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.

If you are planning to come to Holland for your studies, you’ll be able to start your study programme in time with a latest arrival date of 4 October 2021. Should you not be able to start in person due to travel restrictions, you’ll be expected to arrive as soon as travel restrictions are lifted.

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
  • Out of office hours: + 31 (0) 6 33418233

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 high-risk country from outside the EU/Schengen area, you must be able to show a negative COVID-19 test result. You must self-quarantine for 10 days at home or in your accommodation if you travel from a high-risk country. This requirement applies even if you have proof of vaccination or proof of recovery. If you get tested on day 5 you might be able to shorten the quarantine period.

If you are 12 years or older and you’re traveling from a safe country/region from outside the EU/Schengen area, you do not need to show a negative test result. You are also not required to self-quarantine when you arrive in Holland.

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 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 just 15 minutes away from the International Study Centre by train.

  5. Complete your pre-arrival form
    Let us know when you’ll be arriving and if you need us to arrange a taxi from the airport for you by sending us your completed arrival form.

  6. Organise insurance
    It is essential you arrange insurance for your time studying in Holland.

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

I feel more confident

VU student says Holland has made him 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 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

I Amsterdam sign in the city

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.

Accommodation

Communal area at The Student Hotel

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 out more about starting your studies or check the latest COVID-19 information.