Dutch Universities - Part 2
When it comes to university applications, students are increasingly casting a wider net, broadening their academic horizons from Asia to Europe and beyond. One international option for students who are drawn to the American style of learning is Dutch universities. In the Netherlands, there are three main types of universities: research universities, universities of applied sciences, and university colleges. Research universities offer academically rigorous 3-year courses that can lead to graduate studies. Universities of applied sciences offer 4-year programmes that emphasise professional experience by including 1-year industry placements and study abroad as part of the course. And university colleges resemble US universities in that they offer a broad-based liberal arts education and typically have small, residential campuses. To find out more general info about Dutch universities, including university colleges, you can read our previous blog on the topic here .
This blog explores the offerings at two university colleges -- University College Utrecht and University College Roosevelt – and a research university, Eindhoven University of Technology .
University College Utrecht
University College Utrecht, part of Utrecht University, was the first University College founded in the Netherlands (in 1998). It is a small institution of 750 students (50% international, with over 70 nationalities represented), offering a liberal arts and sciences curriculum with courses in 23 academic fields in humanities, science and social science. The college is residential and guarantees on-campus housing.
Academics
The small size of the college lends itself to small classes, which have an average of 20 students, and a maximum of 28. Just as in the US system, the first year at UCU enables students to explore a broad range of courses, then students declare their multidisciplinary major (main course of study) in the second year or later.
UCU is an Honours College, with a heavy workload, so students will need to be committed and develop strong time- and project-management skills. But the college also allows students a good deal of flexibility: they compose their own curricula by combining subjects. Students need to study at least two subjects in depth, and they can combine whatever fields they want to combine from those that are on offer. Common combinations are: political science, history and law; physics, maths and economics; cognitive neuroscience, psychology and linguistics, and many more. Students can take at most 25% of their classes in one academic field. Students have personal tutors, who are also teachers at the college; these scholars are specialists in one academic field, but they possess strong interests in various fields of study. UCU looks for students who are proactive, reflective, and adept at making choices about their academic path.
Academic opportunities at UCU include a cultural heritage programme—featuring museum studies with internships in local and global museums—and double degrees in Dutch Law and in Physics. The college offers over 150 exchange partner universities worldwide as students can also take advantage of Utrecht University’s partner institutions, which include exchanges with the Universities of California schools (with 40 places available).
How to apply
Students who are a good fit at UCU are typically strong academically, with a genuine curiosity across various subjects. Unlike colleges within the highly competitive US admissions landscape, UCU offers clear grade requirements for admission, providing a more transparent path for applicants: a 32 on the IB (without bonus points; no subject requirements), or three A-Levels (minimum AAB in academic subjects).
UCU also requires a Statement of Academic Motivation (300-500 words). The application deadlines are 1 December for the Early round, and 1 February for the Regular round.
Like US universities, UCU also considers the contribution applicants would make to the overall university community. Admissions officers will be looking for students who are not only academic, but also socially engaged and keen to contribute to the college’s community. Good-fit students should also be curious and motivated, not only academically, but also personally. They should also be drawn to UCU’s diverse environment, open to meeting lots of people and engaging with a range of perspectives.
Fees
● Fees are €5398/year for EU/EEA students, and €16,484/year for international students
● Housing and campus fees are €8231/year for everyone
● Option to pay fees in instalments. International students must cover their first-year fees up front to obtain the study visa.
● If students take part in exchange programmes, they pay Dutch fees for their time abroad
● Fee-free summer courses are offered.
Financial aid
● Dutch students and sometimes students from the EEA (European Economic Area) are eligible for student grants (Basisbeurs)
● Students from the EEA can access higher tuition fee loans (DUO). If EU students work 32 hours per month , they are entitled to the Dutch student grants.
● Access to financial help: student aid fund, student jobs.
University College Roosevelt
University College Roosevelt , also a part of Utrecht University, is located on a beautiful campus in Middelburg’s city centre, and hosts 500 students (including 60 nationalities) and 50 faculty/staff. The campus is residential (with guaranteed housing), and all students live there throughout their time at the college.
