Dutch starter pack for studying in Germany
Dutch students choosing to study in Germany is not a new thing. In fact, the two countries have a strong connection when it comes to international education, with Germany being the most common country of origin for international students in the Netherlands for a long time. So, it is no surprise that Germany continues to be an attractive study destination for Dutch students.
From work rights to visas, culture to tuition, there is a lot to unpack before you board a plane to Germany. So, let’s dive in and provide Dutch students with an extensive starter pack for studying in Germany.
Why do students from the Netherlands choose to study in Germany?
Firstly, it is important to understand why Dutch students choose to study in Germany despite the increased opportunity and mobility for international students to study anywhere in the world. This can be attributed to three main factors:
Employment opportunities
Germany is known for its high graduate employability which is a key factor in choosing to study in Germany. Despite the Netherlands also offering a high employability rate for graduates, Germany offers graduates the opportunity to stay and work in the country after graduation with the same working rights as German citizens.
As well as this, Germany is incomparable to other major study destinations when it comes to international students working alongside their studies. Dutch students can work 20 hours per week while studying in Germany, providing far more flexibility than the restrictions for international students in the Netherlands.
Global reputation for academic excellence
The German education system has a global reputation for delivering high-quality programmes and is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities. Recognised around the world for its work in research and innovation, Germany is an attractive study destination for Dutch students looking to launch a global career.
Tuition fees and cost of living
How much will it cost? This is widely considered the most important factor when choosing where to study as an international student. This is one of the main reasons why Germany attracted over 450,000 international students in 2022/23. While most public universities in Germany offer tuition-free education, private institutions like Gisma provide smaller class sizes, specialised programs, and strong career support. This is a major incentive for Dutch students looking to study in Germany.
Germany also offers a low cost of living compared to other Western European countries. Students approximately spend around €700 – €1,200 per month on living costs. This gives Dutch students in Germany more money to explore the country and maximise their study-abroad experience.
What are the entry requirements to study in Germany from the Netherlands?
The good news is Dutch students do not need a visa to study in Germany. This removes the hassle of obtaining a visa and meeting various requirements. The only entry requirements that Dutch students must meet are health insurance coverage and any accessible bank account with proof of €11,208 for one year, which works out to be €934 per month.
The other things to arrange are of course accommodation and a residence permit, as well as your travel to Germany. The simple entry requirements make Germany a convenient option for Dutch students pursuing an education abroad.
Germany vs Netherlands: Education
When analysing why Dutch students choose to study in Germany, it is useful to compare the two countries in various ways. Both countries have similarities, such as the wide range of scholarships available to international students, the language of instruction usually being English and the academic year structure.
However, there are some key differences. So, let’s see how the two countries differ in terms of education:
Germany
- Global reputation for a high-quality education system
- Public universities in Germany do not require tuition fees, private universities do
- Typically, undergraduate programmes last three years
- Known for its science and engineering degrees
Netherlands
- Both public and private universities require tuition fees of anywhere in the region of €2,000 – €20,000 per year
- Typically, undergraduate programmes last four years
- Business studies and administration is the most popular degree
Germany vs Netherlands: Culture
The next point of comparison is the culture. While the Dutch and Germans value honesty and direct communication and both countries are seen as diverse and multicultural, there are several differences to be aware of as a Dutch student in Germany.
With a population of 83.8 million, compared to the Netherlands’ 17.7 million, Germany is a far more populous country with bigger cities and infrastructure. With more people, there is greater diversity in Germany and that is reflected in the number of international students you will be around.
The difference in lifestyle is another factor to consider as a Dutch student. On average, German people work longer hours and maintain their reputation as a hard-working nation. Dutch people enjoy a more relaxed work-life balance and a slightly slower pace of life, reflected in the fact that there are more bicycles than people in the Netherlands.
Food culture is also different, despite both countries relying on meat, bread and potatoes as staple components of day-to-day meals, Dutch food culture can be described in one word: Cheese. Whereas, Germany’s hearty, rich food from bratwursts to schnitzels, will give Dutch students a new palette to take back to the Netherlands.
Budgeting and cost of living for Dutch students in Germany
As an international student pursuing an education anywhere in the world, budgeting is essential. It is important to work out exactly how your money will be spent and where it will be split before tracking your spending throughout your time studying abroad. Using a spreadsheet or an app is the best way to prepare and keep track of your outgoings.
As mentioned, to obtain a student visa as a Dutch student in Germany, you must have proof of €11,208 for one year (€934 per month). This is a helpful guide to knowing how much you can spend during your studies. Boasting affordable living costs, Germany is a very student-friendly country.
Dutch students must consider a range of costs from tuition and rent to health insurance and public transport. Below is a rough guide to costs as an international student in Germany, using figures from Study in Germany:
Tuition – Check each university you apply for, for updated costs. Most public universities in Germany are free and private universities can charge up to €20,000 per year.
Housing – You can expect to pay on average €410 per month for accommodation in Germany, depending on your living circumstances. In Berlin, expect your student accommodation to cost between €400 – €1,300 per month.
Health insurance – You have a few options when it comes to health insurance but be prepared to pay around €120 per month for full coverage.
Food and groceries – This can vary from student to student, but as a rough figure, you can expect to pay around €200 per month on food and grocery shopping.
Other costs – There are other expenses that you will incur including public transport, study materials and entertainment and leisure activities. As a guide, you should budget €50 for public transport, €30 for study materials and an extra €150 for miscellaneous costs per month.
Student life for Dutch students in Germany
Pursuing an education in Germany offers an attractive student experience for Dutch students. The student life in Germany is an incentive that draws in students from around the world. With a low cost of living, international students can increase their budgets to explore the country and enjoy leisure activities outside of their studies.
The diverse societies, strong focus on sports and endless opportunities for socialising provide Dutch students with a student experience to remember. Whether it’s the world-renowned nightclubs, vast greenery and lakes to explore, arts and creative industries scene, historical sites or outside activities and exercise you are looking for, Germany has it all. The country’s vast public transport network and central European location also means you can also explore the country and the rest of Europe easily during semester breaks.
According to Study in Germany, over 15% of international students claimed the attractiveness of the country was a reason to pursue an education in Germany. This speaks to the student experience that Germany is known for around the world and explains why so many Dutch students choose to study in Germany every year.
Germany: The perfect destination for Dutch students
With so much to offer international students looking for a high-quality education, top student experience and career opportunities, what are you waiting for?
If you are a Dutch student looking to study in Germany, check out Gisma University of Applied Sciences today. With campuses in Berlin and Potsdam, Gisma is a state-approved university offering a range of postgraduate and undergraduate programmes in the fields of business, engineering and technology.
Take your career to the next level by finding your perfect programme here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common challenges faced by Dutch students studying in Germany?
Like many international students, Dutch students may take time to adapt to the German culture and way of living. This is normal and allows you to learn about the country you are studying in. Students may also face challenges in learning the German language.
How does the cost of living in Germany compare to the Netherlands for students?
Despite both countries having relatively low living costs, on average, the cost of living in Germany is lower than in the Netherlands. This is good news for Dutch students looking to study in Germany, who can expect to pay an average of €700-€1,200 per month.
Is Germany good for Dutch students?
From student experience to a high-quality education, Germany is considered a great destination for Dutch students for several reasons. The two countries have a long history of student mobility and are attractive options for German and Dutch students who do not need a visa to study in each country.
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