Study in the Netherlands

Why study in the Netherlands? Here are six reasons:

• English-friendly:
  With 95% of Dutch people speaking English, it’s easy to communicate in everyday life.
• Affordable excellence:
  Dutch higher education is of high quality whilst costs are much lower compared to English-speaking countries.
• Global community:
  Join Dutch and international students in a diverse and inclusive society. The Dutch are open-minded and easy to connect with.
• Safe and happy:
  Ranked one of the safest and happiest countries in the world, according to the Global Peace Index.
• Rich culture:
  Explore historic cities, wander through museums showcasing the works of the Dutch masters or explore the beautiful nature reserves by bicycle. And not to forget, other European destinations like Paris and Berlin are just a few hours away by train.
• Career opportunities:
  The Netherlands boasts a thriving economy. The country is frontrunner in many industries including agriculture, water management, logistics and sustainable energy. That’s why many global companies are based here.

The Dutch teaching style

The Dutch teaching style is interactive and student-centered. It values teamwork and making connections with others. Group work is central, allowing you to tackle problems collectively. Just like you will experience in real life when you start your career after graduation. Class interaction is encouraged, with freedom to voice opinions and ask questions. The Dutch teaching style prioritises respect for diverse viewpoints, shaping a society founded on inclusivity. When you study in The Netherlands, you will develop an open mind and a global mindset.

Theory & practice

Dutch higher education has a binary system, which means that you can choose between two types of education: 

Universities of applied sciences focus on hands-on research to solve real-world problems. Theory is combined with practice. This means that you will learn everything you need to know about a topic during the lectures, and then put it into practice during your internships, excursions, or projects where you work on real life cases. Research is done in close collaboration with businesses and the public sector.

At research universities, you'll dive into academic learning and research. They're big on theory, helping you sharpen your abstract thinking and critical skills. You'll get ready to do your own research projects. Classes are usually taught through lectures and seminars, internships are not standard practice. Education and research are closely interwoven. Research results in a large number of publications with high impact.

The degree on your diploma

All our 4-year Bachelor programmes result in a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree. When you graduate from a Master programme, you will receive a Master of Science (MSc) degree.

All study programmes at VHL are accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). This is the official organisation responsible for evaluating the quality of higher education institutions in the Netherlands.