Recently, our students met with the representative and coordinator of the educational preparatory programs of the University of Amsterdam, Derek Robertson. The presentation provided information about the university’s study programs, opportunities, and conditions for admission to the university for foreign, visa conditions, and employment opportunities after graduation from the university in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands is the first European country to introduce training programs in English. In 2019-2020, more than 80,000 foreign students studied in the Netherlands. The University of Amsterdam welcomes foreigners among its students, more than 2,500 students from 100 countries study here.
The University of Amsterdam is a world-class research center, whose goal is to develop the skills of independent academic thinking of each student. While some students manage their writing assignments on their own, others may need some extra help. As a student, I preferred to hire qualified writers who could write my paper for me.
The University of Amsterdam is included in the list of the 100 best universities in the world (THE World University Rankings 2021). The Dutch education system is recognized worldwide, 11 of the 14 research universities in the Netherlands are included in the list of the 200 best universities in the world according to the Times.
Why it is worth studying in the Netherlands and at the University of Amsterdam:
- Studying in English
- A large number of international students at the university
- There are offices of many international companies located in the Netherlands, so English is the main language of business communication
- Offices of such companies as Philips, Heineken, Shell, ING Bank are located in this country
- Amsterdam is a multinational city, here you can meet representatives of more than 180 nationalities
- Low cost of studying in English, in comparison with other European countries. The cost of a year of study at the University of Amsterdam is 9000 euros
- Accommodation and related expenses are small, compared to other European countries. You will spend from 950 to 1400 euros per month for a maximum of accommodation, food, and related expenses
- Excellent living conditions for students
- The excellent infrastructure of the educational institution allows students to study, play sports and develop in different directions
- The Netherlands is the safest country in Europe
- For international students, the Netherlands provides an opportunity to stay for an additional year after graduation to search for a job
How to enroll in the University of Amsterdam?
For students to enroll in the first year of the university, they are invited to take an additional year of training, which consists of an intensive English course and subjects in their chosen course. Students spend an additional preparatory year on the campus of the University of Amsterdam.
What is the ONCAMPUS Amsterdam Preparatory Program?
ONCAMPUS Amsterdam is a special program organized by the University of Amsterdam and the leading educational provider Cambridge Education Group, which cooperates with leading international universities and prepares students for admission to universities since 1952. This program is the only one in the Netherlands that provides preparation for admission at the university. The course combines high-quality training at the Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Amsterdam and an unforgettable experience of real student life. During their studies, students will have access to all university facilities, including computer centers, libraries.
Which program is better to choose?
The University of Amsterdam offers only 4 main areas of teaching in English: Business and Economics; Politics, Psychology, Economics, and Law; Humanities; European Studies. ONCAMPUS Amsterdam offers admission to two main courses: a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics, a Bachelor’s degree in politics, Law, psychology, or Economics.
Basic training programs:
- Undergraduate Foundation Program (UFP): Business and Economics
- Successful completion of the program guarantees admission to the BSc in Economics and Business program (courses: Economics and Finance, Economics, Business)
- Duration of the program: 1 academic year (9 months)
- Start and duration of training: September 21, 2015-June 3, 2016; January 11, 2016 – August 19
- Tuition fee: 14,550 Euros
- Registration fee: 200 Euros
- Deposit: 2300 Euro
- Training program: 26 classes per week – mathematics, English, economics, etc.
- Requirements for applicants: 17 years old, certificate of secondary education, IELTS 5.0, entrance test in mathematics
Student accommodation in the Netherlands
You have received a long-awaited letter of enrollment from the University of Holland and are starting to book accommodation. To the great surprise of many students, universities in the Netherlands, despite large academic campuses, do not offer accommodation on the territory of the educational institution – in a student residence. There are only a few universities that can offer dormitories, but even then in a limited number.
WHAT SHOULD I DO?
The first thing that every student should remember is that it is necessary to search for accommodation as early as possible. After all, everyone knows that good rooms are dismantled very quickly, and it is almost impossible to find a good and even cheaper option a month before the start of the study.
WHAT QUESTIONS WILL IT BE IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO FIND OUT
- Check whether the university will be able to provide accommodation on the campus, within the framework of the program for which you were enrolled.
- If the university cannot provide accommodation on campus, what accommodation options does it offer? Is there a service at the university that deals with the selection of accommodation?
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A STUDENT RESIDENCE
Even though the residence is located on the university campus or separately, you need to understand that the rooms in the residences are small. Often from 8 to 13 square meters (for 1 student). You can stay in a single or double room.
It should be understood that the shower will not always be separate for you, if you want to book a more economical accommodation option, most likely you will share the shower and kitchen with other students.
Very often, students are asked to settle or book a room for them in a residence where students of their university or program live. Unfortunately, in the Netherlands, this is almost impossible if the hostel is not located on the territory of the university. Student residences act as independent organizations and cooperate with different educational institutions, so be prepared for the fact that you will live with students from different universities.
IMPORTANT! You will be able to book a room in the residence only after receiving a letter of enrollment, which you must provide at the time of booking the room.
THE COST OF LIVING
On average, a room in the residence will cost a student from 300 to 600 euros per month. Please note before signing the contract, what is included in the price. Make sure that utilities: light, internet, TV, telephone, and gas are included in the rental price (this advice also applies to those students who rent an apartment). If these services are not included, you need to specify additional costs for them per month, so that this does not come as a surprise to you.
HOW TO BOOK ACCOMMODATION
To book a stay, you need to provide documents:
- a copy of the passport
- confirmation of admission to the university
- completed registration form
The consultant makes sure that the documents and information are provided in full.
After you have registered a room, you will need to pay the registration fee or a deposit for accommodation. The amount of the registration fee may vary depending on the contract or residence. Please read the booking conditions carefully.