Academics
The study program at UCR is three years. Each year is made up of two semesters, during which students take four courses each. Over time, this means students will take 24 different courses. With the exception of the mandatory first year Personal & Professional Development course aimed at helping students transition from high school to university and to develop their skill set, they choose which courses they want to take.
At the end of the degree, and depending on their course choices, students graduate with a BA or a BSc in Liberal Arts & Sciences with an interdisciplinary major, or a major in one of the clusters: Business & Entrepreneurship, Data Science & Intelligent Systems, Environment & Sustainability, Government & Society, Health, Cognition & Behavior, or Media, Culture & Communication.
Admission
For admission, applicants need a 30/42 on the IB, or all B’s at A-Level. As part of the application, grades, a letter of motivation, one to three letters of recommendation, proof of English proficiency, and an online assessment are required. This online assessment serves to ‘fill in the blanks’ of the letter of motivation, providing a more complete impression of the applicant. Applications for Autumn entry are open from 1 October to 1 March (if applying for financial aid), 1 April (non-EU applicants), or 1 May (EU applicants), and for Spring entry are open mid-July to 15 Sept (if applying for financial aid), 1 Oct (non-EU applicants) or 1 Nov (EU applicants).
Fees and Financial Aid
● Fees for students from the EEA, Switzerland, and Suriname are €4845. For international students, it’s €11460. Students pay rent of roughly 400 euros per month.
● There are scholarships, financial aid, grants, and other financial aid opportunities, for which you can view more information here.
Eindhoven University of Technology
Eindhoven University of Technology is located in the centre of Eindhoven, a vibrant student city with a dynamic start-up scene. Eindhoven is called the City of Light, as it’s in the same location as Philips and a former match factory. It’s also in the Brainport region, which is home to lots of IT and tech companies like ASML (which creates microchips and semiconductors), and known for innovation, inventions, and patents.
Eindhoven University of Technology is a specialised research university, focusing on engineering, science, and technology, with a population of 8258 undergraduate students and around 5000 graduate (with a 63/37% split between Dutch and international). Although larger than the two universities discussed previously, the university still has a small-scale feel, and offers close contact with professors and staff. It’s well-respected and highly ranked: 103rd in the QS World University Rankings.
Student life is thriving, with the university offering support and services. There is a vibrant social scene that is very student-led, with an ice rink for use in winter, student bands, and more. The Innovation Space is a hub for entrepreneurship, offering a space for communication and collaboration between students, businesses, and researchers. Services offered by the university include a housing service, immigration service, welcome day / bachelor intro week, free language courses, the Cosmos international student organisation, laptop discounts, and support during studies.
Academics
Undergraduate degrees are offered in maths; physics; automotive technology; chemical engineering and chemistry; data science; engineering; industrial design; and psychology and technology. Additionally, there are selection programmes which operate on a numerus fixus basis, meaning there are limited slots available: computer science and engineering; architecture, urbanism, and building sciences; and mechanical engineering. It also has great outcomes: more than 88% of graduates find a job two years after graduation.
Admission and Fees
For admission, there are no minimum grades, but all programmes require Maths at A-Level or IB. As part of the application, students must submit transcripts, proof of English proficiency, a CV, and a copy of passport. The process takes a maximum of six weeks. Fees are €2694 for EU students, and €18600 for non-EU; living expenses are between €1000-€1700 monthly.
To view a roadmap of requirements for a desired programme, the university offers a helpful Admission Wizard tool, which can be accessed here.
Dutch universities offer a fantastic alternative for UK students seeking a globally-minded, flexible, and often more affordable higher education experience with a familiar US-style academic structure. Considering this exciting path? We're here to help. Our team specializes in guiding UK students through the complexities of international applications, including navigating the nuances of Dutch university admissions and finding the perfect fit for your academic aspirations. To find out more about Dutch, US, and other global applications and how we can help, book a free call now at www.ueseducation.com/free-call.