Sweden and Holland attract British students

High tuition fees are driving postgraduate students abroad where they can study in English for a fraction of the price, says David Brill A rise in the numbers of UK masters students seeking cheaper courses in Sweden and the Netherlands has prompted the National Union of Students to call for more affordable courses at British universities. So far, the numbers involved are a trickle compared to the nearly 367,000 British postgraduates in UK universities and the 45,800 European Union students who come to the UK for masters and other postgraduate courses. But the competition could spell trouble for UK universities, which have come to rely heavily on postgraduate fees from overseas students. Sarah Harrison, 22, who earlier this year received a bachelor degree from the University of St Andrews, said the cost of studying for a masters in the UK had forced her to look elsewhere. Next week she begins a masters in international studies at the University of Uppsala in central Sweden. Read more: Eurogates. Forum of education news

CHN: Bachelor and Master programmes start in February and in September

Good news from CHN University! Since 2006 Bachelor and Master programmes will start both in September and in February. To be able to run the programme, there should be a minimum of 10 students per programme. More information: http://www.chn.nl Address: Eurogates. Forum of education news

Fontys University: new programme MSc in Information Systems

New programme Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Information Systems is offered by Roehampton University ( London , U.K. ) in collaboration with Fontys University of Applied Sciences ( Eindhoven , the Netherlands ). National trends show that there will be a steady demand in the future for employment in the IT sector. The predictions are that employers will want to hire people with computing and business knowledge. Clearly, the modern economy requires a new breed of managers and leaders equipped with flexible, transferable skills and a global vision. Read more: Eurogates. Forum of education news

University Maastricht: Euro*MBA in TOP-25 distance learning

European distance learning programme Euro*MBA in TOP-25 distance learning MBA, according to Financial Times. The Euro*MBA was launched in 1996 by an international consortium of business schools: Universiteit Maastricht Business School; Open Universiteit Nederland; IAE, Aix-en-Provence; Audencia Nantes School of Management and Eada, Barcelona. The consortium also has partners in Ireland, Germany and Poland. Distance learning/e-learning – that is, studying “virtually” while maintaining a full-time career – is increasingly seen as a viable alternative to more traditional, face-to-face learning. Rapid improvements in technology, ease of access to web-based products and familiarity with the internet, have persuaded many institutions to launch distance learning/e-learning programmes. Read more: Eurogates. Forum of education news

Preparatory course at HAN University starts in February and September

Do you need to improve your English skills in order to be admitted to one of our international Bachelor programmes? Arnhem Business School offers this course to both European and non-European students who need to improve their English skills in order to be admitted to one of our international Bachelor programmes. The course will be concluded with an official IELTS exam* which has to be passed with a score of 6.0 in order to continue a study at Arnhem Business School. Besides focusing on English, the students are also introduced to our way of education that includes group work and presentations. The subjects taught are: • English Grammar • English Conversation • English Pronunciation • IELTS preparation • Management Training • Western European Culture • Project training • Presentations Eurogates. Forum of education news

Team TU Delft won at the Human Powered Submarine Contest

Wasub II, the human-powered submarine built by TU Delft students, won two prizes this summer at the Human Powered Submarine Contest (HPS) 2006 in Escondido, California. It won prizes for the Best Sub Design and Best Manufacturing. Wasub is a TU Delft student team that designs, builds and races human-powered submarines. The team comprises Dutch and Belgian students, enrolled in various TU faculties. The Wasub II, successor to Wasub from 2005, has a torpedo-shaped hull in which one pilot can fit. The pilot lies on his stomach and must cycle to propel it. The submarine is filled with water and the pilot must breathe compressed air. Wasub II has now been shipped back to the Netherlands, where the team will repair the sub and improve its design. Eurogates. Forum of education news

International Logistics Expertise Centre of Fontys

ILEC is the Knowledge Centre for both Logistics and Business Administration of the Fontys University of Professional Education in Venlo (the Netherlands). ILEC operates as an intermediary between industry and University. Therefore, we are able to provide you with dedicated solutions for your business. Our main services are Consultancy and Training. Being a specialist in Logistics and Business Administration, ILEC covers the complete range of business services. Due to our connections with the Fontys University of Professional Education, we offer a wide range scale of expertise, supporting our consultancy and training activities ILEC has executed projects in all relevant business areas: Industry, Transport & Logistics, Health Care and Administration. Eurogates. Forum of education news

HAN University: Master of International Business

Just recently, the degree programme Master of International Business (MIB) received accreditation by the FIBAA, the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation. This recognition now implies that HAN University of Applied Sciences, which offers the MIB, can now award an internationally recognised Masters degree to students who have successfully completed the programme. The MIB is designed for individuals wanting to pursue a career in international business. The entire programme is taught entirely in English and consists of a mixture of theory and practice, both of which are prerequisites for a successful career in international business. Students learn to cope with complex professional situations. Eurogates. Forum of education news

