7 reasons to study in Amsterdam

1.       High-quality education

The overall quality of Dutch higher education is among the best in the world. Dutch universities are acknowledged worldwide for their well-designed, modern courses and facilities. Most students study at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam), or the University of Amsterdam (UvA).

2.       Studying is affordable

Studying in the Netherlands is subsidized by the government and tuition fees are relatively low. Universities charge smaller fees for EU students compared to non-EU students.

Many Dutch universities offer grants and scholarships that reduce or fully cover the tuition fees of study programs. Scholarships for international students are the Holland Scholarships and the Erasmus program. 

3.       Almost everybody speaks English

English is commonly spoken in Amsterdam. Just like Lin Yuan mentioned in this article. This makes it easy to find your way around and to interact with people at the university, at train stations, in the supermarket, and government buildings. Nevertheless, Dutch people love it if you try to pick up the basics of the language. You can do so by doing a Dutch language course that a lot of universities in Amsterdam offer. 

However, we do understand that Dutch is a difficult language. That’s why the language of most programs, especially for Master's and Ph.D. programs, is English. Dutch universities offer more than 2,000 English-taught programs. That is the highest number in continental Europe! 

4.       A great place to start your career

Amsterdam is the financial and business center of The Netherlands and is home to more than 2,700 international companies. Dutch employers are very welcoming to international graduates. If you can get a post-study work visa after you graduate you’ll have a year to find work in the Netherlands. When you find a job, you are free to stay and work here as long as you like. 

Over 800 companies are based in the Zuidas, Amsterdam’s main business district. Here you’ll find companies like Boston Consulting, ABN AMRO, Rabobank, Akzo Nobel, Google and Accenture. If you plan to do an internship at one of these companies, Student Experience Amsterdam Zuidas is a great place to live.  

5.       Big international community

Students come from all over the world to study in The Netherlands and you’ll be meeting all types of people. Dutch society itself is diverse and inclusive. It is strongly connected to other cultures, the business community, and the world. Dutch people are open-minded and direct. This makes it easy to meet them and exchange ideas.

6.       Great location for traveling

Traveling from Amsterdam to other cities in the Netherlands is easy. Big cities like Utrecht, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Den Bosch and Haarlem are less than an hour away.

The Netherlands is centrally located in Europe and Amsterdam is very close to Schiphol International Airport. This makes it the perfect location for exploring Europe. You can easily fly from Amsterdam to Paris, Berlin, Brussels, or London. 

7.       You won’t have time to get bored

There is lots to see and do in Amsterdam. Do you like music festivals? Besides the world-famous and city-wide Amsterdam Dance Event, the city is a dance music Walhalla year-round. Prefer to dive into Amsterdam's rich cultural heritage? Go see ‘The Night Watch’ at the Rijksmuseum, the replica VOC ship outside the Dutch Maritime Museum (het Scheepsvaartmuseum), or the Anne Frank House. Exploring the markets in Amsterdam is also a great way to spend time. Wander around the Albert Cuyp Market and try a delicious stroopwafel! Buy flowers at the daily flower market (Bloemenmarkt) or check out Amsterdams largest daily flea market on Waterlooplein to pick up vintage clothing and antiques. You'll find your student card will get your student discounts at museums, attractions, cafes, and even hairdressers!