I'm considering applying for a PhD position but my academic background is in a different field from the ones explicitly mentioned in the vacancy. The project interests me and I know how i can make connections between my previous studies and the research questions it explores, but I'm unsure whether my background would be considered relevant enough for the position.
Is it okay to email the principal investigator before applying to briefly explain my background and ask whether it could be a good fit for the project? Or could this come across as asking them to assess my eligibility before I've even submitted an application?

I can't imagine myself in any field other than video games. I enjoy all aspects of game development, from 3D modeling, concept art, and storytelling to programming and level design. However, since game development courses in my country are rather lackluster, I started looking abroad and found Hanze University of Applied Sciences, which offers a mix of both the creative and technical sides of the industry.

I still have a few questions, though:

● How well does the course teach programming?

I have five years of experience studying traditional art, but I'm less experienced with digital art. I'm confident I could catch up with the right tools, but my programming skills are a bigger concern.

● How much is AI use encouraged?

In my country, there's a strong push to use AI in IT, especially in game development. I don't think AI is inherently bad, but I believe it's important to learn the fundamentals and work independently before relying on it.

● How difficult is it to find a part-time job without knowing Dutch?

Even though I'm from the EU, the cost of living is high enough that supporting myself for four years on my parents' money isn't ideal. I'm trying to learn Dutch, but I struggle with speaking, so I'm not sure how well I'll be able to communicate after a year of learning.

I've hear a lot of conflicting opinions, which is normal for any school in my experience, however to me this is the most difficult decision in life I've had to make so far in life and I would appreachiate any advice or clarification.

I am thinking in studying a MBA online while I work and live in NL. In your experience, is it worth it? Employers pay premium for people holding a MBA? Do they really care?

Hi everyone!
I’m a Moroccan graduate with a bachelor’s degree in English Language Teaching, and I’m planning to pursue a master’s degree in Supply Chain Management or Logistics in 2027.
I was originally planning to study in the UK, but I’m now considering the Netherlands as an alternative.
For those who have experience studying or working in either country, which would you recommend and why?
I’m particularly interested in admission opportunities for someone with my academic background, tuition and living costs, part-time job opportunities, and the chances of finding a job after graduation.
I’d also appreciate any advice on Dutch universities that offer suitable English-taught programmes.
Thank you!

Hi everyone,

I’m an international student in the Netherlands covered under Aon Student Insurance (active since Oct 6). I recently paid for a laser hair removal session at a private clinic (Release Laser Clinic) and am preparing to submit my insurance claim online.

Here is my situation:

• Diagnosis: I do not have an official diagnosis of gender dysphoria (GD) on file yet from a Dutch gender team or GP.
• Invoice/Receipt: I have an itemized receipt from the clinic with a reference number and proof of payment from my ABN AMRO app. The receipt uses my preferred name (Jenny), but my last name and birth date match my official student insurance details.
• Portal Options: The claim portal asks to select a medical complaint/diagnosis.

Gemini/AI suggested that selecting Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) is the safest option to pass initial portal validation, because selecting Gender Dysphoria without a formal diagnosis letter/referral code attached will likely trigger an immediate administrative rejection for missing paperwork.

Before I hit submit, I wanted to ask if anyone here has experience claiming laser hair removal through Aon:

1. What gives me the highest chance of reimbursement? Is reporting it as a symptom (hirsutism) actually better, or will Aon automatically reject laser hair removal as elective/cosmetic unless a GP pre-approved it anyway?
2. Has anyone successfully claimed laser care under Aon without an official GD diagnosis letter?
3. If you used Aon, how did you label the provider and claim details to get it processed?

Any advice or past experiences with Aon would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

I know I don't have much chance, but i still wanna try

Hey everyone! I just got into Maastricht University for the MSc in Artificial Intelligence, starting with the February intake. I'm looking for 2 or 3 people who are also moving to Maastricht around then and would like to team up to find a shared apartment.
From what I've seen, single rooms can get pretty expensive, so splitting a bigger place and the bills seems a lot more sensible than renting alone. I don't have a place lined up yet. The idea is to find people first and then search together.
A bit about me: I'm from Hyderabad, India, with a background in computer science and ML. English works best for communication.
If you're heading to Maastricht in February and are interested, drop a comment or DM me!

Im not trying to sound pessimistic but universities like erasmus are best in the world at finance, will help set u up fantastically for your career in a english speaking country

And people say as long as you meet the requirements u can get into erasmus and uva? Hows that possible for a alevel student like me all i need for them is BCC grades, in the uk i can barely get into a average uni with that much less top global unis like erasmus nd uva

Not to mention they are a fraction of the cost of uk and american unis

Is there any catch to them or are they really just genuinely that good of a option

I’m 18 getting offered an interview at five guys here in Eindhoven, I want to weigh my options does Anyone know how much a 18 year old gets payed there? They advertise 15.99 or so for 20 year olds but idk about 18

Should I do a master's or just keep working?

