Studying Law Abroad: Can Americans Study In Holland?

The Netherlands is known as the World's Legal Capital, as The Hague is host to the International Criminal Court and several other international courts. The country is also a leader in the legal world, with law professors recognised internationally for their understanding of civil law. This makes it a great place to study law, and higher education in the Netherlands is open to international students. However, there are a few things to consider: the Dutch education system is harder than the American system, and law school is taught in Dutch, so a high level of proficiency in the language is required.

Language requirements

The Dutch academic year begins on 1 September and runs through to 31 August the following year, with 42 weeks of study. The Netherlands is known for its windmills, tulips, and dikes, and is also known as the World's Legal Capital. The Hague, in the Netherlands, is host to the International Criminal Court and several other international courts and tribunals, including Europol and Eurojust. The Netherlands follows a civil law format based on the French Civil Code with some influences from traditional Dutch law and Roman Law.

To study law in the Netherlands, you must be proficient in Dutch. The Dutch LLB (bachelor of law or LLB) is only available in Dutch. In addition to learning Dutch, you will also need to learn legal jargon, which can be challenging. Law school is taught in Dutch, and all legal proceedings are conducted in the language. Perfect grammar is essential. One source suggests that it is challenging for even native Dutch speakers to understand difficult law texts. Therefore, it is recommended that you start learning Dutch as soon as possible if you intend to study law in the Netherlands.

However, some universities in the Netherlands offer English-taught courses. For example, The Hague University of Applied Sciences offers an English-taught law degree. Additionally, international students can apply to an International Law program, which focuses on the educational needs of international students who may not be fully informed about the Dutch civil law perspective. To be accepted into an international law school program in the Netherlands, you must be able to speak and write English well.

Degree structure

The degree structure for law studies in the Netherlands follows a civil law approach, which is based on the French Civil Code with influences from traditional Dutch law and Roman Law. The Dutch legal system is one of the best-performing and most democratic in the world, according to the Rule of Law Index.

Earning a law degree in the Netherlands typically begins with a three-year undergraduate law degree (Bachelor of Law or LLB), followed by a one-year Master of Law degree (LLM). The academic year in the Netherlands runs from September 1 to August 31 of the following year, with 42 weeks of study.

The Hague University of Applied Sciences offers a four-year International and European Law degree. This program covers international law, European law, and national law, as well as essential skills for a legal career, such as listening, writing, and presenting. The Hague's status as an International City of Peace and Justice provides students with unique opportunities for work placements and traineeships.

Tilburg University offers a unique Master's program in Victimology and Criminal Justice, focusing on the position of victims in society and drawing on insights from law, psychology, criminology, and other social sciences.

It is important to note that the legal education structure can vary between countries. In the United States, for example, law is typically studied at the graduate level, with students earning a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school, which usually takes three years for full-time students and four years for part-time students. The first year of law school in the US is generally considered the most difficult due to the rigorous curriculum and the Socrates method of teaching, which can be intimidating for many students, especially international students.

Student visa

To study law in the Netherlands as an American, you will need to apply for a student visa. The Netherlands is known as the World's Legal Capital, so it is an excellent choice for pursuing legal studies. The Dutch academic year begins on 1 September and runs through 31 August the following year, with 42 weeks of study.

The first step is to apply to the law school of your choice and gain acceptance. Once you have your acceptance letter, you can apply for your student visa. This visa grants you a preparatory year to find work, locate a place to live, and complete any necessary training before beginning your studies.

If you are planning to be in the Netherlands for fewer than 90 days, you may need a "short-stay visa" or "Schengen visa". For stays longer than 90 days, you will likely need an entry visa (MVV) and a residence permit (VVR). With a "single-entry" visa, you can travel within the Schengen area, but once you leave, you will need a new Schengen visa for a short stay or a return visa for a long stay. A "multiple-entry" visa allows you to travel in and out of the Schengen area during the validity of your visa.

Please note that the requirements for a student visa or residence permit may vary depending on your nationality and the length of your stay. It is recommended that you start the visa application process early, as it may take time to gather all the necessary documents. Additionally, keep in mind that the visa application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

As an international student, you can apply to an International Law program, which is tailored to students who may not be familiar with the Dutch civil law perspective. To be accepted into an international law school program in the Netherlands, you must be proficient in English. However, keep in mind that Dutch language skills will be necessary for practising law in the Netherlands.

Career opportunities

The Netherlands is known as the World's Legal Capital, with The Hague hosting the International Criminal Court and several other international courts and tribunals, including Europol and Eurojust. The country is also a leader in the legal world, with law professors recognised internationally for their understanding of civil law. This means that graduates from Dutch law schools have greater job prospects and ample job opportunities, both within the Netherlands and internationally.

To practice law in the Netherlands as an American, you will need to complete a three-year undergraduate law degree (Bachelor of Law or LLB), followed by a one-year Master of Law degree (LLM). These degrees are taught in Dutch and require a high level of proficiency in the language. However, there are also International Law programs taught in English that cater to the educational needs of international students.

With a degree from a Dutch law school, you can pursue a legal career in the Netherlands or other civil law countries. You can also consider working for international organisations, in the public sector, or in academia. The Netherlands has a strong expat community, and there are many internships and work opportunities for American students. However, as a non-EU student, you will need to obtain a work permit through your employer to work during your studies.

It is important to note that the legal job market in the Netherlands may be competitive, and salaries may be lower compared to the US. Additionally, to become a practicing lawyer in the Netherlands, you will need to be admitted to the Bar Association, which may require additional qualifications and training.

Overall, studying law in the Netherlands can provide a strong foundation for a legal career, both within the country and internationally, with the potential for a balanced lifestyle and strong career prospects.

Cost of living

The cost of living in the Netherlands is about 20% lower than in the United States. However, the cost of living in Amsterdam, the largest city in the Netherlands, is quite high. The average cost of living in Amsterdam is around $2,326 per month, ranking in the top 2% of the most expensive cities in the world. The median after-tax salary in Amsterdam is $3,620, which is enough to cover living expenses for about 1.6 months.

Other cities in the Netherlands also have high living costs. For example, the average monthly cost of living in Rotterdam is $1,842, placing it in the top 7% of the most expensive places globally. Similarly, Zwolle has a monthly cost of living of $1,553, ranking it in the top 27% of the priciest cities worldwide. Utrecht, another expensive city, has an average monthly cost of living of $1,987.

International students in the Netherlands can expect to pay approximately seven times more in tuition fees than EU/EEA students. For instance, a full-time master's student in the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam pays €1,738 per month. Additionally, students need to budget for accommodation, which can range from €400 to €1,300 per month for a room. Private rentals, a common choice for expats, cost around €900 per month. Students can also apply for housing allowances to help with rent payments.

It is important to note that international students are only permitted to work 16 hours per week in the Netherlands. Additionally, health insurance is necessary for international students over 30 years old within the first three months of their stay. The cost of health insurance varies, but one person reported paying €142.70 per month with Silver Cross.

Frequently asked questions