Erasmus in the Netherlands: Cities, Education, Study Requirements, Activities, Housing and Universities

If you’re going to do your Erasmus in the Netherlands, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we tell you important facts about the country, such as the best cities to study in, different options and requirements for international students, what to do during your stay in the Netherlands, information about different options for accommodation and the best Dutch Universities. Let's get to it!

Popular Erasmus Cities in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is home to several cities that are popular destinations for an Erasmus student. Amsterdam, the capital, is known for its vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere. With its iconic canals, world-class museums and diverse cultural scene, it’s a favourite destination. Rotterdam, on the other hand, stands out for its modern architecture and innovative approach. The city was reborn after World War II and is now a dynamic urban centre with a young and enterprising energy. Utrecht, with its historic charm and student atmosphere, is another popular choice. Its medieval centre and numerous cafes and bars make it an attractive place for students looking for an authentic Dutch experience. Maastricht, located in the far south of the country, is known for its international atmosphere and innovative approach to education, and Groningen, in the north of the country, offers a lively atmosphere in a historic enclave.

AMSTERDAM Amsterdam is one of the most charming cities in the Netherlands. This multicultural city is number one in receiving most international students per year, so it has a university student atmosphere and a varied and fun leisure offer. However, for the same reason, the price of student accommodation in Amsterdam is usually higher than in other cities in the Neth

ROTTERDAM Are you looking for accommodation in Rotterdam? Many students and young professionals move to this Dutch city every year and look for furnished, well priced and located accommodation preferably close to the university or place of work. A positive aspect of Rotterdam is that most of the available offers are within 15 minutes or less of the university. They sa

THE HAGUE Finding a flat or room for rent in The Hague can be a bit tricky if you don't do it well in advance. Many students move to live in this city in the Netherlands every year, so the demand for accommodation is very high. That is why we recommend looking for it as soon as possible, and what better way to do it than with Erasmus Play, where we help you compare th

UTRECHT Located in the Netherlands, Utrecht is an increasingly popular city among young people who decide to study or work abroad. They all ask ourselves the same question: How much does it cost to live in Utrecht as a student? What is the best option to search for flats in Utrecht? For your peace of mind, we have created this guide in which we are going to tell you

Study in the Netherlands: a guide for international students

Basic requirements for international students in the Netherlands

You have to submit a letter of motivation, a transcript of your records and fill out the Learning Agreement to select the subjects you want to take.
When it comes to visas or residence permits, it depends on the country you come from. For example, if you belong to an EU member country you don't need to apply for anything. If you have a Schengen residence permit or you are a citizen of some countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada or the United Kingdom (among others), you can apply for a VVR residence permit. Finally, if you’re a citizen of countries that are not part of the EU and are not covered by the above residence permit, you’ll need to apply for an MMV visa in addition to the residence VVR permit.
Whatever your origin, if your stay is going to exceed four months in duration, you have to register as a resident with the municipality. After doing this, you’re going to receive a Citizen Service Number (burgerservicenummer, BSN) which is useful for opening a bank account, visiting the doctor and other services.
To apply for the permits and visas named above, you have to present documents such as a criminal record certificate and proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.
It’s necessary to have health insurance covering the entire period of the exchange. EU students can carry the European Health Insurance Card.
If you have to apply for a residence permit, you need to take out liability insurance.
We recommend opening an account with a Dutch bank. Credit cards are not accepted everywhere, so you may want to use the free debit card they’ll give you with the local account.

Why study in the Netherlands?

First of all, the Dutch educational system is recognized for its high quality and focus on practical learning, which gives a unique and valuable perspective on its fields of study. In addition, the diversity of courses taught in English also gives the possibility to practice that language daily.

If you’re looking for a destination where you can enjoy some partying, you should know that the Netherlands is one of the best! Not only does it have various nightclubs and bars in its different cities, but it has plenty of celebrations throughout the year that are multitudinous. One of the favourites for the "oranje" (the Dutch) is King's Day on April 17, but there are also other highlights, such as Carnival and Pride.

Gastronomy is another strong point of the country, in which the different cheeses stand out. You also have to try other specialities, such as the "stroopwafels", the "poffertjes", the "bitterballen" and the fish locals love, the "herring".

Best things to do in the Netherlands as a student

The country is quite small, which gives you the possibility to visit as much as possible. Therefore, in addition to taking the opportunity to travel to other nearby countries, we recommend that you tour the Netherlands and its regions as much as possible. Here are some of its highlights:

Located in the western part of the country, North Holland and South Holland are the most densely populated and urbanized provinces. They include major cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. The region is known for its rich history, outstanding museums and lively urban life.

The geographical heart of the Netherlands, Utrecht, is famous for its historic city centre, dominated by the Dom tower and crisscrossed by picturesque canals. The city is also an important educational centre and has a vibrant student atmosphere.

In the far south, Limburg has a slightly different culture and shares a border with Belgium and Germany. It offers hilly landscapes, historic cities such as Maastricht and a rich culinary tradition.

North Brabant, in the south of the country, offers a mix of historic cities, such as Bolduque and Breda, and charming rural landscapes. The region is known for its gastronomy and cultural festivals and is also home to the famous city of Eindhoven.

Located in the southwest, Zeeland is known for its extensive beaches, dikes and delta. The region has great historical significance due to flooding and waterworks. Here you can also find some tulip fields!