About Fontys University

At Fontys University of Applied Sciences, it is possible to follow almost all higher professional education programmes at bachelor’s and master’s level available anywhere in the Netherlands. We offer programmes in Health Care and Social Work, Economics, Business and Communication, Technology, Visual and Performing Arts, Logistics and Transport, and Education. Programmes can be followed in numerous locations. All programmes are focused on professional practice in a modern society. This focus is expressed through practical lessons, practice placements, also abroad, and the use of modern information and communications technology in education. Teaching is provided at Fontys in small groups, which guarantees close contacts with your lecturers who can better be described as counsellors. At Fontys, the student always occupies a central position. Eurogates. Forum of education news

University of Amsterdam and Brussels University - partners

The Academic Medical Center (AMC-UvA) has signed a partnership agreement with Vrije Universiteit Brussel on 17 July. The agreement enables exchange between both institutes of students and academic staff. From now on, medical students from Amsterdam can do their internships in Brussels and Brussels students in Biomedical Sciences can do research for their master’s thesis in Amsterdam. These students do not need to pay any extra tuition fees because they remain registered at their home university. Both institutes will decide upon the number of particpants of the exchange programme annually. Eurogates. Forum of education news

Study International Logistics in Holland & England

Study in the Netherlands & England for 14 months: the Master of Science programme in International Logistics provides you with the opportunity of both studying at one of the Netherlands’ leading Logistics education centres, The National Transport Academy (Fontys Vervoersacademie) in Venlo, The Netherlands, and at the Plymouth Business School, part of the Faculty of Social Science and Business at the University of Plymouth, England. Fontys University of Applied Sciences in Venlo (Vervoersacademie) is renowned for its expertise in the area of internal and external logistics. The ”Vervoersacademie” has established itself as a non-disputed centre of expertise offering academic courses in Logistics Management. They originate from a structural and explicit demand for well-trained and practical logistic experts with hands-on experience. Throughout the years the demand for logistic expertise has increased substantially. The University of Plymouth enjoys an international reputation for its focus on international logistics and marine studies. Its graduates easily find jobs in industry, service industries and semi-governmental organisations. Eurogates. Forum of education news

Why Choose Universiteit Nimbas?

Universiteit Nimbas is a fantastic place to study and offers one of the friendliest graduate management experiences around. Our excellence was eclipsed recently when we became only the 22nd Dutch institution to be awarded Universiteit status. Together with the University of Bradford, which is Britain’s longest established university-based business school and is fully accredited by EQUIS, we offer one of the world’s best MBAs. Our MBA is ranked number 1 in the Netherlands by the Economist Intelligent Unit Which MBA? (Oct 2005) and number 2 in the Netherlands by the Financial Times (Jan 2006); these results are testament to 18 years at the forefront of management education. Quality teaching is the key to our success. Our unique faculty, flown in from around the world, not only educates, it motivates. Many lecturers are leaders in their own fields of management and research, others divide their time between academia and management consultancy. Eurogates. Forum of education news

New Dutch immigration policy good for international students

nternational students who want to stay in the Netherlands after their studies here are to be given more opportunities to look for work. And international freelance researchers should be allowed easy access to the Netherlands. These are two of the key points in the Cabinet’s plans for a modern immigration policy that is expected to come into effect from 2008. The new policy represents a complete departure from the old immigration rules. Instead of the 29 different residence purposes in the current system, there will be five residence categories, each of which will encompass a uniform package of rights and obligations. The ‘labour migration’ category will have an in-built tolerance for international knowledge workers who do not have an employment contract, but do have the funding to carry out important research or work. Following a speedy assessment, talented independent researchers will qualify for a two-year residence permit. Eurogates. Forum of education news

CHN University students train South Africans

Students from the Retail Business School in Leeuwarden (part of CHN University of Professional Education) have won a national competition with a project to help budding entrepreneurs in South Africa. Since 2004, they have been working with black entrepreneurs in Nemato township to provide marketing, communication and accountancy training. “The South African government provides funding for ambitious black entrepreneurs looking to set up in business,” Martijn Spoelstra told us. He and seven other students on the Retail Management & Small Business programme have built the project from scratch. Eurogates. Forum of education news

