Study in the Netherlands
Study in the Netherlands – why choose the Netherlands
To study in the Netherlands is to live a wonderful experience. A liberal country with an interesting mix of cultures built on its rich history of travel and trade, the Netherlands is ranked the world’s sixth happiest country and also tops the global rankings in health.
If you opt to study in the Netherlands, you will enjoy an excellent education system with world-class universities, a social system that promotes a good work-life balance, and a treasure house of Old Masters to visit in your spare time. If you are looking for a safe, welcoming society then look no further and come to study in the Netherlands!
Almost 100,000 international students choose to study in the Netherlands on English courses, not only because of the attractions of the country and culture, but also because tuition fees are comparatively low, and the Dutch government offers generous loans which are open to anyone studying in the Netherlands.
What do I need to know about studying in the Netherlands?
Study in the Netherlands - two types of universities
Study in the Netherlands involves choosing between two types of universities – research universities, which offer a traditional range of subjects and courses – and universities of applied sciences, which concentrate on technology, developing practical skills and have close links with local industry.
Study in the Netherlands – Universities of Applied Sciences
To study in the Netherlands, you need to know why to perhaps choose Universities of Applied Sciences.
Universities of Applied Sciences are general institutions which specialise in specific fields, from agriculture to performing arts, game design and architecture to life sciences.
Courses are taught in small classes and there is a strong emphasis on team and project work, as well as innovation and creativity. Unlike research universities, if you study in the Netherlands at a University of Applied Sciences, the course will prepare graduates for specific roles within the job market and have strong links with industry.
These institutions constantly monitor the job market to ensure their graduates are meeting their needs and learning the skills which are most in-demand. The focus is on problem-based learning, and work placements- both at home and studying abroad- are commonly offered as part of your course. Students usually go abroad after the end of the second year. These are not research institutes and teaching is hands-on rather than purely theoretical.
Once you decide you want to study in the Netherlands at a University of Applied Sciences, you will see that there are more than 40 Universities of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands to choose from. Graduates are awarded degrees that cite their field of study.
For example, if you get a bachelor’s studying nursing, you will have a Bachelor’s in Nursing, and not a BA or BSc. Courses usually last for four years. Similarly, if you pass your Master’s, which takes between 1-2 years, you will get a Master in a specific field, e.g.: Master in Social Work, rather than an MA or an MSc. It is not possible to study in the Netherlands for a doctorate at a University of Applied Sciences.
When to send my application to study in the Netherlands?
Applications to the Netherlands for applied sciences universities must be uploaded between March and July.
Admissions boards are far more interested in the number of hours you have spent studying a subject than simply a list of actual and predicted grades and will ask you to give a description of the subjects you have taken, and how long you spent on courses related to the field to which you are applying.
Among the most popular Universities of Applied Sciences are:
Studying in the Netherlands – Research Universities
If you want to study in the Netherlands at a research university, you can get your undergraduate degree in three years, whereas a Master’s takes between 1-2 years.
The Netherlands’ research universities are very similar to traditional institutions of learning, found all across the world, with an emphasis on research and independent study.
The table, below, provides an overview of recent rankings – but remember that the ranking of your course is just as important as that of the institution.
Elab can provide you with detailed analysis of the best universities to apply to study in the Netherlands, once you have chosen which degree you wish to take.
The choice is wide, since at present there are over 370 undergraduate courses taught in English in the Netherlands, and 1500 at Master’s level.
|
University
|
QS Global Ranking, 2021
|
The Global Ranking 2021
|
|---|---|---|
|
Delft University of Technology
|
57
|
78
|
|
UvA University of Amsterdam
|
61
|
66
|
|
Wageningen University
|
115
|
62
|
|
Eindhoven University of Technology
|
120
|
187
|
|
Utrecht University
|
121
|
75
|
|
Leiden University
|
128
|
70
|
|
University of Groningen
|
128
|
80
|
|
Erasmus University Rotterdam
|
197
|
72
|
|
University of Twente
|
197
|
201
|
Study in the Netherlands - which are the best universities?
Studying in the Netherlands is a life-changing experience and, once you have settled on the course you wish to take, the next most important thing to decide is where you want to study. After all, you will be spending three or more years here, in your new home, and it has to suit the pace of life you enjoy and your interests.
The University of Utrecht
Utrecht is an extremely popular, public, research-intensive university. The highest ranked university in the Netherlands, Utrecht is ranked 13th in Europe and 75th globally. The city itself is half the size of Amsterdam and, according to its alumni and current students, has an intimate small-town atmosphere, with all the facilities you expect to find in large city -museums, restaurants, galleries, bars and a lively leisure scene. Utrecht is an exceptionally attractive place to study and live, with its 17th century city centre and tree-lined canals, and the world-famous bell tower, the Domtoren, standing opposite the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin, looking down benevolently at the hundreds of students rushing to their lectures, as it has for hundreds of years. The university teaches around 32,00 students across seven faculties, has produced 12 Nobel laureates and is well-known for its high-quality research output. It is also singled out for its excellent teaching and student-focused academic life. The ratio of staff to students is a high 1:4, and this enables the university to encourage active learning through small group work, as well as independent and supervised study.
