The Netherlands today is among the world's most modern and advanced countries and Dutch society increasingly specializes in advanced forms of knowledge-based services and industry.
 
MTEC scholarships
The Dutch language

See also International courses

The Netherlands is an ideal gateway to Europe. The Dutch people are internationally oriented and nearly everyone speaks English as a second language.

The number of English-language study programmes offered by Dutch institutions of higher education is set to rise this year to 1300. The Netherlands will thus retain its position as the biggest provider of English-language higher education in continental Europe. The increase in the number of courses is a response to the growing interest among students throughout the world in Dutch degrees and diplomas.

The 1300 courses cover the entire spectrum of university and higher professional education, from music and economics to geoinformation and business studies, and from social sciences to biotechnology. Many courses lead to a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Dutch higher education also offers a large number of highly specialized short courses designed for highly educated specialists.

The number of foreign students in the Netherlands has been on the increase for many years, and is currently approaching fifty thousand. The number of foreign researchers studying for a PhD at a Dutch university is also rising, particularly in science faculties. The Netherlands has over half a million students, out of a total population of sixteen million. The economy is becoming more and more dependent on knowledge, and the country is investing a great deal in creating an advanced education and research system. Recruiting talented foreign students and promoting international academic collaboration are essential elements of the country’s knowledge policy.

In the field of education, research, science and technology, the Netherlands for many years has put great effort into maintaining its strong position. Moreover, the Netherlands strives to make its science and education accesible to students from abroad. Students and scholars seeking to expand and deepen their knowledge are very welcome in the Netherlands.

The quality of the courses on offer is guaranteed by the International Students in Higher Education Code of Conduct, whereby signatory institutions undertake certain commitments regarding the standard of the education itself and the support students will receive in the Netherlands. Institutions must sign the code in order to participate in Nuffic’s Study in Holland campaign, commissioned by the Dutch government to promote studying in the Netherlands. Only students who register with a participating institution will be granted a residence permit to study here.

MTEC scholarships

Also this year the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers the possibility of participation in a Matra Training for European Cooperation (MTEC), one of its instruments under the Dutch MATRA assistance programme. For more info, see the item in the news secion MTEC scholarships open to Jordan.

The Dutch language

Dutch is a beautiful language, not only spoken in the Netherlands but also in a part of Belgium. If you are interested in learning Dutch, we suggest the following websites for more information:

 An overview on language sites in the Netherlands
 Online course
 Dutch for travellers