Dutch universities are among the world's leading educational institutions. According to Times Higher Education's 2017 university rankings, the Netherlands, which hosts 13 schools among the top 200 schools, is also in the first place in students' study abroad preferences. The system in Dutch schools, which also opens its doors to students who want to study medicine abroad, has some differences.
The path to qualifying as a general practitioner in the Netherlands consists of three main stages:
While these degrees are taught in English, learning Dutch, among other studies, is mandatory; Dutch is an integral part of the degree and passing exams in this language is required to graduate.
The final year of study requires future doctors to work in Netherlands hospitals, where communication in Dutch is vital. In summary, it is possible to study medicine in the Netherlands, but only partially in English.
University admission requirements are high. Deadlines are earlier than other departments and since medicine is subject to Numerus Fixus, only one university application can be made at a time.
Advantages of Studying Medicine in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has the best quality education system in the world, but also welcomes visitors with its long history. In addition, the faculties in universities are equipped with modern laboratories and the quality of education is increasing day by day. The Netherlands, which is more reliable than many countries in Europe, provides a very safe environment for those who come for education.
Students who want to study in departments subject to Numerus Fixus, such as medical school, gain the right to receive a very comprehensive medical education in the world's leading institutions. In addition, students who want to study medicine in the Netherlands have to learn Dutch as their mother tongue. Foreign students who can complete a comprehensive medical education together with an internship in 7 years have the advantage of being a doctor who can use English and Dutch very well and contribute to science.
How Long Does It Take to Study Medicine in the Netherlands?
Medical education, which is 6 years in most countries, is seven years in total, with three years of undergraduate, three years of master's and one year of field practice in schools in the Netherlands. Although only three-year undergraduate education is given in English at universities, the language of instruction in the graduate and field practice part is Dutch. In addition to the fact that students will need Dutch for their patient visits when they reach the master's and field practice level, one of the conditions for completing the school is to be able to give the Dutch proficiency test. In other words, a student who has an undergraduate education in English is expected to learn Dutch at the same time.
There are two English-language schools for undergraduate education: the University of Gröningen and the University of Maastricht. They offer undergraduate programs in English in two different fields, Global Health and Molecular Medicine.
The Best Universities to Study Medicine in the Netherlands
There are many options for foreign students who want to study in the Netherlands. The best universities offering undergraduate degrees are usually located in metropolitan cities. The best universities are located in Amsterdam, the capital of the country and also the city of culture. Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht are among the cities that come after Amsterdam. In the list of department preferences of students who want to study in this country, there are departments such as medicine, engineering, art and design, and social sciences.
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University of Amsterdam
University of Amsterdam; It is a research university located in this city, which is the capital of the country. This school, which was founded in 1632, includes departments such as dentistry, medicine, law, business, social sciences, and economy. The University of Amsterdam, which consists of 7 faculties, hosts an average of 3000 students every year. In addition, this university has a solid place among the best universities in Europe. In particular, this school is known for its support for academic studies. It hosts approximately 100 researchers and academicians on average every year.
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Erasmus University of Rotterdam
Erasmus University of Rotterdam; This research university, which is among the international universities, was established in 1913. It is preferred for students who want to study at university in the Netherlands. This university, which has a modern campus, has 7 faculties and 2 institutes. In addition, this school connects with many other universities in the fields of health, management and culture and offers privileges to academics and students.
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Maastricht University
Maastricht University; In 2017, it was awarded the 6th place among the young universities that provide the best education. This school, which started its education life in Maastricht, one of the oldest and most established cities in the Netherlands, was established in 1976. Also, this university was established as a public school. This university attaches great importance to innovation and research in education. Graduates of Maastricht University have the opportunity to work in countries such as Belgium, China, America and Dubai.
Medicine Admission Requirements in the Netherlands
To apply to schools offering education in the Netherlands, a high school diploma is required, but also students are expected to have taken specific courses in high school. Among the students who apply for medical education, those who have studied Physics and Chemistry in high school are given the right to take the Propedeutisch Examen. Applications are usually made in October, but for the next school year.
Studielink is the central application body for Dutch universities. Applications to Dutch universities usually made through Studielink. Each university has its own home page for Studielink and this will be the first place to start applying.
Applications are made for a maximum of four courses at a time. Only one medical course can be applied for. When completing the registration application, you will be asked to enter information about previous education.