Netherlands has long been on the list of students willing to study abroad. There are a number of perks one will experience with studying in Netherlands. To start with, your 'student' experience in the Netherlands is bound to be quite enriching. It is indeed a small country in comparison to so many others. However, it has made a significant impact on the world in several ways. This is why several international companies have their headquarters in the Netherlands.



While studying in Netherlands, you will always feel welcome here. Almost four million people from amongst a total populace of almost 17 million are foreigners. This multi-ethnicity has been in evidence for hundreds of years. Locals and foreigners find it easy to gain employment here.



The Dutch go out of their way to be friendly and receptive. They converse comfortably in English with people from overseas. The Netherlands ranks third in the world for English (as a second language) proficiency. The official languages of the Netherlands are Dutch and Frisian. However, the former is more popular than the latter. Other known languages are English, German, Dutch Low Saxon, French, Gronings and Limburgish. Urban dwellers pick up languages more easily, since they encounter diverse cultures oftener than rural dwellers do. If you are someone who is looking forward to studying in Netherlands, here is all you need to know.



Top Universities to Study in Netherlands:



Thirteen of the universities in the Netherlands are listed among the top universities in the world by QS ranking. Same is the number for the Times Higher Ranking and ARWU rankings. Apart from these 13, there are a plethora of options for the international students to study in Netherlands. They are some of the most prestigious universities around. Engineering, Technology, Manufacturing and Medicine are some of the most preferred courses in the Netherlands. Some of the top universities are:

Wittenborg University

Webster University

Radboud University

University of Twente

VU-Amsterdam University.

Study in Netherlands Cost:



One of the most important aspects of studying abroad is the management of the course one has to bear for the education and the living. For the most part, Netherlands is an affordable study abroad destination for international students. Of course, the metropolitan areas like Amsterdam are somewhat not inexpensive, but as you move away from them, it is comparatively cheaper by the European standards. The tuition fees for the universities start at as low as 8000 Euros, and the living expenses are just under 100 euros a month on an average.



Study in Netherlands Scholarships:



There are a number of scholarships available for international students who are willing to study abroad. Scholarships can be either need-based or merit-based, it entirely depends on the entity that is providing the scholarship. Scholarships are provided by both the government and the universities in Netherlands. The fully funded scholarships not only take care of tuition fees, but also take care of one’s living expenses in the country. However, these are very few in numbers and therefore, highly competitive.



Studying Masters in Netherlands:



Masters in Netherlands is one of the most sought after program in the world. A large number of students opt to study their graduate degree in the Netherlands as there are a number of prestigious universities in Netherlands, and they offer a large number of English taught courses for the international students. As we have mentioned, you do not need to learn or be fluent in Dutch to study in Netherlands, and Masters in Netherlands is one of those opportunities for the international students.



Geography



The Netherlands is akin to an alluvial plain with minimal differences in altitude. Famed as the lowest nation in Europe, approximately one-quarter of its landmass lies below sea level. Well-built and well-maintained dykes and dunes serve to keep the sea away from the reclaimed land. Holland lies at the mouth of three Rivers – Schelde, Rhine and Meuse.



These 'low lands' are located in Western Europe. Their boundaries include the North Sea in the west and north, Germany in the east and Belgium in the south. The highest part of this nation is Vaalserberg, merely 322 meters above sea level. The lowest point is Zuidplaspolder, around seven meters below sea level.



Travelling



You may tour the Netherlands by inter-city and intra-city trains, buses, trams or bicycles. Avoid taking a taxi unless it is an emergency. This mode of transportation is extremely expensive. If you desire to savour the unique flavour of the Netherlands, opt for traversing the canals by boat!



Take part in an organized biking tour with a planned itinerary. You will be able to cover over 20,000 km of paths.



Some Dutch towns are akin to charming picture postcards. One of them is quintessential Eden, where you can eat Dutch cheese to your heart's content. Purchase beautifully designed white and blue pottery at Delft. Climb the nation's only mountain located at Maastricht.



You will enjoy exploring the 17-century buildings and parks at historic Leiden. The Pilgrims resided at this small town, before moving over to the U.S. Dotted with glorious canals, Giethoorn (Venice of the North) is slow-paced. The peaceful city centre is devoid of noisy automobiles.



The metropolis is a complete contrast to these towns. Amsterdam is the hub of tourism, with diverse contemporary attractions. Rotterdam has famous harbor locks, splendid shops and marvelous architecture. The Hague has the beach, the International Criminal Court and the Queen's office.



Politics & Economy



The Netherlands has had a royal presence ever since 1815. Queens from the House of Oranje- Nassau was the dominant rulers until 2013. In 2013, Queen Beatrix handed over the royal crown to Willem-Alexander. The queen consort, Maxima (Argentine) helps Willehm- Alexander handle royal affairs.



The king was born on April 27, 1967. The Dutch celebrate his birthday with gusto. Every bit of clothing is a brilliant shade of orange. Even the clothing accessories are of the same color.

The king is helped in his duties by a Parliament. Provincial councils elect 75 individuals to be part of the upper chamber. Around 150 people are members of the lower chamber. Elections to the lower chamber take place every four years.



The executive body is known as the Cabinet. No one can be a member of both, parliament and cabinet, at the same time. The constitution came into being in 1848. Specific amendments have been undertaken in 1983.



Very pro-Europe by nature, the Netherlands became a founding member of the EU. In 2002, it changed its national currency from guilder to Euro. The nation is Eurozone's fifth-largest economy. Its EU deficit ceiling (3%) is witnessing a reduction, due to budget cuts and austerity measures.