Higher Education in Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the countries that have made higher education free for students. This is applicable to both Dutch students and international students; however, there may be exceptions. 

In the Netherlands, higher education is divided into two categories- academic education and professional education. Academic education mainly involves research-oriented programs and leads to a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree. Professional education, on the other hand, concentrates on practical vocational training concerning specific job areas. 

Academic education in the Netherlands is offered by research universities, universities of applied sciences, and institutes for international education. Research universities offer mainly Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD degrees while universities of applied sciences mostly offer professional education. Institutes for international education focus on providing courses that are specifically aimed at international students.

As mentioned earlier, higher education in the Netherlands is free for both Dutch and international students. This, however, may not be applicable in some cases. For instance, if an international student is from a country outside the European Union, then they will be required to pay tuition fees just like Dutch students who do not meet the criteria for free education. The same applies to Dutch students who exceed the maximum number of years allowed to study.

The tuition fees for academic education in the Netherlands have a set price. For the academic year 2021/2022, the tuition fees amount to €2,168 for students taking undergraduate degrees in the Netherlands. For students taking graduate programs, the tuition fees average around €2,168 to €13,741. This cost may, however, be higher or lower based on the course and institution. 

In addition to tuition fees, students may also be required to pay for books, course materials, and insurance. The total amount spent on these additional expenses is substantially lower than the tuition fees. 

Students who meet the criteria for student financing may be eligible for student loans from the Dutch government. The student financing scheme provides students with a monthly allowance to cover their living expenses. This allowance is intended to be paid back to the government in the future. The amount received through this financing can also be used to cover tuition fees.

In terms of scholarships, the Netherlands offers several options for international students. There are different types of scholarships available, varying from organization scholarships to government scholarships. Scholarships are often awarded based on academic merit and financial needs. International students are encouraged to visit their respective institution's websites and the Dutch embassy in their country to find out more about available scholarships and eligibility criteria.

Overall, studying in the Netherlands is an excellent opportunity for students seeking higher education abroad. The country offers a broad range of courses taught in English that cater to various areas of interest. And, the fact that tuition fees are generally free is a significant perk.