Admission Requirement
Every university in the Netherlands offers excellent educational facilities. However, each institution sets its own admission requirements. Its official website lists the programs available and requisites for admission to each one. Alternatively, you may contact the international office of each establishment to gain answers to your queries.
At the outset, you will need to be in possession of relevant certificates for each course. For entry into a bachelor's program, you will need documents displaying your performance in high school examinations. If you are interested in acquiring a master's degree, you will need to have a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree diploma in hand. If you are a post-graduate with a suitable degree/diploma, you will be able to apply for doctoral studies.
Sometimes, an organization may request help from EP-Nuffic for evaluating your diploma, if you own that instead of a degree. EP-Nuffic refers to National Academic Recognition Information Center for Holland (NARIC). EP-Nuffic will have to submit an evaluation in writing. Alternatively, the university may consult the website offering information on foreign education systems.
Your chosen establishment ranks your certificates, in alignment with your grade point average. A score of eight or above ensures that you will be automatically registered into the program of your choice. Otherwise, you will have to participate in other tests to gain entry. After all this, if you still fail to gain admission, you may prepare better and re-apply the following year.
How good do they expect your command over the medium of instruction, that is, English, to be?
Well, your TOEFL score must be 213 (computer based), 79-80 (Internet based) or 550 (paper based). IELTS score must be around 6 or higher. GMAT/GRE scores must range between 7 and 7.5 for a foreign diploma. Several establishments expect your command over the language to be equivalent to B1/B2, similar to the European Language Passport scale.
If Dutch is to be your medium of instruction, you will have to demonstrate your mastery over the language. Towards this end, you will have to show the results obtained in certain tests. These tests include Certificate of Dutch as a foreign language, Dutch as a second language (NT2), PTHO or PAT. Your establishment will let you know what it requires.
Finally, you will have to obtain a residence permit to stay in the country for the duration of your studies. This is essential for non-EU/EEA students and non-Swiss students.
How to apply at university
The majority of Holland's universities prefer you to apply via Studielink, an online center for submitting applications. A few courses may request you to approach the specific institution directly. Therefore, before going over to Studielink, browse the establishment's web pages for relevant information. You will be able to check deadlines too.
To begin with, let your selected university know that you will be submitting an application via Studielink. You never know, the institution may desire slightly different information from the one asked for on Studielink. Do go through all the FAQs and information presented on this website, prior to applying. In case, you are stuck somewhere, request help through telephone or email.
Create an account at Studielink. Next, log in and enter your personal details. Alternatively, you may use Studielink login details to enter your specific establishment's website. When you are through with filling in your personal details, opt for 'new enrollment application'.
You will need to provide a verification code for proceeding further. The university may provide you one, or Studielink may send emails with relevant instructions. This code is necessary because you are a foreigner without a registered address in the Netherlands. Unlike you, legitimate residents in Holland possess a DigiD.
The enrollment form requests details about your previous education. Every bit of information will be double-checked. The university may ask you to send in photocopies of your diplomas, degrees, grades, etc. Otherwise, it may check the General Register of Student Numbers. This Register provides exam data related to specified geographical locations.
Your university would like to know how you intend to pay for your studies. You will have to enter all relevant details regarding tuition fees into your application form. Studielink will pass on these details to your chosen establishment for higher education. It is compulsory to clear your dues before the enrollment process is completed.
Keep your university informed about your past/present applications for student loans, grants or scholarships. You will have to take care of the monetary arrangements yourself. The institution is not going to do that for you. It would be wise to tackle your financial situation beforehand, and not leave it until the last minute.
Keep checking the status of your submitted application regularly. Go through the informational brochure. Browse the institution's website to see if further admission steps are required. If you are accepted, the establishment will forward you a notification of acceptancea