Studying at KIT

Students and alumni

Health professionals from all over the world attend courses at KIT. Some classes have as many as twenty different nationalities. Students come from a range of disciplinary backgrounds. Typical profiles are doctors, nurses or health managers working in hospitals, ministries of health, NGOs and other organisations. What they all have in common is their engagement in and commitment towards improving health.

The KIT Alumni network is a dynamic community with a global presence; for most the time at KIT results in lifelong friendships and professional contacts across the world.

Our Facilitators

Course facilitators are leading professionals in the field of public and international health and with this experience they enrich the learning of participants and put theory into perspective of the latest developments. Our facilitators work for international NGOs as well as UN agencies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO). KIT staff members bring back the latest experience from the field based on KIT’s involvement in ongoing projects across the globe. KIT collaborates with highly ranked Dutch universities.

Welcoming arrival at KIT

We start our process of welcoming participants even before they arrive in The Netherlands. This way they can settle in easily and feel at home right away. We facilitate the visa process and send participants a handbook with practical information. We support participants with the opening of bank accounts and registration at the local municipality

Accommodation

KIT assists participants as much as possible in their search for housing. There is a severe shortage of student accommodation in Amsterdam but KIT has agreements with several housing agencies that are specialised in student accommodation. Usually accommodation with a common kitchen can be arranged. KIT can also inform course participants about other housing options such as hotels and bed and breakfasts.

Visa/residence permit

Citizens of most countries of the EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries do not need a visa to enter The Netherlands. Participants from other countries must obtain a visa or residence permit to The Netherlands. For more information about student visa (residence permit), please check the brochure from the Dutch Immigration Department (IND):

IND Info brochure study visa

Visa for short courses: Schengen Visa

A short-stay visa (Schengen visa) for up to three months must be arranged by the student through the Dutch embassy or consulate covering the applicant’s country. You will need a letter of admission to the course and proof of sponsorship or sufficient funds to cover the course fee, travel and accommodation costs. You should take into account that in some countries this procedure can take several months. KIT will assist you in this procedure were possible.

Visa/residence permit for Masters programmes

Participants from other countries who will stay for longer than three months in The Netherlands will need a student resident permit to enter the country. This visa should be applied for through KIT.

Participants admitted to the course will receive detailed information, as well as a list of documents KIT requires to secure their visa. Applicants should take into account that in some countries this procedure can take several months.

The Netherlands Residence permit for participants gives the right to unlimited travel in Schengen countries.

Insurance requirements

Course participants are required by Dutch law to have health, accident and third party insurance. Unless their current insurance policy covers their stay abroad, participants must insure themselves and their dependents in the Netherlands.

KIT can assist in arranging a student insurance for you at a good rate.

Banking

KIT assists you in opening a student bank account for the period of your stay in The Netherlands (only for Masters students).

The Netherlands and Amsterdam

Classes are held at KIT’s training centre close to the city centre, which is easy to reach by public transport or by bicycle.

Amsterdam, the capital of The Netherlands, is situated in the heart of Europe. With 850,000 inhabitants it is also a relatively small city, peaceful, well-organised and an easy place to find your way around. Amsterdam has always been known for its intellectual freedom, which has greatly stimulated the international exchange of ideas and research. The city is an important centre for cultural, social and financial developments. Amsterdam hosts a wide variety of museums, such as the world famous Rijksmuseum with paintings by the Dutch masters.

Amsterdam is very cosmopolitan, with over 180 nationalities in the city, making it a welcoming and safe place for international students. The Dutch are generally open-minded and tolerant. Although Dutch is the national language, most people in Amsterdam also speak English; this makes it easy for international students to interact with the local population.

Travelling

The Netherlands is a small country and public transport will take you almost anywhere you want to go, in a few hours.

The bicycle is the cheapest and easiest way to get around, especially if you live in Amsterdam. There are special cycling lanes on almost every road, and other road users are used to cyclists. Most Dutch people, regardless of their profession or status, have a bicycle.

Once you have arrived in Amsterdam, you will discover that many European capitals are within easy reach. Berlin, Brussels and Paris are just a few hours away by train, and a short flight will take you to London, Madrid or Rome.