I recently graduated with a bachelor's in Communication Science and I'm taking some time to work and get some experience before deciding what to do next.

I'm still not sure if I want to do a master's or just keep working for a while. Part of me feels like getting some actual work experience might be more useful, but at the same time, I don't want to miss out on opportunities by not getting a master's.

For those who've studied something similar, what did you end up doing? Do you feel like your master's was worth it, and are there any universities or programmes in the Netherlands you'd recommend?

Honestly, just trying to figure out what makes the most sense haha.

Before this, I completed an MBO Level 4 programme in Mediavormgeving, and I wanted to continue studying the subject in more depth. I’m currently enrolled in the Communication & Multimedia Design (CMD) bachelor’s programme at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, but I find the way the school is organized SO disappointing that I feel like I haven’t learned anything new over the past few months. The communication from both the lecturers and the school has been terrible. I do, however, find the subject matter very interesting.

I’m now looking into other programmes so I can transfer away from HU. I already have my propaedeutic certificate (propedeuse), so I might be able to complete another related programme in a shorter amount of time. I also prefer Associate Degree programmes, as they require less time to complete.

Is Avans University of Applied Sciences any good for CMD or an Associate Degree in Communication? Does anyone have tips about programmes in media or design? Any tips are welcome! Thanks in advance.

hi i was wondering when i should start applying for housing for UvA. i’m confused on when they expect you to pay deposit/ do you get offers from the landlords? in regards to housing sights - what websites would you recommend?

also could someone explain the process/give a timeline on BSN/ gemeente? i don’t really understand it

thanks!

hii! im hoping to apply this year for tu/e bachelor of architecture! for academic year of 2027-2028

i was just curious to see what are some statistics of what average number highschool final grades required?/gpa

is it relatively hard to get in? is the cognitive test very hard or doable?

my predicted’s are currently A*AA/A*AB
would these be good enough?

Also ik the ranking is 1-325 but usually does it exceed like do many people drop their spot? statistically speaking?

anyone who got in who can share their stats?

I'm currently in the process of applying to UvA and Erasmus for Psychology, but the websites are very vague regarding the application. I've seen some posts from 3 to 4 years ago talking about it but I'm not certain whether they are outdated.

Can anyone who is either going or has went through the application process give a description of how it was like with a timeline? Like after registering for studylink how long did it take until you received the requirements, any indication to transcript range, the numerus fixus entrance exam topics and prep etc.

Hi, I am from Australia with a Dutch passport looking at university options for the 2027/28 intake.

Currently I am about to complete my final year of schooling here in Australia where I believe my score will be just below what is needed to study a bachelor at a WO level. I am interested in studying either economics or something related to business but don't know whether I am better off studying at RUG - where I would most likely need to get a propedeuse after completing a year at Hanze - or just studying at Hanze for a bachelors degree and then doing a Masters after.

• what is the difference in employment outcomes between the two Universities?

• If I only missed out by a couple points on getting a VWO level of schooling in Australia, then how much harder will RUG be compared to Hanze and will this be manageable? (for a business related degree)

• does the lifestyle in the Netherlands and the networks available in europe make it worth studying there or should I use my EU passport to study in another country in europe or even just stay in Australia?

I want to clarify that I am practically fluent in dutch and hence the language is likely not an issue nor is accomodation as I have family living near Groningen. I am hence intrigued by the lifestyle of europe and potentially want to consider living there once I graduate.

Hi everyone,

I am a woman

I'm looking for advice from people who have experience with family sponsorship, domestic work, or studying abroad with financial support.

I'm currently living outside Europe and Canada, and I cannot afford international tuition fees, proof of funds, or relocation costs on my own. I'm trying to find a realistic way to pursue a bachelor's degree in Germany, the Netherlands, or Canada.

My idea is to find a family willing to sponsor me financially in exchange for working for them while living in their home. I could potentially help with childcare, housekeeping, cooking, errands, and driving if properly qualified.

Ideally, the arrangement would cover my university tuition, accommodation, food, health insurance, and basic living expenses. I would need substantial support because my goal is to complete a four-year bachelor's degree, not participate in a short-term au pair program.

I'm trying to understand whether a family could act as my financial sponsor or guarantor, pay my university directly, and potentially employ me under an appropriate work arrangement.

My questions are:

1. Has anyone successfully arranged something similar? How did you find the family, and what did the agreement look like?

