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The British guide for applying to a Dutch University (and surviving)

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Reply 60
Here's some additional info about medicine/dentistry. The lottery system for medicine and dentistry actually ended a few years ago. For dentistry and medicine you now need to do A LOT of preparatory work and exams/interviews. For Groningen (medicine) there were 4 x 1.5 hour exams in 1 day. You also have to produce a portfolio. They use the results of these exams and the portfolio to give you a ranking. This year at Groningen University, 1300 applicants were invited to the exam day and those with a ranking up to 420 were offered a place. It's also good to know that you can study medicine in an English language 'learning community' but after 3 years you will need to be able to speak Dutch fluently (passing the NT2 exam) in order to progress to the masters.
Reply 61
Hey guys. Got a question about funding. Any help would be appreciated and probs useful for everyone!

I've accepted an offer for MA International Relations at Leiden University starting in September.

I'm sorting out funding now. I've rung up erasmus+ and asked if any grants are possible, but as far as I know that stuff is just for undergraduate year abroads.

So what's the best funding option for a masters in Holland? Right now it seems like a Dutch limited finance loan to cover tuiton fees, and an Erasmus plus Masters loan from FutureFinance (https://www.futurefinance.com/uk/pages/eif/) for maintenance.

Anyone get any other better finance loan/grant options for a Dutch masters as a British student?

Cheers, Harry
Original post by MrsSheldonCooper
Right so because of higher tuition fees, more students are looking at university in the Netherlands because of how much cheaper it is and because we also like to be thrown out of our comfort zone :biggrin: As I might not be on this site any longer from September onwards, I've decided to make a guide about applying to Dutch universities for any future TSRians who plan to make the first step to studying abroad.

I'm currently holding an offer from the University of Amsterdam for Linguistics so I'm open for questions about the whole applying process. I'll try to cover everything though!

How do I start?
First you look up if Dutch unis actually have your course. Some universities word the degrees a little differently but if you just google Dutch unis you'll get a whole list of universities that may potentially have your course. When you do look them up, do make sure the course is in English.

Helpful link to find courses in English in the Netherlands: http://www.eunicas.ie/

Once you've done that, you make a Studielink account. This is like the Dutch version of UCAS and if you're an international student, you register without DigiD identification. You get given a username and once you make your account, you start making your application. You can choose upto 5 Dutch universities so you make 5 different applications. In your Studielink account, you get these mini emails confirming that unis have your application and the portal links you need to fill out applications. I'd personally advise applying early because the details are a pain to fill out. You can withdraw your applications whenever you like.

What documents do I need?

You'll need a copy of your passport, a motivation letter (so this is a personal statement but much more businesslike), your GCSE grades, your AS grades and your A2 predictions. I'm not sure about other universities but Amsterdam Uni required 6 qualifications from me (so 3 GCSEs at A-C grade and then 3 A2s). So it is super important you remember everything or your application lags behind.

How long does it take for them to give offers?

Depends on uni to uni but Amsterdam got back to me within 3 months (but this was mainly because there was a hitch in their application system and so my motivation letter was in the wrong format or something)

Can I apply for Medicine in the Netherlands?

Yes you can. The Dutch have a system for medical/dentistry applicants called "Numerus Fixus" where applicants are picked out at random but this only lasts for a certain time. So you quite literally have as much chance as anyone.

Do the Dutch have a Freshers week?

Yes they do but the name differs from uni to uni. Amsterdam's freshers week is known as Intreeweek (which takes place a week after results day) and international students are put together in groups and basically let loose in Amsterdam. Video for Intreeweek is down below!

[video="youtube;axF25eO4msY"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axF25eO4msY[/video]


What are the university holidays like?

This one differs from uni to uni but generally, summer holidays are like a month and a half, Easter holidays are literally a weekend, Christmas is 2 weeks and you get Dutch National holidays off!

Can I still be cheap if I go abroad?

When in the Netherlands, Lidl will be your best friend.

Do I get financial support?

Yes. You can get a tuition fee loan from the Dutch government and if you work a 56 hour job per month, you get about 1000 Euros and discounted travel.

