International Study Centre

Students leaning on railing by river in Holland

Information for new students

We will get you to where you want to be

Our aim is to get you to where you want to be, studying at your chosen university.

Studying with us is about putting your education first. It is your time to learn, to develop and to be ready for the world. By starting your university education now, you can look forward to achieving your graduation dreams and starting an exciting graduate-level job in just a few short years. Whether your goal is to start your own business, research medical developments, work for an NGO or something in between, this is your future.

Joining us on campus

At the International Study Centre, you will receive quality teaching, expert support and be fully integrated into our student community from day one. All students studying with us will experience the highest level of teaching and student support.

The Centre is open for you to begin your studies and start your journey to achieving your university and career ambitions. In order to create the safest possible learning environment, and whilst social distancing restrictions are in place, you will benefit from blended learning. You will also receive one-to-one support, giving you help and guidance every step of the way.

We expect you to join us on campus for the start of your programme.

Please note, study options, blended learning and health and safety measures are subject to ongoing review and government guidance, and should anything change, and you have an offer or confirmed place with us it will be communicated to you.

We’ll ensure that you have all the information and support you need ahead of your move to Holland. We will provide you with tailored information to prepare you for your journey; including information about what to pack, planning for your arrival, and how to make the most of your time at the Centre.

If you need help with anything when you arrive, you can call the Centre's emergency contact number for support:

  • Office Hours : +31 (0) 20 303 2075

Assuring the safety and wellbeing of our student and staff communities, as well as providing a quality blended learning experience, is at the heart of all of our planning and decision-making. By listening to your feedback and by following guidance provided by the government and public health authorities, we have put the following measures in place to help you feel confident ahead of arriving on campus:

  • Risk assessments of the International Study Centre
  • Hand sanitisers in the International Study Centre
  • Face coverings are available to you
  • Regular deep cleaning for all our buildings

International students over the age of 18 will have access to a COVID-19 vaccination, once they have arrived in Holland and are registered with the International Study Centre. Our expert staff will be able to advise you on how to register for a COVID-19 vaccination.

We will continue to monitor and review all the safety and wellbeing measures throughout the coming months.

FAQs for prospective students

We are sure you will have many questions about starting your course with us. To put your mind at ease and answer some of the queries you might have, we have listed a lot of the important information you will need to consider ahead of studying a programme at Holland International Study Centre below.

If you are 12 years or older and you’re traveling from a safe country/region from outside the EU/Schengen area, or you are a resident of an EU/Schengen country (you have a MVV or EU passport), or a country participating in the EU travel rules scheme, you do not need proof of vaccination or recovery or a negative test result. You are also not required to self-quarantine when you arrive in Holland.

If you are 12 years or older and you’re traveling from another country/region outside the EU/Schengen area that is not on the safe list, the EU entry ban applies to you. There are exemptions to the entry ban, for example for people with proof of vaccination or proof of recovery. This proof of vaccination or recovery must meet certain requirements. 

List of countries and policies can change, so more information can be found here.

We are expecting that teaching will be mostly face to face and that you will be able to start your studies on-campus. You will need to apply for your visa as per normal so that this allows you to start your programme in person on time.

The Dutch Government expect students to be able to get their visas as per normal and as such, you should be able to come to campus, unless there’s an exceptional reason for you not to be able to. In this case you’ll have the flexibility to start online, with the aim to travel to Holland as soon as you’re able to.

Here to support you

Despite these challenging times, we can still help you reach your goal of studying at university in the Netherlands. From visa application through to booking accommodation, you’ll be fully supported by our dedicated team every step of the way.

If you applied directly through us, your Student Enrolment Advisor can answer any questions you have about arriving on campus. Otherwise, you can contact us with any questions.

Your pre-arrival checklist

Before you arrive at Holland International Study Centre, you need to complete all the tasks in our pre-arrival checklist:

  1. Confirm your offer
    After you have received an offer of a place to study at Holland International Study Centre, you must pay your deposit to confirm your place. Check fees and confirmation payment details.
  2. Arrange your visa
    We’ll send you more information on the visa process after you confirm your place. Your chosen progression university will apply for your visa on your behalf, and this will be valid for the full duration of your studies in Holland.
  3. Book your accommodation
    We’ll send you a link so you can book your room at The Student Hotel. Find out more about accommodation options.
  4. Book your travel to Holland
    Make sure you arrive the weekend before term starts. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the nearest international airport and is less than 35 minutes away from the International Study Centre by train.
  5. Complete your pre-registration form
    Let us know when you’ll be arriving and if you need us to arrange a taxi from the airport for you by completing your pre-registration form*.
  6. Organise insurance
    It is essential you arrange insurance for your time studying in Holland.

*When you confirm your place, you’ll receive an email with a link to the Welcome Hub and your user name and password to access the pre-registration form. If you have issues accessing the pre-registration form, contact HollandISC.CSS@studygroup.com for your log-in details.

Please note: Government guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is regularly changing and therefore we will continue to review and adapt the measures that we’re putting in place to safeguard our staff and students. Students should continue to check government health and travel advice regularly before making any plans to travel. We will continue to communicate with you in the event of any changes.

Get involved

Student flipping through book and smiling at camera

Prepare for Success

5 weeks before your selected course you will be automatically enrolled in our Prepare for Success online programme in order to help you get everything you need.

Learn more

I feel more confident

Become a student ambassador

We are looking for Student Ambassadors to represent their International Study Centre. This is a sociable and engaging role involving a range of activities from social media takeovers to writing blogs. If you would like more information about being a Student Ambassador or would like to apply for this role, please email us on SGambassadors@studygroup.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

Make friends before you arrive

Join our Facebook group or follow our Instagram to connect with your classmates or ask us any questions before you arrive in Holland.

Mingshan (Sally) from China

The first week everybody was shy and we don’t know each other. This is the first time I knew lots of foreign friends and classmates, and I was nervous to talk with them. With time, you will get yourself using, not your mother language, your English to express what you thought. It’s a big change.

Mingshan (Sally) from China
Studying International Foundation Year in Business, Economics and Social Sciences

Discover more

Student life

Bikes on a bridge above a river

As a student in Amsterdam you will enjoy the city’s history, art and culture as well as bright, modern facilities at the International Study Centre.

Explore the city

Accommodation

Holland Student Hotel room

Most of our students choose to live in The Student Hotel, which offers a choice of locations in the city, fun social events and free use of a bicycle.

Find your home