From internationally recognized universities to innovative employers and a high quality of life, the Dutch North offers US students and graduates a range of opportunities to study, do research, and work. Here, you’ll find the information you need to explore your options and take the next step with confidence.

The Northern Netherlands consists of three provinces: Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe. They have a combined population of around 1.7 million people living in an area roughly the size of Connecticut.

The key cities you need to know are Groningen (the capital city of the region bearing the same name) and Leeuwarden, which is the capital of Friesland.

Groningen embodies the true meaning of a “university city”. Student life is visible everywhere, from association events and parties in the city center to sports clubs, gyms and campus activities throughout the day.

Groningen regularly ranks among the Netherlands’ best student cities and is home to internationally recognized institutions. The University of Groningen consistently ranks in the global top 100 and offers extensive English-taught programs. Hanze University of Applied Sciences focuses on professional, practice-oriented degrees. NHL Stenden has strong hospitality and business programs.

English-taught programs worth exploring:

Working in English is common in technical and knowledge-sector roles. However, if you're planning to stay long-term, Dutch proficiency opens up the broader job market and makes integration easier. Most internationals who settle here soon realise that learning the language is the fuel that accelerates their career trajectory.

While you're working on your Dutch, keep an eye out for positions in IT, tech, and the life sciences, which tend to prioritize fluency in English.

Once you’re hired for your dream role, get ready to experience Dutch working life — and yes, many of the things you’ve heard are true.

✅Directness? Check. Your manager will be open and straightforward in their feedback, and you’re encouraged to be the same.
✅Work–life balance? Very real. Get ready for clear boundaries around working hours and personal time.
✅Flat hierarchies? Absolutely. Titles matter less than ideas, and it’s common to contribute in meetings from day one, regardless of your role or seniority.

Oh, and did we mention that commutes over here are typically short? If you live close to the city center you'll probably bike or walk to work in under 20 minutes. If you're further out it still takes less than an hour. Plus the region lacks the traffic congestion of the Randstad (that’s the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Utrecht corridor), and housing (while still competitive) is more affordable.

The Northern Netherlands has a strong international research ecosystem.

The University of Groningen offers structured Graduate Schools, covering disciplines from life sciences and medicine to engineering, AI and energy systems.

After completing a PhD, many internationals move into industry using the Orientation Year visa.

You'll probably want to seek out the International Welcome Center North (IWCN), which is your one-stop shop for:

If you don’t hold a European passport, you will likely need a visa. There are different kinds of visas.

Study visa: For international students enrolled at a Dutch higher-education institution.

Orientation Year visa: Allows graduates from top-100 global universities to stay in the Netherlands for one year to look for work or start a business. Graduating with a master’s degree program, a doctoral program or a post-master's program from MIT qualifies you for this visa. If you have a different degree, check here for eligibility.

Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (HSM): If you find a job after your orientation year, employers may retain you under reduced salary thresholds for junior profiles.

Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) visa: For US citizens who want to start a business or work as freelancers in the Netherlands.

Learn more about visas & permits here.

“I’m allowed to protect my personal time”. “There’s no need for me to answer emails at night”. “We’re not big about hierarchy at our company”. This is what people usually have to say about work-life in the Netherlands where the standard workweek is between 36 and 40 hours.

But don't just take our word for it. This is what expats had to say.

Still need more advice or guidance to launch your career in the Northern Netherlands? Email us at support@makeitinthenorth.nl