International students return to the Netherlands — but are Dutch universities ready?

As a new academic year is upon us, the Netherlands is seeing an increase in the number of international students attending Dutch higher education. However, many universities are still struggling with in-person education because of the coronavirus measures. 

According to data from the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), applications for study permits are back on the rise — reports AD

Before the pandemic, the annual growth of students from outside the EU was 10%. This increase is caused partly by British students needing to apply for a permit as a result of Brexit. 

However, in 2020, the pandemic struck and the number of study permit applications dropped by a whopping 40%. 📉

Increase in numbers

This year, 15,110 applications were received at the end of July. Those are more applications than all of 2020 — when only 12,310 applications were received. 🤯

The IND reports most applications came from China, India, the US, Turkey, and Indonesia.

According to Nuffic — the Dutch organization for internationalisation in education — the most popular study programmes for international students from these countries include:

  1. 💲 Economics and business. 
  2. 🧠 Social sciences.
  3. 🛠 Engineering. 
  4. 🎨 Arts and culture. 

University measures

Universities no longer have to observe the 1.5-metre distance within faculty buildings. However, students must wear masks in the hallways, and classrooms are limited to a maximum capacity of 75 people. This may be a problem for students from larger study programmes. 

What do you think of this situation? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: Rawpixel/Depositphotos

Nicole Ogden 🇹🇭 🇺🇸
Nicole Ogden 🇹🇭 🇺🇸
Hailing from the bustling city of Bangkok, Nicole is a Thai/American international student who came to the Netherlands to study linguistics. When she's not reading books or listening to true crime podcasts, she's practising her singing and guitar skills! She is also attempting to pick up the Dutch language (moeilijk).

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related posts

Latest posts

Open a Dutch bank account without a BSN at these banks

So, you need to open a Dutch bank account without a BSN? You'll be happy to hear that that's geen probleem — but only...

After a korting? The ultimate guide to cheap shops in the Netherlands

Looking for the equivalent of a dollar store, a euro shop, or a pound shop in the Netherlands? Here's what we know about shopping cheaply...

17 Dutch towns with the funniest names

The Netherlands has countless cities and villages, each with its unique atmosphere. While some towns have gained fame due to their attractions, others are...

It's happening

Upcoming events

The latest Dutch news.
In your inbox.