The Netherlands is a breathtakingly beautiful country in Europe that boasts a high quality of life, low crime rates, and friendly locals. It is famous for its canals, cycling enthusiasts, cheese, and, more importantly, the Dutch culture. The relaxing environment you’ll find here is definitely something you would cherish as an international student.
Dutch higher education is recognized for its quality worldwide, regardless of your chosen program. The cost of living and the tuition fees for associate degree programs are relatively affordable. In this article, we will cover some of the best associate degree offerings in the country that might interest you.
What is the Difference Between an Associate Degree and a Bachelor Degree?
An associate degree and a bachelor’s degree are two different levels of academic qualifications that can be part of higher education after a high school diploma. Even though both of these qualifications share similarities, depending on your career goals, one might be better.
The associate degree is a 2-year full-time program specializing in building basic skills in a specific field. It is predicated on allowing a quick entry into a professional field, often with only the required information and expertise. For this reason, it often comes with fewer credit hours, more concise curricula, and, therefore, fewer career opportunities. On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree is more comprehensive in that it offers a more detailed approach to the subject material over 4 years. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree could open up more job opportunities with higher salaries and a pathway to a master’s degree program.
Can International Students Work in the Netherlands after Obtaining an Associate Degree?
Yes, the Immigration and Naturalization Service for graduates allows international students a post-study residence permit to search for work in the country. Graduating students are allowed a year after completing a program to pursue job opportunities in the country under the “Zoekjaar visa.”
An associate degree could let you get a quick entry into the industry, provided you have enough qualifications to support your case. It could be challenging to find work depending on the field, but generally, as an associate, you could start off as an intern and eventually work yourself up a company’s roles.
Top Schools in the Netherlands Offering Associate Degrees
Associate degree programs in the Netherlands for international students could add much value to your resume. Here are some of the best schools offering such programs in the Netherlands.
1. ROC Van Amsterdam
The ROC of Amsterdam is a foundation comprising two educational institutions for secondary vocational training. It is one of the largest institutions in Amsterdam, with over 300 courses offered across disciplines and over 33,000 students. The colleges are located in Almere and Lelystad, close to central Amsterdam.
Associate degree programs offered here at ROC Amsterdam may set you up in a field of work that interests you the most. Associate degrees are offered in Business & Innovation, ICT, Culinary, and more. Since these are some disciplines that require hands-on experience, these associate degrees would be worthwhile.
2. Saxion University of Applied Sciences
Getting a career in the IT field might be challenging with all the new tech and upcoming professionals. Hands-on experience from the get-go of pursuing an IT degree can easily get you ahead of the competition. The Saxion University of Applied Sciences offers an intense Associate Degree in Software Development that can equip you with all the soft skills to become a software developer.
It’s a 2-year program that walks you through 124 challenging tasks over a period of 35 hours a week. You get to work in an appropriate office environment with fellow students. This program has been rated as the top program for Software Development by the Keuzegids HBO 2023, which is enough incentive for one to trust the employability that comes with it.
3. Tio University of Applied Sciences
The Associate Degree programs offered at Tio Business School are accredited by the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO), which is why you wouldn’t have to worry about whether a program is recognized in the industry.
Associate programs are offered in fields like International Business, Hotel and Event Management, and Tourism, which are some disciplines that require trained professionals rather than ones with academic qualifications spanning over years.
4. NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences is an institution that is well-integrated into the global market of skilled professionals. Students who pursue a program at this university can further their studies at any European university, go on tours to Indonesia, South Africa, and Thailand, and make use of exchange programs with 150 partner universities worldwide.
There are 3 associate degree programs offered at NHL Stenden University: Creative Media Professional, Hospitality Management, and Leisure and Events Management. These 2-year programs could easily get you a head-start in a career in relevant industries thanks to the global recognition this institution boasts.
5. Inholland University of Applied Sciences
If you are looking for a career in Electronic Music, the associate degree program offered at Inholland University of Applied Sciences might just set you up for it. This university could be the best option for international students looking for relevant vocational training in the country.
Their webpage details all the ins and outs of living in the Netherlands and the details of the Associate Degree in Electronic Music. This program is geared toward aspiring music producers and artists. Teachers and coaches are industry professionals, and all the necessary course materials are delivered in English.
Pursuing an associate degree might get you an early start in a career of your choice. You must pick a program that has a promising pathway to a successful career, especially as an international student. We hope this article helped you with that. If you want to know more about studying in this country, check out the Available Programs in Europe!
