Studying in The Netherlands

[HercShipwright]

I have seen several articles in the papers in recent years about students choosing to study at the university of utrecht. My DD1 is considering the Amsterdam Conservatorium, it's very tough to get into but nothing ventured... does anyone know how the finances work for students studying in other EU countries? I have heard people say that it's only 'worth it' if you have the cash up front to pay all the stuff because although fees are much lower you cannot take out 'normal' student finance and therefore either have to self fund or take a loan at normal commercial rates - is this true? If there is anyone with actual knowledge/experience (rather than hearsay) who can shed some light that would be hugely appreciated...

I think google is your friend here, but roughly & generally, no UK students can't get access to UK loans for living expenses or tuition fees for study outside of the UK (other than for the standard year abroad etc). I think there are rules in each EU country about access to that country's student loans system.

You'll also find that things like accommodation AND teaching quality are very different in other EU countries. I've seen "seminars" of 50 students when I've been invited to Spain, and lecture groups of over 500 in Germany.

Don't know about finances, but a very close friend's son went there, so if you want to ask about teachers, I might be able to get a bit of information (depending on the instrument your daughter plays).

Good luck-

You need to find fees and living costs from your own pocket. However, if you can find a part time job of (I think) 16 hours a month, then quite a generous living grant is given by the Dutch government. It is very easy for students from the Conservatoire to find jobs involving their music skills, but bar work or shop work counts.

www.thestudentroom.co.uk/content.php?r=1222-Study-in-the-Netherlands

Although this suggests otherwise... I will check properly.

I've been thinking about this recently, DH being Dutch, although we have never lived in the Netherlands. I haven't done too much research but I know there are quite a few courses in English, especially at Maastricht Uni.

I have read that courses are generally much cheaper than the UK but I'll be interested to see what this thread throws up...

There are websites suggesting tuition fee loans are available for uk nationals but a relative who started last year was unable to access one and I am told by his Mum the authorities are 'talking about it'.

Up The Amsterdam conservatorium is the best place in the world to study DD1's instrument.

slipshod yes, I've found conflicting information when I've googled, that was why I was wondering if there was anyone with actual first hand knowledge. My understanding had been for some time that it was commercial loans or own pocket only (thus another one of those things where is you have money, you can save money, if you don't you can't) but then I received non authoritative info and saw some things online that suggested this may no longer be the case. So I was wondering if it might be a possibility after all. Looks like no, though... (unless something turns up). Thanks very much for your input though. :)

The mad thing is - it's not to save money that DD1 wants to go there. It's because its the best place and it's a very very sight easier to get there from here than it is to get to many other places. although the taxiing time at schiphol can be annoying. But even then - about 2.5 hours door to door, this house to there (the actual conservatorium). We can't get into London in less than 3.5 let alone across to the conservatoires.

You won't have any of the usual continental problems with massive classes at Amsterdam conservatoire; it is amazing. Go for it. Don't worry too much about financing - try to line it up for the first year and as long as your DC works PT alongside study it should work out in the end.

FWIW EU students are eligible for UK student loans because of free movement rules - I would be flabbergasted if your DC could not access Dutch funding on the same grounds as Dutch citizens.

Studying in the UK is no guarantee against massive classes. At my last institution, lectures in my field were 300+ for years 1 and 2, ironically increasing for years 3 and 4 due to students from an overseas campus joining the course.

DP is German, but studied in NL. He accessed funding on the same grounds as Dutch citizens, so I'd be surprised if UK students could not. Whilst working there, I also supervised polish and french students accessing funding for Dutch HE on the same grounds as Dutch citizens (but this was a decade ago).

I would say though, having lived there for many years, whilst many courses will be taught in English, you really do need to learn Dutch to a reasonable level for social reasons.

www.studyinholland.co.uk/

You should be eligible for the same funding as Dutch students - including any Dutch loans. Just as EU students can apply for Student loans in England.

On the website to which eatyourveg provided alink, the most relevant page is www.studyinholland.co.uk/loans_and_grants.html

If you can't afford to pay the tuition fees, the student can get a loan from the Dutch government. Details of repayments on the page above.

The student doesn't get help with living costs unless he/she has links with the Netherlands (details once again on the page above) OR works 56 hours a month, 12 months a year.

To work in a bar or shop you will have to be able to speak Dutch though....

No you won't. Especially not in Amsterdam. You can always find work as an English speaker. Bars and restaurants will take you, half the staff in the Marks and Spencer in Den Haag didn't seem to speak Dutch on a recent visit and call centres for all sorts of companies need English speakers.

I found work without speaking a word of Dutch; it was how I learnt it.

Thanks for all the advice and links. Much appreciated.