Studying Chemistry in the Netherlands

Studying abroad is good for everybody. You will meet new people, get a feel for other cultures, be exposed to different ways of thinking and have the freedom to be who you want to be. If you have a passion for the molecular sciences then you really should consider spending some time in the Netherlands.

Why? The Netherlands, with Amsterdam as the capital city, is a freethinking country. Most people speak English, or at least think they can and don’t mind trying. With a population of around 16 million spread out over 15.000 square miles, it is a small country. You can easily get around. The public transport system is good and biking is the preferred method of transport for short distances.

What is bad about the Netherlands? The people are very direct and therefore might seem rude or inconsiderate. Although Amsterdam is a truly cosmopolitan city, most other cities are not. Not all dog owners care about public hygiene. But there is a vibrant international community with people from all over the world. And…

Given its size the Dutch contribute more than their fair share to the scientific endeavour. Considering the total number of citations in all fields of science over the last ten years worldwide, the Netherlands came out eighth! Within chemistry, six of the hundred most-cited chemists over the last ten years have been Dutch. In the Netherlands students are expected to think independently early on and be responsible for the outcome of their research. Discussions and critical thinking are encouraged.

The Netherlands are home to some major companies like Shell, Unilever, Akzo-Nobel, DSM and Philips. All of them have close ties to universities in unique public-private partnerships. Several start-up companies in the life sciences have been very successful. Crucell, for example, have developed a cell-line for testing and manufacturing new chemical entities for the pharmaceutical industry.

Leiden University, founded in 1575, is one of the oldest in Europe. Amsterdam has two universities. Chemistry or related courses are also offered in Groningen, Maastricht, Nijmegen, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Wageningen. Universities in the Netherlands are in general modern, well equipped and offer a wide-range of master programs. There are three technical universities: Twente, Eindhoven and Delft.

Traditionally the Netherlands have a strong position in catalysis, life sciences, colloid and organic chemistry. In the last few years quite a few young and talented professors have been appointed, who are branching out in all kinds of directions.

I hope you will consider coming to study Chemistry in the Netherlands and have a fruitful stay here!

Alexander Duyndam, Ph.D

Editor of C2W, the official publication of the Royal Netherlands Chemical Society.

For more information have a look at www.studyin.nl, www.expatica.com, www.grantfinder.nl or www.nuffic.nl.

Dutch Universities:

www.science.uva.nl/international_programmes

www.few.vu.nl

www.tudelft.nl

http://w3.tue.nl/en

www.rug.nl/prospectivestudents/Courses/overviewMasterProgrammes

www.leiden.edu

www.unimaas.nl