central Bank. About 30,200 students are currently enrolled, and like other top universities in the Netherlands, it’s a popular choice for international students.

Eindhoven University of Technology

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Ranked joint 121st in the world, Eindhoven University of Technology – as its name would suggest – is especially well-reputed in the engineering and technical fields, and also ranks among the world’s leading universities for architecture. With around 7,100 students, Eindhoven conducts high levels of research, and is located in close proximity to several tech-focused companies, including Philips, ASML and DAF. The university maintains close contacts with many of these companies, and produces almost 3,000 scientific publications, 140 PhD-awards, and 40 patents every year.

Other Dutch universities ranked among the world’s top 350 include: Erasmus University Rotterdam, Wageningen University, Maastricht University, VU University Amsterdam, Radboud University Nijmegen, the University of Twente and Tilburg University.