Are you from Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Saba or Sint Eustatius and would you like to study in the Netherlands? Then you are about to take a big step. Not only are you choosing a study programme, you are also preparing to live in a different country. On this page you will find practical information to help you make the right study choice and prepare for studying in the Netherlands.
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Studying in Zeeland
Zeeland is a pleasant and well-organised province. Many Caribbean students appreciate this, as it avoids the immediate transition to a large, busy city. This makes it easier to adjust to life in the Netherlands and to quickly feel at home. You will study at HZ in Middelburg or Vlissingen. The campuses are small-scale and personal. You will attend classes in smaller groups and have easy contact with lecturers and supervisors. There is a welcoming, international community of students where you will quickly feel at home. This means you will quickly meet other students and you will not be on your own.
Find out more about studying in ZeelandUniversity of applied sciences or university: what suits you best?
In the Netherlands, you can attend higher education at a university of applied sciences (hbo) or a university (wo). Both differ in terms of how you learn and in their admission requirements. HZ is a university of applied sciences.
University of applied sciences (hbo)
- Practical education
- Lots of project work and internships
- Learning in smaller groups
- Good connection to the labour market
- Admission: a havo, mbo-4 or equivalent diploma.
University (wo)
- More theoretical and research-oriented
- Lots of independent study
- Focus on academic skills
- Admission: a vwo or equivalent diploma.
Choosing a study programme
Choosing a study programme in the Netherlands can be quite difficult. There is a wide range of options available. That is why it is important to choose a study programme that suits your interests, talents and future plans. These steps can help you make your choice:
- Visit an Open Day or online session
- Explore the range of study programmes on offer.
Practical information
Finding a room in Vlissingen or Middelburg is generally easier than in the rest of the Netherlands, but make sure you start looking early! Read more information about finding a room.
As a Caribbean student, you are entitled to student finance. Read more about applying for and repaying student finance on the DUO website (information in Dutch).
Simply calculate your annual tuition fees online (in Dutch). Please note: additional costs will always be incurred for items such as books or excursions.
You can apply for a course in the Netherlands via Studielink.
I live in the Caribbean and want to study in the Netherlands: what do I need to arrange?
The Dutch government has put together a handy checklist for you, which asks four questions to help you see what you need to arrange to study in the Netherlands (information in Dutch).
Frequently asked questions
Some programmes are taught in Dutch, others in English. For Dutch-language programmes, you often have to demonstrate that you have sufficient command of Dutch. Sometimes a language test is also required. For English-language programmes, you must also be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient command of English.
Students with Dutch nationality do not require a visa. If you have a different nationality, additional rules may apply. Please check this in good time.
Admission is based on your previous education and the level of the programme you wish to follow. Diplomas from the Caribbean are usually recognised, but they are compared to the Dutch education system. This determines whether you are eligible for a higher professional education or university programme. Therefore, carefully check the admission requirements for each programme. Questions about your diploma or admission? Please contact the HZ Student Office at csa@hz.nl.
As a Caribbean student, you are entitled to student finance. Read more about applying and repaying on the DUO website (information in Dutch).
Finding a room in Vlissingen or Middelburg is generally easier than in the rest of the Netherlands, but be sure to start looking early. HZ works with reliable housing partners to help you find a room safely and on time. Read more about finding accommodation.
Simply calculate your annual tuition fees online (in Dutch). Please note: additional costs will always be incurred for items such as books or excursions.
Contact
Do you have questions about studying in the Netherlands? Please send an email to our international office or chat with one of our students.
