Funding your studies as an international student

Studying abroad is a dream for many students, but financing it is not always possible. Here's how to fund your studies in the Netherlands.

Expatica

In Holland, higher education is subsidised by the government. This enables universities and institutions for professional higher education to charge a relatively low tuition fee, especially compared to the United Kingdom. Banking and finance are important topics to link with the educational system. The annual tuition fee for enrolment on a degree programme or courses at higher education starts currently at EUR 1,538 for EU students. The costs of programmes or courses for non – EU students are generally higher. For more information visit www.studyin.nl.

EU exchange programmes

The easiest and cheapest way to study in Holland is as part of a European Exchange programme. Many Dutch higher education institutions have exchange agreements with UK universities. Ask the international study office of your own university or college for more information. EU exchange programmes have the advantage that the most important matters are taken care of, such as funding, housing and acceptance at the university institution. But you will have to go to the bank by yourself.

The most common European programmes are:

• Erasmus aims to encourage cooperation among the higher education institutions of Europe.
  
  
• Leonardo Da Vinci is the European programme for professional education. The programme finances internship in the Netherlands for periods of three to twelve months.
  
  

Scholarships and grants

If you wish to take an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the Netherlands, there are several ways to obtain funding without going through all the banking process:

• Huygens Scholarship Programme (HSP): this scholarship for excellent students is open to students worldwide. The programme is aimed at excellent students who want to study in the Netherlands in the final phase of their bachelor's or during their master's studies. For more information and the application procedure visit www.nuffic.nl.

• www.grantfinder.nl is the online search engine with information on a range of Dutch scholarships for international students. By selecting the country and type of course you will find a list of available grants. Often grants are related to specific universities and/or degree programmes, that’s why you don’t have to pass through the general Dutch banking system.
  
  
• Higher education grants. Some higher education institutions have special funds for students. Once you have selected the university or professional higher education institution of your choice, contact their career service or international office to receive information on available grants.
  
  
• Apply for a contribution to tuition or course fees for EU and EEA students or for a loan tuition fee. Contact the Informatie Beheer Groep InfoLine from Monday-Friday between 9:00 and 17:00 (Dutch time): +31 50 599 7755
  
  

Source: www.netherlands-embassy.org.uk/culture/index.php?i=217

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Funding your studies as an international student - part II