How to Choose a Major for Studying in the Netherlands

When people think of the Netherlands, they often picture windmills, tulips, and other beautiful things. In fact, the Netherlands is also a popular study-abroad destination for many students. So how should you plan and choose a major if you want to study there?

Let’s take a closer look at major selection in the Netherlands.

In agriculture, the Netherlands is home to the world-famous Wageningen University. Built on the country’s strong agricultural foundation, Wageningen has grown into one of the world’s leading universities in agriculture and life sciences. Every year, its agriculture programs rank near the top globally, on par with many renowned institutions. Its reputation is consistently excellent, and it receives applications from students around the world.

The Netherlands also has a strong advantage in business. Dutch business education is truly outstanding. First of all, business studies require a good environment, whether for theoretical learning or practical experience. Erasmus University Rotterdam has one of Europe’s most prestigious schools of economics and management, and it is regarded as a top institution for economics and business in Europe, often called the “Harvard of Europe.” Notably, Erasmus University’s business administration program is ranked third in the world, ahead of well-known U.S. business schools such as Harvard and Stanford.

Engineering in the Netherlands is equally strong. Delft University of Technology’s Transportation Science and Technology program has been one of the fastest-rising and most popular majors in recent years, ranking first in the ARWU. Students at the university can not only take part in developing real transportation systems, but also join teams in aerospace and transport engineering to work on impressive, high-profile engineering projects.

Architecture at Delft University of Technology is a long-established flagship program, and its graduates enjoy very high employment rates. Other excellent universities include Eindhoven University of Technology and the University of Twente.

Studying engineering in the Netherlands also comes with a major environmental advantage. After all, the headquarters of many internationally renowned companies, including Philips and Unilever, are located in the Netherlands. That means students studying engineering there have plenty of internship and job opportunities at well-known companies.

That said, even though the Netherlands is a great place to study, applications for its programs need to be prepared well in advance, because most Dutch universities operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If you apply too late, you may miss your chance.

As for admission intake, Dutch universities generally offer spring and autumn entry, which means March and September. So if you plan to study in the Netherlands, be sure to check the deadline carefully and apply as early as possible so you do not miss the opportunity.