As graduation season approaches for students in Hong Kong, the UK, and Australia, many are asking themselves: what comes next? With tuition fees rising and competition intensifying in traditional destinations, more students are seeking alternatives that offer high-quality teaching, international recognition, English-taught programmes, and greater value for money. Increasingly, they are looking to the heart of Europe – specifically the Netherlands and Belgium – as their next step for postgraduate study. Offering globally ranked institutions, a welcoming international environment, and lower living and tuition costs, these countries are rapidly becoming top choices for globally minded Hong Kong graduates.
A Smart Shift: Why the Netherlands and Belgium Are Gaining Ground
For Hong Kong students currently studying in the UK, Australia, or Hong Kong itself, the Netherlands and Belgium are emerging as strong contenders for further study. With master's tuition fees at top UK universities (such as Imperial, LSE, and UCL) continuing to rise, many families are re-evaluating their options. The Netherlands and Belgium combine academic excellence, English-medium instruction, and affordability in an attractive, multicultural environment.
Both countries are known for being welcoming to international students. The Dutch population is largely fluent in English, and Belgian universities offer a broad range of English-taught master's degrees. Programmes span diverse fields including engineering, finance, data science, architecture, humanities, nanotechnology, and bioinformatics.
Life outside the classroom is equally appealing. Vibrant urban centres, excellent public transport, and active international student communities make these countries not only ideal places to study, but also to live and grow. For graduates from Hong Kong, the UK, or Australia, a degree from the Netherlands or Belgium can offer more than academic credentials – it can be a launchpad for an international career and meaningful personal development.
Source: Shutterstock
A Side-by-Side Look: Tuition, Strengths and Fit
Among the many top universities in the region, three institutions stand out as particularly strong options for Hong Kong graduates: TU Delft, University of Amsterdam, and KU Leuven. These universities are consistently ranked among the world’s best, with robust academic reputations, diverse English-taught programmes, and affordable tuition.
| Criteria | TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) | University of Amsterdam | KU Leuven |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS 2026 Ranking | 47 | 53 | 60 |
| Annual Tuition (International) | €21,515–€22,290 | €15,290–€18,810 | €6,000–€9,000 |
| Language of Instruction | Fully English-taught | Fully English-taught | Extensive English-taught options |
| Academic Strengths | Engineering, Architecture, Data Science, Sustainable Energy | Finance, AI, Media, Humanities | Engineering, Life Sciences, Law, European Studies |
| Key Features | Global top 15 in engineering; strong industry links | Leading in social sciences & humanities; rich city life | Top in Belgium; excellent academic reputation |
| Ideal For | STEM students seeking innovation | Arts, social science, and tech-driven learners | Students seeking affordability and academic depth |
What You’ll Need: Entry Requirements
- A relevant bachelor’s degree with at least a 2:1 honours (or equivalent)
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.5–7.0 (no section below 6.0–6.5) or TOEFL iBT 92–100
- Some programmes (e.g. engineering, finance, data science) require GRE scores
- Personal statement, academic references, and supporting documents required
Source: Shutterstock
Programme Duration: One Year or Two?
- TU Delft: Most master's programmes are two years (120 ECTS credits)
- University of Amsterdam: One year for arts/social sciences; two years for STEM and research tracks
- KU Leuven: Programme length varies between one and two years, depending on the subject
Cost of Living: What to Expect
Netherlands
- Estimated monthly living expenses: €850–€1,500, depending on city and lifestyle
- Amsterdam is more expensive; smaller cities are more affordable
- Major expenses include housing (€400–€800), food, insurance, transport, and personal items
Belgium
- Monthly living costs: €800–€1,000
- Leuven is generally more affordable than Brussels
- Accommodation typically costs €450–€670, with additional daily living expenses
*Both countries allow part-time work for international students and offer merit-based scholarships.
Who Should Apply: Matching Profiles with Opportunities
Graduates from top universities in Hong Kong, the UK, or Australia – such as Bristol, PolyU, NYU, LSE, Carnegie Mellon, UCLA, HKUST, UQ, Monash, Manchester, or KCL – are well-positioned to apply directly to TU Delft, the University of Amsterdam, or KU Leuven. These institutions offer comparable academic rigour and international standing.
Students from other reputable universities – including CityU, Warwick, Birmingham, UWA, Glasgow, Adelaide, Leeds, Southampton, Sheffield, Durham, UTS, Nottingham, and QMUL – may also consider these institutions as achievable yet competitive options. With strong academic records and a well-prepared application, admission chances remain high.
Source: Shutterstock
In Summary: Academic Excellence That Doesn’t Break the Bank
For Hong Kong students seeking a world-class master's degree without the heavy financial burden, the Netherlands and Belgium offer a compelling combination of academic excellence, English-taught programmes, and a reasonable cost of living. TU Delft, the University of Amsterdam, and KU Leuven are not just highly ranked institutions – they are gateways to global perspectives and faster career development for graduates from Hong Kong, the UK, and Australia.
For personalised advice on postgraduate study in the Netherlands and Belgium, contact our education consultants.