Dutch scholarship: Libertas Support Fund

The Libertas Support Fund programme aims to help students who find it impossible or extremely difficult to study in their home country because of the political situation there. In 2006, the programme will only be open to students from Belarus, but in the future it may be opened to students from other countries too. The Libertas Support Fund provides financial help to students who want to follow a bachelor’s or master’s programme in the Netherlands and are unable to study at home because of the political situation there. Study can include research and/or practical training. The Dutch Minister for Education, Culture and Science has made one million euros available. There is no fixed number of available scholarships, but the actual number is determined by the total cost of the variable components of the scholarships. Eurogates. Forum of education news

Tilburg University: Language courses with vouchers

From August 2006, every student at Tilburg University will receive twelve language vouchers. Each voucher will be worth one ECTS credit. Using these vouchers, students can take an average of two language courses at the Language Centre during their studies. Students who want to take more language courses will have to pay for these. Employees of Tilburg University will not receive language vouchers. Students can use a language voucher to take a language course at the Language Centre that isn't a compulsory part of the curriculum. However, the vouchers do not offer a guarantee of admission to language courses: full is full. Nonetheless, the system is meant to reduce the former waiting lists - about 150 students every semester - for language programmes. "For some students, signing up for a language programme was free of obligation: students frequently didn't show up, as a result of which other students missed their chance." By introducing the vouchers, the Language Centre forces students to realise the consequences of their choices. "Now students will think twice before spending a voucher", says head of the Language Centre, Guust Meijers. Eurogates. Forum of education news

Webster University:Mayflower scholarship for current student

The Mayflower Scholarship may be awarded to undergraduate or graduate students currently registered at Webster Leiden. These competitive scholarships are based purely upon academic merit and are normally renewable after one year if the awardee maintains continuous full-time enrollment at Webster Leiden and meets or exceeds the required cumulative grade point average of 3.0. The scholarship award is up to 25% of tuition costs. The Mayflower Scholarship applies to study at Webster University's Leiden campus only and includes online courses. Eurogates. Forum of education news

Tilburg University: Public Administration continues selection

For the moment, the University of Leiden will not hold an entry exam for students. According to the university, the results of an experiment show that it is not useful to select only the best secondary school students. Tilburg University is not allowing itself to be put off by this conclusion. The University of Leiden was one of the Dutch universities and institutions of higher professional education, selected by Minister for Education Mark Rutte, to experiment with entry selection. The Tilburg School of Politics and Public Administration is also participating in this experiment. But not one university tackled the experiment as broadly as did Leiden. Last year, there were test exams for the study programmes in French, German, Italian, history, and law. Students weren't actually refused, but the results of students with a high average were compared with the study performances of students whose average scores were lower. It appeared that students with a higher average score did achieve good results; but so did the students with a low average. As a result of having an entry exam selection, many students would wrongly be rejected. An additional motivation test proved too easy to manipulate. Eurogates. Forum of education news

Master Business Administration program in Amsterdam

An MBA is the key qualification for managers to advance their careers. However, what you learn when obtaining your MBA is as important as the qualification itself. An MBA must cover a wide range of subjects in a limited time. Some MBAs take the easy option and deliver the minimum. We do not. We believe our graduates should have a sound understanding of the subjects they have studied. Our courses are stimulating and demanding and comply fully with the specification of an MBA as defined by EQUIS and AMBA. Our programme is designed to incorporate three main factors: rigour, relevance and reliability. It is difficult to teach a multi-disciplinary course such as an MBA without each element becoming simplistic. This does you no good. Practicalities differ across industry, geography and time. You have to understand, and therefore be able to adapt to change, and, indeed, you need to understand change itself. Eurogates. Forum of education news

Dutch firms seek expats close to home

AMSTERDAM — Companies based in the Netherlands favour expat applicants from neighbouring Belgium and Germany, a new survey has confirmed. The survey — carried out by online recruiting specialist StepStone — revealed 47 percent of HR managers in the Netherlands look for expat workers from Belgium, while 43 percent also recruit Germans. Expats from the UK are also popular with Dutch-based companies: 34 percent of HR managers recruiting abroad have hired or considered people from Britain. The next most popular expat countries are the US and France (both 25 percent). Eurogates. Forum of education news

Holland ranked 15th happiest country

Belgians are listed 28th in a new study ranking the world's populations in terms of happiness. The study indicated the Danish are the world's happiest people, followed by Switzerland and Austria, ranked 2nd and 3rd respectively. The University of Leicester study also revealed that three of Belgium's neighbours were ranked lower on the 'World Chart of Happiness'.The UK was ranked 41st, Germany 35th and France 62nd. Luxembourg and the Netherlands scored better and were ranked 12th and 15th respectively. The US was ranked 23rd, Japan 90th, India 125th and Russia 167th. At the bottom of the 178 studied nations were the African countries Zimbabwe and Burundi. Eurogates. Forum of education news