Hallo, Welkom! Spreekt u Nederlands? Probably this is the first word you will get to hear when you reach the land of tulip fields – the Netherlands. Official language of the Netherlands, the Dutch has always been a fascinating language. The history and rich cultural heritage of the Dutch since history linger in our minds, and we have witnessed their sheer knowledge and creativity. Starting with the Dutch East India Company; developing mints, introducing tea commercially to Europe in 1610, and many more, were some of the significant outcomes of the Dutch rule. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, the father of microbiology, was born in the Netherlands – many such eminent personalities, including some great artists like van Gogh, were born in the country.
The Netherlands was the world’s 18th largest economy in 2012, according to the World Bank. The country is known for its potential wind energy resources, large agricultural harvests (agricultural land = 55.1%) , adherence to fossil fuels and natural resources, renewable water resources in most parts (91 cu Km, 2011) and generating enormous foreign trade, with Rotterdam serving as the biggest port city.
There are plenty of reasons to study in Holland – from picturesque locations attracting tourists from all over the world to low study costs. Holland offers best possible study options at affordable costs that involve funding from the government. Universities in Holland provide world-class facilities, and every year thousands of international students migrate to Holland for a Dutch-style education.
International Foundation Year is a popular pathways programme
This is a one-year programme, supervised by the Holland International Study Centre (ISC), starting from September 2016. Students can pursue the programme either at Amsterdam or Groningen centre of Holland ISC. It is a pathways programme to help students gain admission to reputed partner universities of ISC Holland, for an undergraduate degree. The degree is granted on two foundation courses – Business & Management and Science & Engineering. Students can choose the course and study location based on their performance.
- For Business & Management Foundation – Mathematics is mandatory. (For business students without Mathematics – Statistics, Algebra, Calculus, Accounting and Economics are acceptable).
- Science & Engineering Foundation – Mathematics and Science are prerequisites.
Reports suggest that studying in Holland can save you nearly 40,000 Euros compared with the USA. Moreover, with flexible visa rules and paid internships and chances of becoming a permanent resident after 5 years of employment, students find it economical to study in the country. Post-study work opportunities are more, with globally reputed companies like Unilever, Philips and Shell.
Students can gain entry to any of the following partner universities of ISC, after successfully completing the programme:
The Hague University of Applied Sciences
Hanze University of Applied Sciences
University of Groningen
Tilburg University
University of Twente
Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences
Aim of the programme
It is a three-term programme (September–July) and requires an entry-level IELTS score of minimum 5.0 overall.
The programme is mainly targeted to improve your English language skill sets (target exit-level IELTS score of 6.0), give you an in-depth knowledge and understanding about the various undergraduate degrees offered by the partner institutions and help you expand your knowledge of Mathematics, Economics and Science, putting the process of your enrolment to the partner universities at ease.
Prerequisites for the programme
- A Higher Secondary School Certificate/ Intermediate Examination Certificate/ Standard XII Diploma Certificate: minimum 55% marks or above. All required documents should be produced at the time of applying.
- Application form, with complete details about the university and the degree of your choice.
- Academic documents in English.
- Secure English Language Test score (or expected date of results).
- A copy of passport (valid for minimum 1 year).
- Details about any year gaps.
Note: Last date to apply for the programme is 1st August 2016.
Did you apply for this programme? If no, What are you waiting for?!
Image and infographic source: studyinholland.nl