What about housing?

The universities work alongside landlords to provide housing for students. If you're an international student, you're guaranteed accommodation. If you apply for Amsterdam University like I did, grab the first accommodation offer you get. It's so hard to get decent housing in Amsterdam because everybody wants to live there.

What Dutch uni is basically like Oxford/Cambridge?

Funnily enough, the Dutch aren't huge fans of league tables. If you want to check out the highest ranking universities in the Netherlands, look at QS World rankings. I'm not sure about what position Amsterdam Uni is in but I know it's ranked above Durham and Bristol.



@wolfmoon88 Can you sticky this please? It'll be easier to see then :smile:


I'm tired at the moment so not that many questions are coming to mind but feel free to add on!


UPDATE- I won't be going to a Dutch uni due to personal reasons but I'm still open to questions! :smile:


If I had a friend or friends who were doing it too, I'd feel more comfortable. But being all on my own doing it.. just WOW scares me too much tbh.

I think it would be fine, but to do it alone, wouldn't do that. Too far for me.
Original post by Owain53
If I had a friend or friends who were doing it too, I'd feel more comfortable. But being all on my own doing it.. just WOW scares me too much tbh.

I think it would be fine, but to do it alone, wouldn't do that. Too far for me.


See I'd get a thrill out of doing it :tongue:
Original post by MrsSheldonCooper
See I'd get a thrill out of doing it :tongue:


I think I'd enjoy it once I actually did it and lived it though. Just that scary 1st step.
Is numerus fixus just for medicine and dentistry? I heard somewhere that it was for many courses but I'm struggling to find info on it but then again I haven't done that much research yet.
Anyone else applying for political science in 2018?
Reply 66
Original post by MrsSheldonCooper
Right so because of higher tuition fees, more students are looking at university in the Netherlands because of how much cheaper it is and because we also like to be thrown out of our comfort zone :biggrin: As I might not be on this site any longer from September onwards, I've decided to make a guide about applying to Dutch universities for any future TSRians who plan to make the first step to studying abroad.

I'm currently holding an offer from the University of Amsterdam for Linguistics so I'm open for questions about the whole applying process. I'll try to cover everything though!

How do I start?
First you look up if Dutch unis actually have your course. Some universities word the degrees a little differently but if you just google Dutch unis you'll get a whole list of universities that may potentially have your course. When you do look them up, do make sure the course is in English.

Helpful link to find courses in English in the Netherlands: http://www.eunicas.ie/

Once you've done that, you make a Studielink account. This is like the Dutch version of UCAS and if you're an international student, you register without DigiD identification. You get given a username and once you make your account, you start making your application. You can choose upto 5 Dutch universities so you make 5 different applications. In your Studielink account, you get these mini emails confirming that unis have your application and the portal links you need to fill out applications. I'd personally advise applying early because the details are a pain to fill out. You can withdraw your applications whenever you like.

What documents do I need?

You'll need a copy of your passport, a motivation letter (so this is a personal statement but much more businesslike), your GCSE grades, your AS grades and your A2 predictions. I'm not sure about other universities but Amsterdam Uni required 6 qualifications from me (so 3 GCSEs at A-C grade and then 3 A2s). So it is super important you remember everything or your application lags behind.

How long does it take for them to give offers?

Depends on uni to uni but Amsterdam got back to me within 3 months (but this was mainly because there was a hitch in their application system and so my motivation letter was in the wrong format or something)

Can I apply for Medicine in the Netherlands?

Yes you can. The Dutch have a system for medical/dentistry applicants called "Numerus Fixus" where applicants are picked out at random but this only lasts for a certain time. So you quite literally have as much chance as anyone.

Do the Dutch have a Freshers week?

Yes they do but the name differs from uni to uni. Amsterdam's freshers week is known as Intreeweek (which takes place a week after results day) and international students are put together in groups and basically let loose in Amsterdam. Video for Intreeweek is down below!

[video="youtube;axF25eO4msY"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axF25eO4msY[/video]


What are the university holidays like?

