Looking for global outlook and international orientation? Take the Dutch route
Thiruvananthapuram: The Netherlands is the first non-English speaking country where universities started to design higher education study programmes in English to accommodate students coming from abroad. TMS Kutty, CEO, of Campus India, a career consultant told Deccan Chronicle that Dutch universities offered English-taught undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programmes, as well as short and preparatory courses since the middle of last century.
Education in that country met all international standards and was well-reputed worldwide, said Mr Kutty. A diploma from a Dutch university provided an opportunity to start one’s own business and could be very useful in terms of having a successful career in any country of the world, Mr Kutty said.
The Dutch educational system is interactive and focuses on teamwork, helping international students meet one another. During their studies in Holland, students become open minded specialists with a global outlook and an international orientation.
The Netherlands has also received international acclaim for its groundbreaking Problem-Based Learning educational system where students are trained to analyse and solve practical problems and to develop their own professional individuality.
When Dutch universities need to select candidates for a programme or scholarship, they often do it in their own creative way, for example, through business games. The tuition fees and other expenses for those who come to study in Holland are relatively low compared to other European countries. For students from the EU, the annual tuition fee for a degree programme or course at a Dutch university starts from Rs 1,906. While for non-EU students, it may vary from Rs 5,800 to Rs 20,000 a year.
In addition, many Dutch universities offer grants and scholarships that can reduce or fully cover the tuition fees of study programmes. Students that apply from non-native English speaking countries must also prove their proficiency in English by passing a TOEFL or IELTS test. These tests are held fairly frequently at many institutions worldwide and can be registered for throughout the year. “The results from your test must be recent in order to be valid (generally within the past two to three years)”, said Mr Kutty.
If your English language skills are not enough to apply directly to the degree programme of your choice, you can apply for a preparatory course. Many universities in The Netherlands offer such courses that not only improve English proficiency to an academic level, but also help students to adapt to living and studying in the country.
Moreover, some universities provide students their prep courses with guaranteed scholarships for further education. “One thing to remember is that you still need to pass an English language exam and send its results to the admission office when applying for the preparatory course", Mr Kutty said.
Proof of finances is also required while seeking admission in the country. This can be provided via a bank statement on an internationally reputable bank’s official letterhead. "If your study is being sponsored by someone else, such as your parents, a written statement must also be included by the sponsor that specifies the amount and duration of the sponsorship, he added.
Students coming to study in Holland from India will require resident permit in order to stay in the country for longer than three months. As of June 1, 2013 when the Modern Migration Policy came into effect in The Netherlands, non-EU students are able to apply for both the regular provisional residence permit (MVV) and the regular resident permit (VVR) at the same time via the Entry and Residence Procedure (TEV).
The TEV procedure is a joint effort between the student and the sponsoring higher educational institution. “The student will provide their university with the required information and documents and the school will then apply to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) for the student,” Mr Kutty said.
