Capital: Amsterdam

Background: The Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed in 1815. In 1830 Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I, but suffered invasion and occupation by Germany in World War II. A modern, industrialized nation, the Netherlands is also a large exporter of agricultural products. The country was a founding member of NATO and the EC (now the EU), and participated in the introduction of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) in 1999.

Higher Education: Holland was the first non-English-speaking country to offer courses taught in English. The Dutch higher education institutions together offer about 1,150 international study programmes and courses which are taught entirely in English. This makes Holland the front-runner in continental Europe. The education system is interactive and focuses on teamwork, which makes it easy to meet other international students. By studying in Holland you will develop an open mind and increase your international orientation.

Higher education in Holland enjoys a worldwide reputation for its high quality. This is achieved through a national system of regulation and quality assurance

Experience shows that people who have studied at a Dutch institution of higher education perform very well in other parts of the world. Dutch higher education is world leading in areas like business administration, agricultural studies, civil engineering, medicine, remote sensing and, arts & design.

The high quality of the research and the dissertations that are defended in Holland does place it in the very top ranks. In fact, Dutch international scientific research is leading in Continental Europe. Holland occupies the fifth place in the world raking of numbers of publications per capita.

Once you arrive in Holland, you'll discover that many European capitals are within easy reach. Brussels is two hours by train, and a short flight form Amsterdam will take you to Paris, Madrid or Berlin. The Dutch universities are an ideal starting point for study tours and exchanges with other European countries. The result of all of this is that Holland is a place where knowledge, ideas and cultures from all over the world come together.

The higher education institutions are spread throughout the country and very few of them have campuses. The buildings of a single university might even be scattered throughout a city. Nevertheless, there certainly is a student culture. Around each institution, a network of associations brings students together for study-related activities, sports and recreation. These associations are run by students and some are internationally oriented. Students also have their favourite pubs, restaurants and other meeting places. In general, we can say that the Dutch higher education community seeks to be part of society and not isolated from it.

Higher education institutions in Holland offer about 1,150 international study programmes and courses which are taught in English. These programmes cover a broad range of fields. Curricula are intensive, at an advanced level, practically-oriented, and designed to meet the expectations of students seeking specialized knowledge. The courses alternate theory with practice in real or simulated work situations. Most study programmes and courses lead to a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, a PhD degree, a diploma or certificate.

Holland has a broad number of disciplines in which it has a leading role. The ones that are particularly well known around the world are: