Master Degrees in the Netherlands 2017/2018 (Part 2)

Tuition, length of program and academic year

The tuition fee for an EU student is around € 1,800 to € 12,000 a year, depending on the type of program and the school. Rates for non-European students are around € 8,000 to € 20,000 per year. Although the curricula of all Dutch masters offer excellent value, the Dutch are particularly known for their expertise in renewable energies, management of the water, and Art & Design.

A master-driven research program requires 60-120 credit hours, which takes 1-2 years to complete. Engineering, agriculture, mathematics and science all require 120 credit-hour / 2-year programs. Research degrees are awarded either as a Master of Science or a Master of Arts.

Applied arts and science degrees also require 60-120 credit hours, depending on the academic discipline. The degree awarded is specific to the academic specialty, such as a master's degree in architecture.

A credit hour usually takes 28 hours to complete, and the school year is 42 weeks. A full-time student usually ends with 60 credit hours in a school year. The academic year normally consists of two semesters, with the autumn semester running from September to January or February and the current spring semester run from February to June.

Visa requirements and work permits

EU students do not need a visa, but must be registered with the Dutch immigration authorities (IND) by their host institution and inform their local council. Students from non-EU countries must have a residence permit that is valid for 12 months and can be extended. The host institution must apply for this permit after the student arrives.

Health Insurance

All foreign students must have some sort of health insurance, which can be provided by their home country. However, anyone who becomes an employee in the Netherlands should register for the Dutch public health insurance. Work permits are not necessary for students from EU countries, but are necessary for other international students.

Advice

Top universities in the Netherlands are very competitive, so future students should check the admission requirements early to make sure they are eligible. English language programs require students from countries where English is not native to demonstrate proficiency through the TOEFL or other accredited English test.