Economic Overview of Netherlands and What it Means for International Students
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Economic Overview of Netherlands and What it Means for International Students

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Updated on Apr 6, 2023 12:30 IST

The Netherlands as a study-abroad destination has recently started to generate a buzz. A push from the Universities has led to students getting up and taking notice of the many possibilities the excellent universities in the Netherlands offer. Not only are they among the top-ranked universities, but the many courses in English, the relatively lower fee structure as well as the use of English as a second language have also all favoured the Netherlands as a brilliant study abroad destination. The easy Student Visa Processing along with the prospect of the Orientation Year for the Post Study Work Permits for the Netherlands all make it a good alternative to the otherwise famous destinations of France and Germany. But it is not just about the rules that make it a good place. What also must be considered are the economic conditions that would directly affect your cost of living during your studies and your job prospects after. In this article, we discuss the economy of the Netherlands and how it would affect your plans to Study in the Netherlands.

Economic Growth Rate

As per the OECD data, the Netherlands’ economy expanded by 4.3% in 2022. According to a report by the Government of the Netherlands, the Dutch economy recovered quickly from the COVID-19 impact since 2021. At that time, the number of bankruptcies was at a historic low, the number of people at work was high, and the national debt was under control.

According to DNB forecasts, 0.8% economic growth is expected in 2023 and 1.6% in 2024. If talk about Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in The Netherlands, it was worth 1018.01 billion dollars in 2021 as per the official data from the World Bank. According to the Trading Economics global macro models and analyst expectations, GDP in the Netherlands is expected to reach 950.00 USD Billion by the end of 2022. In the long run, the GDP is expected to trend around 990.00 USD Billion in 2023.

What Does this Mean for International Students?

The stable economy and the ability of the country to withstand a European crisis promise hope. With companies looking towards an international community and many Dutch companies finding steadier revenue sources, opportunities are aplenty for International Students. Furthermore, the Netherlands has recently opened up to the International Student community, going forth to invite the best talent from all over the globe. It is predicted that in the ensuing years, it would only improve and provide a home to an increasingly international population of skilled workers.

In 2021, there were approximately 10.9 million jobs in the Netherlands. In the coming two years, the number of jobs is expected to increase. The forecasts suggest that there will be approximately 11.2 million jobs in The Netherlands by 2023. The most in-demand job sectors in the Netherlands in 2022 are Agriculture, Finance, Engineering, IT, Hospitality, and Education.

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The number of university students in the Netherlands grew over time with enrollment especially rising between 2019 and 2020, when 24,100 students enrolled in the university. The increase in the number of university students is mostly because of an increased number of international students coming to the Netherlands for their studies. In the last decade, the number of enrolled international students doubled. Whereas in 2008 less than 40,000 international students were studying in the Netherlands and it grew by 86,000 by 2018.

So, whether you are looking to get a bachelor’s degree, diploma program, master’s degree, or a PhD, the Netherlands is a great option. After completing your education in the Netherlands, there will be plenty of career opportunities. Holland has fast-growing industries and maintains a noteworthy position in the business world







Simply put, if you are planning to study in the Netherlands, then it is a good decision and you should not worry about building a future in the country! The companies are good to work with, English is a primary business language and the first step – education, is amongst the best in the world!

Q:   Is the Netherlands good for international students?
A:

Netherlands is one of the popular study abroad destinations for international students. The country offers wide range of English programmes to students make it easy to communicate. The quality of Dutch Higher Education is well-recognized and universities offer quality education at an affordable tuition fees. Netherlands is one of the safest countries in the world as per Global Peace Index.

Q:   Can I study in the Netherlands for free?
A:

No, It’s not possible for International students to study in the Netherlands for free as there's no such tuition-free programme available for students. The best way to study in the Netherlands for free is to obtain a scholarship. There are various scholarship options for international students, with some excellent opportunities for non-EEA students.

Q:   Are 1-year Masters degrees good enough for a job in Netherlands?
A:
Hi, A one-year Masters degree may be good enough for a job in the Netherlands, depending on the specific job requirements and the field of study. According to a source, Masters programmes in the Netherlands last at least one year (60 credits), but many are longer, ranging from 1.5 to four years (90240 credits). Additionally, a source mentions that completing a postgraduate study of at least an academic year (a minimum of 10 months) in the Netherlands is one of the eligibility criteria for an orientation visa for highly educated persons. Therefore, candidates are advised to check the specific job requirements and the eligibility criteria for the orientation visa or other relevant visas for the Netherlands. Additionally, they can contact the respective universities or the Dutch embassy in their country for more information on the job market, visa requirements, and other relevant details.
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