Erasmus in the Netherlands: Cities, Education, Study Requirements, Activities, Housing and Universities

Popular Erasmus Cities in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is home to several cities that are popular destinations for an Erasmus student. Amsterdam, the capital, is known for its vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere. With its iconic canals, world-class museums and diverse cultural scene, it’s a favourite destination. Rotterdam, on the other hand, stands out for its modern architecture and innovative approach. The city was reborn after World War II and is now a dynamic urban centre with a young and enterprising energy. Utrecht, with its historic charm and student atmosphere, is another popular choice. Its medieval centre and numerous cafes and bars make it an attractive place for students looking for an authentic Dutch experience. Maastricht, located in the far south of the country, is known for its international atmosphere and innovative approach to education, and Groningen, in the north of the country, offers a lively atmosphere in a historic enclave.

AMSTERDAM Are you looking for student accommodation in Amsterdam? Start your search as soon as possible and pay close attention to our tips. Here’s everything you need to know: details about the available apartments and rooms, the best locations to look for housing, availability of student residences, and answers to frequently asked questions. Amsterdam is one of the

ROTTERDAM Are you looking for accommodation in Rotterdam? Many students and young professionals move to this Dutch city every year and look for furnished, affordable accommodation close to the university or workplace. A great thing about Rotterdam is that most available accommodations are within 15 minutes or less of the university. Some say that finding a room or apa

THE HAGUE Do you want to study in a Dutch city with a vibrant youth scene, nature, and a nearby beach? The Hague might be the perfect place for you. Just keep in mind that the cost of living can be a bit higher than in Amsterdam, except for student room and flat rentals. In this article, we’ll tell you about the best options and other details about student accommodati

UTRECHT Utrecht, located in the Netherlands, is becoming a popular city for students and young professionals wanting to spend some time abroad. Many wonder, “How much does it cost to live in Utrecht as a student?” and “What’s the best way to find apartments in Utrecht?” To help you out, we’ve created this guide detailing the different accommodation options in Utrech

Study in the Netherlands: a guide for international students

Basic requirements for international students in the Netherlands

You have to submit a letter of motivation, a transcript of your records and fill out the Learning Agreement to select the subjects you want to take.
When it comes to visas or residence permits, it depends on the country you come from. For example, if you belong to an EU member country you don't need to apply for anything. If you have a Schengen residence permit or you are a citizen of some countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada or the United Kingdom (among others), you can apply for a VVR residence permit. Finally, if you’re a citizen of countries that are not part of the EU and are not covered by the above residence permit, you’ll need to apply for an MMV visa in addition to the residence VVR permit.
Whatever your origin, if your stay is going to exceed four months in duration, you have to register as a resident with the municipality. After doing this, you’re going to receive a Citizen Service Number (burgerservicenummer, BSN) which is useful for opening a bank account, visiting the doctor and other services.
To apply for the permits and visas named above, you have to present documents such as a criminal record certificate and proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.
It’s necessary to have health insurance covering the entire period of the exchange. EU students can carry the European Health Insurance Card.
If you have to apply for a residence permit, you need to take out liability insurance.
We recommend opening an account with a Dutch bank. Credit cards are not accepted everywhere, so you may want to use the free debit card they’ll give you with the local account.

Why study in the Netherlands?

First of all, the Dutch educational system is recognized for its high quality and focus on practical learning, which gives a unique and valuable perspective on its fields of study. In addition, the diversity of courses taught in English also gives the possibility to practice that language daily.

If you’re looking for a destination where you can enjoy some partying, you should know that the Netherlands is one of the best! Not only does it have various nightclubs and bars in its different cities, but it has plenty of celebrations throughout the year that are multitudinous. One of the favourites for the "oranje" (the Dutch) is King's Day on April 17, but there are also other highlights, such as Carnival and Pride.

Gastronomy is another strong point of the country, in which the different cheeses stand out. You also have to try other specialities, such as the "stroopwafels", the "poffertjes", the "bitterballen" and the fish locals love, the "herring".

Best things to do in the Netherlands as a student

The country is quite small, which gives you the possibility to visit as much as possible. Therefore, in addition to taking the opportunity to travel to other nearby countries, we recommend that you tour the Netherlands and its regions as much as possible. Here are some of its highlights:

Located in the western part of the country, North Holland and South Holland are the most densely populated and urbanized provinces. They include major cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. The region is known for its rich history, outstanding museums and lively urban life.

The geographical heart of the Netherlands, Utrecht, is famous for its historic city centre, dominated by the Dom tower and crisscrossed by picturesque canals. The city is also an important educational centre and has a vibrant student atmosphere.

In the far south, Limburg has a slightly different culture and shares a border with Belgium and Germany. It offers hilly landscapes, historic cities such as Maastricht and a rich culinary tradition.

North Brabant, in the south of the country, offers a mix of historic cities, such as Bolduque and Breda, and charming rural landscapes. The region is known for its gastronomy and cultural festivals and is also home to the famous city of Eindhoven.

Located in the southwest, Zeeland is known for its extensive beaches, dikes and delta. The region has great historical significance due to flooding and waterworks. Here you can also find some tulip fields!