H.E. Alphonsus Stoelinga, Ambassador of Netherlands to India visits Chitkara University
Chitkara University is happy to host H.E. Alphonsus Stoelinga, Ambassador of Netherlands and Ms. Karanpreet Kaur, Senior Policy Officer at its Punjab Campus on 26th March 2018. The objective of the visit was to inform faculty and students about higher education opportunities in the Netherlands and newly launched scholarships, specifically for Indian students.
At Chitkara University, students are a part of one of the finest curriculums during their student exchange program. Chitkara University has tie-ups with only the world’s best. The University encourages its students to get a global exposure and provides all possible help to make dreams come true. It would be a great opportunity for students to grab the opportunities in the Netherlands and the session provided all the necessary information.
A nation’s educated workforce shapes its future. India has the world’s youngest population since half of its population is under the age of 25. Over years, the Dutch higher education system has witnessed the potential of young, bright Indian minds, and is keen on establishing the Netherlands as a hub for Indian students.
With its inclusive education infrastructure, and close to 2,200 courses taught in English across sectors such as Agriculture, Governance, Engineering, Humanities, Management and Life Sciences, the Netherlands is an advanced-yet-affordable higher education destination for Indian students. The Netherlands is the 4th most competitive economy and the 3rd most innovative country in the world as per the World Economic Forum 2017 rankings. Interestingly, the Netherlands is ranked the first worldwide in terms of work-life balance and ranks in the Top 20 countries in terms of happiness and safety index.
The Study in Holland initiative attracts nearly 2% of all internationally mobile students. In the last decade, Dutch universities like Erasmus University Rotterdam, Wageningen University, TU Delft and the University of Twente have seen a significant rise in the number of Indian students. 13 Dutch universities rank in the Top 100 in Europe and Top 200 in the world as per Times Higher Education and QS World Rankings 2017. The Dutch Government has also designed certain funding options, scholarships and fellowships specifically for Indian students. The Holland Scholarship which amounts to € 5,000 is one of the scholarships provided. There are others such as Orange Knowledge Program and Orange Tulip scholarship, which provide part or full waiver of the tuition fee.
“Indian talent comes to the Netherlands to pursue engineering or business courses. Yet, courses on accounting and finance, bioscience, economics, law, agriculture, medicine or the arts are increasing in popularity. Currently, we have over 1,600 Indian students in the Netherlands and aim to increase numbers of Indian students and teachers studying, researching, and teaching in the Netherlands and vice versa,” says Alphonsus Stoelinga, Ambassador of the Netherlands.
Speaking on this Occasion, Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Vice-Chancellor of Chitkara University said, “We are glad to have His Excellency Alphonsus Stoelinga, Ambassador of the Netherlands with us. Many thanks to the ambassador for having provided insightful information to our students and faculty about the educational opportunities and scholarships for Indian Students in the Netherlands. Chitkara University has a prestigious Student Exchange Program with reputed organizations that have benefited our students a lot. We are happy to have the new door open for us to the Netherlands. I am sure our students will strive hard to make use of this wonderful opportunity.”
