Thinking of Netherlands as a Study Abroad Destination? Learn about the economy and how it can impact your study abroad plans and career goals!

Netherlands as a study abroad destination has recently started to generate a buzz. A push from the Universities has led to students getting up and taking notice of the many possibilities the excellent universities in Netherlands offer. Not only are they among the top ranked universities, the many courses in English, the relatively lower fee structure as well as the use of English as a second language have all favoured Netherlands as a brilliant study abroad destination. The easy Student Visa Processing along with the prospect of the Orientation Year for the Post Study Work Permits for Netherlands all make it a good alternative to the otherwise famous destinations of France and Germany. But it is not just about the rules that make it a good place. What also must be considered are the economic conditions which would directly affect your cost of living during your studies and the job prospects after? In this article we discuss the economy of Netherlands and how it would affect your plans to Study in Netherlands.

Economic Growth Rate

With the recent exit of Great Britain from the European Union, Netherlands moves to the sixth largest economy of the European Union. It has a GDP of EUR 679 Billion and recorded an economic growth rate of 2.0 percent in the year 2015. Though these are modest numbers, given the rather recent European Economic Crisis, these are steady and good numbers. What makes them better is the steady recovery the economy has shown after the aforementioned economic downturn.

The country continues to have one of the lowest unemployment rates at 5.8 percent and a steady foreign investments. Furthermore, the measures taken by the government has received nods from the global industry. The taxation policy has steadily helped the manufacturing sector which continues to prosper.

As for the forecasts, the economy has a projected growth rate at a steady 2.0 percent. However, there is the general economic concern after Brexit, however in the immediate future there seems to be no dearth of jobs or opportunities in the Dutch country.

What does this mean for International Students?

The stable economy and the ability of the country to withstand a European crisis promises hope. With companies looking towards an international community and many of Dutch companies finding steadier revenue sources, the opportunities are aplenty for International Students. Furthermore, Netherlands has recently opened up to the International Student community, going forth to invite the best talent from all over the globe. It is predicted that in the ensuing years, it would only improve and provide home to an increasingly international population of skilled workers. The manufacturing, electrical and other popular job sectors in Netherlands have a high demand of skilled work-force. To sum it up in a small one line, in the coming years, international students would find plenty of opportunities to work with some of the best companies of Netherlands.

Students planning to take up Masters in STEM courses from Netherlands are sure to find employment on completion of their studies. Also, Netherlands continue to be a key member of the European Union. While Brexit has increased the concerns over the overall stability of the Eurozone, there is also another side to the exit. The fact that Netherlands is one of the larger economies of the EU tilts the scale in its favour. It climbs one step higher and with continued reforms and easier work permissions, the country would continue to attract foreign investments. Not to forget the Dutch 30 percent Tax Ruling which provides an additional advantages to students who have completed their PhD from Netherlands. Not only are they eligible to apply for the same, they also have a reduced salary requirement of EUR 28,041 taxable.

Simply put, if you are planning to Study in Netherlands, then it is a good decision and you should not worry about building a future in the country! The companies are good to work with, English is a primary business language and the first step – education, is amongst the best in the world!

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