This one differs from uni to uni but generally, summer holidays are like a month and a half, Easter holidays are literally a weekend, Christmas is 2 weeks and you get Dutch National holidays off!

Can I still be cheap if I go abroad?

When in the Netherlands, Lidl will be your best friend.

Do I get financial support?

Yes. You can get a tuition fee loan from the Dutch government and if you work a 56 hour job per month, you get about 1000 Euros and discounted travel.

What about housing?

The universities work alongside landlords to provide housing for students. If you're an international student, you're guaranteed accommodation. If you apply for Amsterdam University like I did, grab the first accommodation offer you get. It's so hard to get decent housing in Amsterdam because everybody wants to live there.

What Dutch uni is basically like Oxford/Cambridge?

Funnily enough, the Dutch aren't huge fans of league tables. If you want to check out the highest ranking universities in the Netherlands, look at QS World rankings. I'm not sure about what position Amsterdam Uni is in but I know it's ranked above Durham and Bristol.



@wolfmoon88 Can you sticky this please? It'll be easier to see then :smile:


I'm tired at the moment so not that many questions are coming to mind but feel free to add on!


UPDATE- I won't be going to a Dutch uni due to personal reasons but I'm still open to questions! :smile:

I will also be applying to dutch universities and was going to use the same personal statement I used for my other unis (I'm applying to both). How exactly does motivational letter differ from a ps? could you direct me to any website etc. where I find "instruction" like on the the ucas website?
Original post by MonstrousColonel
Is numerus fixus just for medicine and dentistry? I heard somewhere that it was for many courses but I'm struggling to find info on it but then again I haven't done that much research yet.
Anyone else applying for political science in 2018?


Numerus Fixus is for programmes that are in high demand, but the labour market doesn't meet the high demand or the uni hasn't the capacity to accommodate that many students. So, the government/university set's a predetermined limit on it. Numerus Fixus is most common on programmes like medicine, dentistry, International Business Administration, Aerospace Engineering etc.
Original post by Stevenzhao
Numerus Fixus is for programmes that are in high demand, but the labour market doesn't meet the high demand or the uni hasn't the capacity to accommodate that many students. So, the government/university set's a predetermined limit on it. Numerus Fixus is most common on programmes like medicine, dentistry, International Business Administration, Aerospace Engineering etc.

Thanks!
Anyone can give me the idea... what is the chance if my IGCSE in 4 subjects is only DDEE whereas requirement is A-C in GCSE plus 2 As for entry in applied science Univ.
I plan to take my As in next year.

Please note that I am Indonesian in KSA as international student since my earlier grade.
Original post by Spidey senses
Anyone can give me the idea... what is the chance if my IGCSE in 4 subjects is only DDEE whereas requirement is A-C in GCSE plus 2 As for entry in applied science Univ.
I plan to take my As in next year.

Please note that I am Indonesian in KSA as international student since my earlier grade.


It depends on what grades you are predicted in a-levels. If they are good then you will have a chance as the Netherlands puts a high emphasis on extracurricular activities.
Is anyone applying for psychology in general or more specifically at Tilburg?
Applying at a European university sounds so exciting but I'd never be able to do it right now.
Reply 73
Original post by MrsSheldonCooper
Right so because of higher tuition fees, more students are looking at university in the Netherlands because of how much cheaper it is and because we also like to be thrown out of our comfort zone :biggrin: As I might not be on this site any longer from September onwards, I've decided to make a guide about applying to Dutch universities for any future TSRians who plan to make the first step to studying abroad.

I'm currently holding an offer from the University of Amsterdam for Linguistics so I'm open for questions about the whole applying process. I'll try to cover everything though!

How do I start?
First you look up if Dutch unis actually have your course. Some universities word the degrees a little differently but if you just google Dutch unis you'll get a whole list of universities that may potentially have your course. When you do look them up, do make sure the course is in English.

