Study Abroad in the Netherlands for Pakistani Students [Updated 2020]

The Netherlands stands in a good position in its academic competitors in the world. If you’re aspiring to get enrolled in a Netherlands university, then save this article right away. This guide explains in detail everything you need if you plan to embark on this journey. So have patience and follow this step-by-step guide. 

1. Netherlands - Some Facts

The Netherlands, also called Holland, is situated in northwestern Europe. The country is a parliamentary democracy working under a constitutional monarchy. Despite its modest size, the Netherlands has remained one of the most advanced economies in the world. 

Its capital, Amsterdam has remained one of the liveliest centers of international youth culture. While some vile practices and dubious laws have made their way into the dutch culture, the country is seen as a peaceful and safe spot for almost every ethnic group. 

2. Climate

The Netherlands exhibits a moderate climate, with cool summers and gentle bearable winters. Every season receives rainfall making the weather pleasant in almost every region of the country. On an average day, three-fifths of the sky is clouded. That must sound like a relief for most Pakistanis. 

3. English Language Courses

The fact that 98% of the population in the Netherlands speaks Dutch might scare you at first. But you need not fret. The Dutch government understands that without offering courses in English, international students would never apply to their universities. 

Related: Study Abroad in Norway for Pakistani Students

Many higher education institutes offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in English. More than 2,100 courses are being taught in English, offered at almost all the institutions in the state. Information regarding these courses is easily available at the university websites in English. 

4. Universities in the Netherlands

The universities and institutions here are either government-funded or government approved. Some privately financed institutions are also working in the country. However, not all of these private ones are recognized. To check the recognition of these institutes, look for the orders of NVAO, the organization that accredits educational institutions in the state. 

The Netherlands is improving its educational sector day by day with more investment and better policies. The result can be seen in The QS World University Rankings 2019. This list includes 13 universities in the Netherlands. A big shot. All these universities are ranked within the world's top 350. Wait, there’s more. Seven of these institutes are ranked within the global top 150. Already impressed? 

Here are some names to convince you a bit more to pursue your higher education in this efficient state. The Delft University of Technology enjoys the rank 52 in the world and thus, becomes the nation’s highest-ranking institution. The University of Amsterdam and Eindhoven University of Technology follow suit, at 57th and 99th positions respectively.

5. Dutch University Fees

The distinction in the fee structures depends on two factors - the country of residence and the status of your chosen institute. If you’re an EU applicant, things become easier for you. The tuition fee becomes unbelievably high for non-EU applicants.

Let’s look at an example. The annual Dutch university fee for EU students starts from about €1,950. And the average fee for non-EU students enrolled in Bachelor’s programs lies between €6,000 and €15,000. The difference is vivid.

6. Cost of Living

Students have to take care of so much more than just the tuition fee. The additional cost of living in the Netherlands is averaged at around €800–1,100 per month. And that is very expensive compared to other European countries. Savings and part-time jobs are the only options that’ll save your stay there. 

7. Scholarships for International Students

Around 90,000 international students are currently studying in the Netherlands. Where the costs of tuition and living are soaring so high, the best course of action is acquiring a suitable scholarship. Many state-level scholarships like Erasmus Mundus are there to rescue you.

Apart from that, almost every university has a unique set of scholarships prepared for encouraging international students to get admitted to Netherland universities. 

8. Dutch Student Visa/Permit Requirements

The type of Dutch student visa depends upon the duration of your study program. If the study program takes less than 90 days from completion, then you need to apply for a Schengen visa. If it has more than 90 days duration, then you’ll go for MVV (Long Term Visa).

Related: Study Abroad in Estonia for Pakistani Students

You can only apply for the visa when you successfully obtain a letter of acceptance from an accredited university in the Netherlands. It’s a formal procedure. Once this is done, visit the Netherlands embassy and apply for the visa that requires the following documents:

1. Bank Statement (proving you can spend 870 Euros/month while studying in the Netherlands)
2. Valid passport
3. Health Examination Certificate
4. Health Insurance Coverage
5. Letter of Acceptance from Dutch University etc.

9. Part-Time Jobs

Students can take jobs but the restrictions on working hours will not sound good to you. A total of only 10 working hours per week is permissible for international students. But the limitation eases in summer breaks when you can work 40 hours a week.

Another drawback is that the employers need to apply for a TWV work permit at INDy before hiring a non-EU, international student. And every new employer of yours will have to go through this official process once again. That extra ordeal on the employer’s part becomes a bit troublesome for some students. 

10. Work After Completion of the Degree

Many international students find this country a safer and better place to get settled. If you wish to do the same, then you’ve got to apply for a search year permit (zoekjaar) after you've graduated in the Netherlands. This has to be done before the student permit expires.

If you’re able to get a suitable job within this one-year duration, then you can convert the work permit to a highly skilled migrant permit without leaving the country. If you fail to find a job, then you’ll have to leave the state immediately. 

We hope this article proved of great help to you. All The best for your ventures and plans.