Before moving to the Netherlands to study at Radboud University, you might want to know what comes after graduation. The Netherlands has a lot to offer: strong career opportunities, a high quality of life and a healthy work-life balance. But there are also difficulties you might need to overcome. Don't worry, we are here to help you.
Currently, 57% of international students choose to stay after graduation and build their career in the Netherlands. The Dutch job market is open to international talent, but (highly) competitive in some fields. These are reasons to stay that international students have reported themselves.
There are strong career opportunities across sectors like tech, life sciences, finance and sustainability, with a strong demand for international talent. Your international background and skills can work in your advantage here.
"The career support was very helpful in the early stages of my job search."
Read Annika's story
The Netherlands has one of the best work-life balances in Europe. The Dutch average working week is among the shortest, with a strong focus on flexibility and great parental leave policies. Our society deeply prioritises leasure and family, which is reflected in our work culture.
The Netherlands is consistently among the top-rated countries worldwide when it comes to quality of life. We have safe cities, excellent public transport and an open culture. This is also one of the reasons why the Netherlands is such a great place to study.
Dutch language skills are a clear advantage (and sometimes a requirement) on the job market. Our language can be hard to master, but even understanding it a little can help you a lot during your job search. We offer free Social Dutch workshops during your time as a student here. They are a great way to familiarise yourself with the Dutch language.
Navigating the Dutch job market can be unfamiliar, especially the application culture and networking norms. As the Dutch, we also have a reputation of being direct and honest. Many international students report this takes some getting used to, but most come to accept and even embrace it.
"They tend to be direct, but strangely I felt at home here almost from the start."
Read Natalia's story
If you become a student here, you might be eligible for our housing assistance. However, most commercial student housing requires you to be a student to live there. This means that after graduation, you will need to find a new place to live. Be aware of this during your studies and prepare yourself accordingly.
If you're not from the EU/EEA: get ready to apply for a required residence permit after graduation. Obtaining a residence permit is highly conditional rather than outright difficult, so be sure to inform yourself well.