Helpful link to find courses in English in the Netherlands: http://www.eunicas.ie/

Once you've done that, you make a Studielink account. This is like the Dutch version of UCAS and if you're an international student, you register without DigiD identification. You get given a username and once you make your account, you start making your application. You can choose upto 5 Dutch universities so you make 5 different applications. In your Studielink account, you get these mini emails confirming that unis have your application and the portal links you need to fill out applications. I'd personally advise applying early because the details are a pain to fill out. You can withdraw your applications whenever you like.

What documents do I need?

You'll need a copy of your passport, a motivation letter (so this is a personal statement but much more businesslike), your GCSE grades, your AS grades and your A2 predictions. I'm not sure about other universities but Amsterdam Uni required 6 qualifications from me (so 3 GCSEs at A-C grade and then 3 A2s). So it is super important you remember everything or your application lags behind.

How long does it take for them to give offers?

Depends on uni to uni but Amsterdam got back to me within 3 months (but this was mainly because there was a hitch in their application system and so my motivation letter was in the wrong format or something)

Can I apply for Medicine in the Netherlands?

Yes you can. The Dutch have a system for medical/dentistry applicants called "Numerus Fixus" where applicants are picked out at random but this only lasts for a certain time. So you quite literally have as much chance as anyone.

Do the Dutch have a Freshers week?

Yes they do but the name differs from uni to uni. Amsterdam's freshers week is known as Intreeweek (which takes place a week after results day) and international students are put together in groups and basically let loose in Amsterdam. Video for Intreeweek is down below!

[video="youtube;axF25eO4msY"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axF25eO4msY[/video]


What are the university holidays like?

This one differs from uni to uni but generally, summer holidays are like a month and a half, Easter holidays are literally a weekend, Christmas is 2 weeks and you get Dutch National holidays off!

Can I still be cheap if I go abroad?

When in the Netherlands, Lidl will be your best friend.

Do I get financial support?

Yes. You can get a tuition fee loan from the Dutch government and if you work a 56 hour job per month, you get about 1000 Euros and discounted travel.

What about housing?

The universities work alongside landlords to provide housing for students. If you're an international student, you're guaranteed accommodation. If you apply for Amsterdam University like I did, grab the first accommodation offer you get. It's so hard to get decent housing in Amsterdam because everybody wants to live there.

What Dutch uni is basically like Oxford/Cambridge?

Funnily enough, the Dutch aren't huge fans of league tables. If you want to check out the highest ranking universities in the Netherlands, look at QS World rankings. I'm not sure about what position Amsterdam Uni is in but I know it's ranked above Durham and Bristol.



@wolfmoon88 Can you sticky this please? It'll be easier to see then :smile:


I'm tired at the moment so not that many questions are coming to mind but feel free to add on!


UPDATE- I won't be going to a Dutch uni due to personal reasons but I'm still open to questions! :smile:


Hii, i think im a little late but 🙈

As a british citizen living outside the UK (im in india right now) will i be eligible for the EU national fees of about 2000 euros? Im applying this october to university of amsterdam and a few others.
So would getting a BSc and Masters (in medicine) in the Netherlands be viewed the same as a medical degree from a UK university? I might be a lil bit late to this forum 😂
Original post by 14jessoppa
So would getting a BSc and Masters (in medicine) in the Netherlands be viewed the same as a medical degree from a UK university? I might be a lil bit late to this forum 😂
"Viewed" by whom?

I've never yet thought to ask a doctor or a nurse where they studied.

Do you think I should?
Original post by bigger niche
"Viewed" by whom?

I've never yet thought to ask a doctor or a nurse where they studied.

Do you think I should?


don’t be passive aggressive, I’m literally just asking 🙃
Original post by 14jessoppa
don’t be passive aggressive, I’m literally just asking 🙃
I'm literally just answering.

If you have ever considered asking a doctor or a nurse where they have studied or, indeed, if you haven't, you would've answered your own question.
Hi,

Thanks for making this thread.

I am going to apply for the double degree in economics and econometrics at Rotterdam. Does anyone know anything about the ERASMUS econ school?
Thank you so much for providing this information!
Just a question, Can I write the exact same thing in my personal statement (UK) and motivation letter (the Netherlands)? Cuz I am really afraid of being considered as plagiarism.

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