The Netherlands has become a very popular choice for higher education among Bulgarian students in the last few years, and there are many reasons for this. There are 13 classical universities in the Netherlands, all of which are in the world rankings for best universities, and 40 universities of applied sciences that offer vocationally oriented education. Dutch education is truly world-class, and Bulgarian students pay much lower fees, subsidized by the Dutch government, than those in Great Britain and the United States. Education in bachelor's programs lasts 3-4 years, and in master's programs - 1-2 years.
How much does studying in the Netherlands cost?
The fee for the academic year 2019/2020 is €1041 for all freshmen and €2083 for all others. All Bulgarian prospective students can benefit from a student loan that covers the entire tuition fee, has a very low interest rate (under 1%) and can be repaid within 15 years after graduation.
Scholarships for working students
All Bulgarian students can also benefit from the Dutch government scholarship for working students. This is a monthly allowance equal to €396.39 and can be applied for by students working a minimum of 56 hours per month (14 hours per week or 2 working days). The minimum wage in the Netherlands is around €8-9 per hour. By combining their salary and the scholarship, many Bulgarian students manage to support themselves independently, without help from their parents. This is one of the main reasons why many Bulgarian prospective students choose to study in the Netherlands.
Why choose to study in the Netherlands?
- Innovative teaching methods. Teaching methods in the Netherlands are radically different from Bulgarian universities. Many of the teachers work in the field in which they teach and are not just academics in the profession. They can teach you many things from their personal experience that you cannot read in any textbook. Also, there is a lot of emphasis on discussions during lectures where everyone can contribute their opinion. In the Netherlands, teaching is not done according to the model "the teacher shows and we copy", and students are encouraged to think independently and come up with creative solutions. Very often, Bulgarian students find it difficult to understand some assignments, but this is due to the fact that they studied in a school with a radically different system. Developing your own methodology and way of solving the assignment is part of the learning process in the Netherlands.
- Quality education and world-renowned universities. The quality of higher education in the Netherlands is constantly monitored by the NVAO - the Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organization, which also ensures that diplomas in the Netherlands are recognized worldwide. Read our blog article on this topic.
- Huge amount of programs in English. In the Netherlands, there are around 2,100 bachelor's, master's and postgraduate programs in English. 95% of the population of the Netherlands speaks English and therefore this environment is very accessible to Bulgarian students.
- The Netherlands is one of the safest countries in the world, and every year the Dutch are among the top ten happiest nations in the world. The standard of living is very high, the infrastructure and transport are very well arranged in the country, unemployment is low - about 3.5%, and those working in the country can benefit from a number of social benefits.
- Excellent career opportunities. With a diploma from the Netherlands you can work anywhere in the world, and in the Netherlands itself there are many jobs for graduated professionals. It is the 18th largest economy in the world, the mother of such multinational companies as Philips, Heineken, KLM, Shell, ING, Unilever and many others. One of the reasons for the internationalization of Dutch education is actually the constant need for a fresh influx of talented personnel.
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Ways to apply
In the Netherlands, the application is based on documents. In some cases, you will get an additional assignment or a Skype interview, but in a very small part of the programs. Check with Study Buddy about the requirements for your chosen program. Learn more about Study Buddy's Netherlands application services.
Application deadlines
Deadlines differ for each university and program, so it's best to check with Study Buddy.
Health insurance in the Netherlands
The European Health Insurance Card is valid in the Netherlands. As a Bulgarian student in an EU member state, you have the opportunity to benefit from free health insurance. Using the services of Study Buddy, you will get more information about this.
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Sample costs of living in the Netherlands are:
Cost Price Student Room Rent €300-500 Dining in an inexpensive restaurant €15 Bread in a supermarket €1.2 Milk 1l in a supermarket €0.93 Package of eggs 12 pcs in a supermarket €2.5 Public transport ticket €3 -
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Which one is better?
The universities are the classic universities that have an academic focus. Universities of applied sciences are institutions of professional education, comparable to American colleges or polytechnics. There is much debate about which of the two types of educational institutions is better, but there is no definite answer to this question.
For some programs it is better to be studied in universities and others in universities of applied sciences. A degree from a university of applied sciences is not equivalent to a university degree. With a degree from a university of applied sciences, you will have to do a preparatory year before your master's degree. Globally, classical universities are more famous and prestigious because of the rankings in which they appear than universities of applied sciences.
The fact that only theory is taught in universities and only practice in applied sciences is not the case. In the universities, there are also practical assignments and opportunities for internships, collaborations with companies from the industry. In universities of applied sciences, theory is also read, but in a much smaller volume than universities.
It is important to be sure that you have chosen the best program for you, regardless of which of the two types of universities. Study Buddy is an independent consultant and does not work for any university and therefore we work in the interest of the student and not the university to which we have to bring certain numbers of students. Therefore, you can trust that our opinion is not influenced by our partnership with any university and that you will receive a truly professional consultation.
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