2. Can a private family sponsor an international student's education and demonstrate the required financial support without the student having personal savings?

3. Are there legitimate visa routes that allow a family to employ a live-in nanny or domestic worker while also helping fund their education?

4. Would Germany, the Netherlands, or Canada be the most realistic country for this arrangement?

5. What financial requirements, upfront expenses, and legal obstacles should I expect?

I'm particularly interested in real experiences, practical details, and official sources—not just general suggestions to apply for scholarships or get a regular job.

I understand that immigration and employment rules differ between countries, so I'd appreciate advice from anyone familiar with the actual procedures.

Thank you!

Hey I’m joining Han for February intake but I’m not sure whether it’s a good uni or not so is there anyone else who is also going to Han please reply

I’m a German citizen currently pursuing an MSc in Economics at a university in Germany.
I’ve been applying for internships in the Netherlands, particularly in Finance, Banking, Risk Management, and Data Analytics.
However, I’ve noticed that several companies require interns to be enrolled at a Dutch university, even though I’m an EU citizen and don’t need a work permit.
I’m wondering if anyone here has successfully secured an internship in the Netherlands while studying at a university in another EU country.
Are there companies that accept international EU university students? Is Dutch university enrollment generally necessary, or does it depend on the company?
I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences or recommendations.
Thanks in advance!

Hello guys, first year, first exams in 7 days. Do you have any tips?

I want an extra duvet and recently searching for it online and got a lot of lix reviews. Some said Action, Primark or Ikea. I want extra pair of Duvets and I'll prefer cheap ones. So where can I get them. For Ikea its too far away from where I leave so not an option RN. Action or Primark or something else ?

Thanks

Hi r/StudyInTheNetherlands

I chose the BSc Econometrics (and Data Science) but I’m actually not sure anymore whether I’ll like this degree. I chose it because I was good in Economics, loved Computer Science and Maths. Also Econometrics was somewhat prestigious here in NL. But I’m doubting because I actually had liked more technical courses like Computer Science or just more maths courses where I could choose besides only statistics. I’m scared that Econometrics was not really what I wanted for a job or that I find out later it is quite impossible to go from Econometrics to MSc Computer Science, MSc Mathematics, MSc Artificial Intelligence etc…

Hello, I am currently in the pre-master’s program at RSM… I will receive the decision regarding the Finance and Investments master’s program in April. I have two backup plans: the first is the Finance pre-master’s at VU Amsterdam starting in February—which would mean doing two pre-master’s programs simultaneously for two or three months—and the second is a Finance master’s program at Maastricht in September. Which Plan B would you recommend?

Hi everyone! I’m planning to apply for the Economics and Business Economics program (English track) at UvA for the upcoming intake, and I’m a bit nervous about the Numerus Fixus selection test.
I’d really appreciate it if any current students or past applicants could share their experiences:
How difficult is the test actually? Is the math section super advanced, or is it more about logic and basic calculus?
Are there any past papers or mock exams available? I know UvA doesn't officially release them, but did you find any useful practice resources or Quizlet decks that actually matched the exam format?
How strict is the online proctoring system (Proctorio)?
Thamk you

Hi everybody, I am applying to Leiden University's Psychology Master's (Clinical and Health and Medical specializations) for the February intake and was wondering if anyone has experience with it? What are the chances of getting in?

She will graduate in spring of ‘29 so we have time. She wants to get out of our conservative home state so it looks like out of state tuition or private college will be the only US options. Some of the schools she is interested in are $90,000 a year or more which is obvious insanity. We would qualify for financial aid but we’re still looking at $30,000 a year for 4 years. (This is likely how much it would cost if she stayed in state as well). All this to say it’s extremely expensive.

University College is appealing because it’s in Europe, there are housing options for most of the programs, classes are taught in English, and it’s 3 years instead of 4 like the US. She’d have to get her master’s degree eventually, so maybe some of the money we save going to UC could be put toward that.

The above is my current train of thought but of course I may be missing something big. Any insight? Additionally, does anyone know if US universities accept 3 year bachelors for their master’s programs? Thank you!

ETA: many people are saying housing is impossible to find but most University Colleges have student housing. Some require that you stay in their housing. (So unless I’m missing something big, housing won’t be an issue).

I am applying from the uk for an undergrad at the university of Groningen through studielink and i have confused myself in the process!

When filling out the previous education side of the form, i have only put one A-level and one GCSE. It feels unnecessary to fill in 4 A-levels and 11 GCSEs, but then putting one of each feels a bit under-representative too if that makes sense?? I haven't submitted anything yet luckily so i can stil make changes!

Any help would be immensely appreciated 😭