Studying medicine in the Netherlands

Studying medicine in the Netherlands - At which universities can you study medicine?

There are a large number of universities in the Netherlands, but not all of them allow you to study in English. You can find more information about studying medicine at the individual universities here:

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

The Rijksuniversiteit in Groningen offers a medical degree programme in English or Dutch. Approximately 400 new places in human medicine and 50 new places in dentistry will be offered in the winter semester. Medical studies at the University of Groningen are based on the concept of "problem-based learning" and are very student-centred.

Groeningen is a popular and lively student city. You can quickly make friends in the international community. The city is compact, so you can easily explore the cultural offerings and the beautiful countryside around Groeningen on foot or by bike.

Maastricht University

The medical degree programme at Maastricht University begins in the winter semester. Lessons are taught in English or Dutch.

The degree programme is very practice-oriented and you will have contact with patients from the first semester. The teaching here is also based on "problem-based learning", which encourages active learning and critical thinking. Thanks to numerous collaborations with other universities and hospitals, you can complete parts of your degree programme abroad.

You can enjoy your free time in a lively city atmosphere and a multicultural environment. Maastricht is located on the border with Belgium and Germany, so you can easily make trips to other cities and neighbouring countries.

University of Amsterdam

With over 30,000 students enrolled, the University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands. Around 350 new places are offered in the winter semester. The human medicine and dentistry degree programmes are offered in Dutch.

As the beautiful capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam offers you countless leisure activities. You can stroll through the well-preserved historic streets, visit the numerous sights and museums or enjoy the active nightlife in the many clubs and bars.

Leiden University

Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands. Approximately 330 new study places in human medicine are offered in the winter semester. The language of instruction is Dutch. There are block courses. Each block consists of one subject taught over six weeks. Thanks to numerous international co-operations, you have the opportunity to spend parts of your training abroad, for example in France, Belgium, Scotland, Indonesia or Cuba.

Utrecht University (Universiteit Utrecht/ UMC Utrecht)

Utrecht offers degree programmes in human medicine and dentistry in Dutch apart from English. The course starts on 1 September each year.

Utrecht University is a renowned university. It offers a high-quality education and access to state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities. 

As a historic city with its old canals and many cultural attractions, Utrecht exudes a charm all of its own. Numerous leisure activities and an international community provide you with an exciting student life.

European Medical School Oldenburg-Groningen (EMS)

The European Medical School Oldenburg-Groningen offers around 400 places to study human medicine in the winter semester. Teaching is in English or Dutch. As the name suggests, there is a co-operation between Oldenburg and Groningen. The universities have a joint curriculum and the EMS utilises teaching staff, facilities and resources from both universities.

Radboud University Nijmegen (Radboud Universiteit)

The study of medicine or dentistry at Radboud University Nijmegen takes place in Dutch. The university offers a high-quality education in modern teaching and research facilities.

Nijmegen is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and exudes a historic atmosphere. The numerous cafés, restaurants and bars ensure a lively city life. In your free time, you can enjoy the cultural diversity of the city and go to the theatre or attend a festival or music event.

Vrije University Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)

Both human medicine and dentistry can be studied in Dutch at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. In international rankings, the medical faculty of the VU Amsterdam performs very well due to its high quality in research and education.

The university campus is very central, so you can enjoy the exciting student life of the vibrant capital.

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)

At the medical faculty of Erasmus University in Rotterdam, the human medicine degree programme is offered in Dutch. The course starts every year on 1 September for 400 new medical students. The EUR is renowned for its medical research. Students have the opportunity to participate in exciting research projects. During the admissions process, greater emphasis is placed on extracurricular skills and voluntary work.

Studying medicine in the Netherlands - requirements

The natural science subjects biology, chemistry and physics are on the timetable for Dutch students up to the high school diploma, so you should also be able to demonstrate good performance in these subjects. If you have not taken some of these subjects up to the high school, there are external institutes where you can catch up on the relevant subject.

There are also language requirements. For an English-language degree programme, you should prove your English language skills with a TOEFL or IELTS certificate. If you are considering a degree programme, you can submit a certificate of a completed language course. There are also many universities that offer four to six-week intensive Dutch courses.

How is the medical degree programme structured in the Netherlands?

The structure of the medical degree programme in the Netherlands differs greatly from the German curriculum. The Duration of medical studies is also 6 years. In line with the Bologna Process, the degree programme is divided into three sections:  

Students must first complete a bachelor's degree in medicine (B.Sc.), which takes three years to complete. During the Bachelor's phase, a large emphasis is placed on scientific subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry and physiology.

This is followed by the Master's in Medicine (M.Sc.), also lasting three years. This focusses on the clinical application of the knowledge acquired. Students complete rotations in hospitals and clinics. These placements cover various medical specialisms, such as internal medicine, surgery, gynaecology or paediatrics. This allows you to gain practical skills and experience real patient cases.

Finally, you will complete a one-year internship, which is comparable to the practical year in Germany. During their medical studies in the Netherlands, students have many opportunities to take part in medical research and complete internships in the field of research.

In general, medical studies in the Netherlands are very practical and patient-orientated. For example, students are allowed to watch operations on a voluntary basis or are presented with real patient situations in lectures.

Studying medicine in the Netherlands - Costs

Tuition fees are charged in the Netherlands, but they are significantly lower than in other European countries. On average, they are around 2,29,567 INR (2,500 euros) per year.

The cost of living varies depending on the region, but is comparable to that in Germany. You can find student flats or shared rooms in the range of 36,730 INR to 82,652 INR (400 euros to 900 euros). With other expenses such as food, toiletries and leisure activities, you should plan on costs of around 1,10,203 INR (1,200 euros) per month.

To optimise the Costs of studying medicine in the Netherlands, you can find out in advance about possible Scholarships inform.

What you didn't know about the Netherlands

1. Only the rich are allowed to cycle? This was true in the 19th century, when only wealthy citizens could afford the time and money to ride this popular means of transport. Nowadays, however, this is no longer the case and everyone can use the well-developed cycle paths.
2. More sheep than people live on the North Sea island of Texel. In spring, the lambs are born and the number of sheep rises to around 11,000. The largest North Sea island in the Netherlands is also known for its diverse and unique landscape.
3. Country of origin of the gin! The spicy schnapps was invented as a remedy by a doctor in the Netherlands around the middle of the 17th century.

Studying medicine in the Netherlands - Application

If you apply to study medicine in the Netherlands, you will go through a multi-stage application process. This takes place via a central university admissions office and not directly at the universities.

As places to study medicine in the Netherlands are very popular and the universities receive more enquiries than there are places available, you should apply in good time. It is also important that you Application deadlines of the individual universities. We can help you with this!

Are you ready to realise your dream of studying medicine in the Netherlands? Contact us today and start your journey with futureMBBS. We look forward to accompanying you on your journey and working with you to realise your dream of a career in medicine.