READ MORE ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF UTRECHT ON OUR BLOG
The University of Leiden
The University of Leiden is a public research university, the oldest in the Netherlands, and has always had a reputation for tolerance, welcoming new ideas and debate, and for acting as magnet to thinkers and artists who were looking for refuge and inspiration. Descartes, Rembrandt, Huygens, Grotius and Spinoza all found a physical and intellectual home in Leiden during the Dutch Golden Age, and by the 17th century, Leiden’s scholars had a Europe-wide reputation and students flocked there from all over the continent. The university motto, “Bastion of Freedom”, sums up its history since its original founder, William of Orange, rewarded the town by establishing a university, for its efforts to fight off the Spanish threat.
MORE ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF LEIDEN ON OUR BLOG
The University of Amsterdam
The origins of the University of Amsterdam go back to 1632 and, nearly four centuries later, it continues to attract students from all over the world, and ranks in the top 20 universities in Europe and 61st in the world (QS). A public, research-focussed university , with 34,000 students drawn from over 100 different countries, UvA (as it is commonly referred to) offers one of the largest selection of courses taught in English in all Europe, with over 200 at Master’s level alone. Amsterdam is not only innovative, lively and exciting, but it has also been ranked 11th in the World Quality of Living index and comes in at No 1. in Europe in The Economist‘s safe city rankings.
Study in the Netherlands in English
Study in the Netherlands offers more and more courses in English to cater for international students. In view of this, if you are interested in studying a course at a Dutch university which is taught in English, you will be asked for proof of language proficiency.
Below are indications of results required for admission purposes, however these must be checked well before application deadlines to allow reasonable preparation time:
IELTS of 6 and above; CAE Grade C; or TOEFL of 80+.
If you need help to prepare for these exams and improve your results Elab can provide you with any additional preparation you might need, including one-to-one tutoring and language workshops or courses.
Study in the Netherlands- courses
For students who desire a bit of originality in their education abroad, the Netherlands may be their ideal destination. Though the country’s primary attractions are historically recognized by tourists and study abroad prospects alike—famous canal culture and bulb fields.
Studying abroad in the Netherlands is a great way to enhance your personal, educational, and professional development, as well as to experience another culture. The country is home to many of the world’s finest universities that offer a modern approach to education.
Institutions offering higher studies in Netherlands have a diverse range of courses to choose from.
Some of the best courses in Netherlands for international students are:
- Agricultural
- Business and Finance
- Sports Management
- Liberal arts
- Sciences
- Engineering
- Fashion
- Philosophy
Study in the Netherlands: which business and marketing courses are taught in English?
Here are a number of the most highly-rated business courses which you can study in the Netherlands, in English:
International Business:
Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
University of Groningen
Maastricht University
HU University of Applied Sciences
HZ University of Applied Sciences
International Business and Languages:
Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
Business Administration:
University of Amsterdam
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Business Economics:
Utrecht University
Business Innovation:
InHolland University of Applied Sciences
Creative Business:
HU University of Applied Sciences
Economics and Business Economics:
Maastricht University
Trade Management for Asia:
Rotterdam Business School
With the spread of globalization, the internet, and social media, marketing has become a crucial part of trading and you can study a broad number of courses in the Netherlands in this field. For example:
Communication and Information Studies Language and Media:
Vrije Univesiteit, Amsterdam
International Communication:
Hanze University of Applied Sciences
International Marketing:
Fontys University of Applied Sciences
Media
Vrije Universitet Amsterdam
Media and Culture:
Utrecht University
Media and Information
University of Amsterdam
Media and Entertainment Management:
InHolland University of Applied Sciences
Study in the Netherlands: which Science and IT courses are taught in English?
If you are considering studying in the Netherlands and specialising in science or IT, you have a wide choice of available courses, from areas such as Water Management or Chemistry at the HZ University of Applied Sciences to Biosciences at Radboud University. If you are looking for an engineering course, the University of Leiden offers a course in Civil Engineering; Tilburg University has a general Engineering course, while Mechanical Engineering is taught at Hanze University of Applied Sciences. You could also opt for Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Fontys University of Applied Sciences.
If you have decided to study in the Netherlands and computer technology is your passion, why not consider applying for Communication and Multimedia Design, at Hanze University of Applied Sciences, where you can major in Game Design – a fast-expanding and exciting field, which includes virtual reality and AI. If this is too specialized an area, and you are considering making your career in software, hardware analysis, and network engineering, perhaps you would prefer to do a degree in Computer Science at TU Delft?
Whatever your field, your interests, and your long-term career goals, you will find the perfect science or IT course to study in the Netherlands. Let Elab guide and help you work through your options.
Study in the Netherlands: which Arts courses are taught in English?
Not everyone wants to study the human body, engines, motherboards, or accounts, and the more artistic among you will also find the course of your dreams when you come to study in the Netherlands.
Why not consider applying to one of the following universities, and studying:
Arts and Culture:
Maastricht University
European Studies:
University of Amsterdam
The Hague University of Applied Sciences
Graphic Design:
Royal Academy of Art, The Hague
Liberal Arts:
Amsterdam University College
Royal Academy Interactive Media Design:
Royal Conservatoire
The Hague
Elab Education Laboratory works with our Dutch partner universities to ensure that every one of our applicants finds the right course at the right university. We are here to help you with every aspect of applying to study in the Netherlands, from choosing a course, to providing you with information on tuition fees, grants and loans, accommodation and the cost of living.
Study in the Netherlands – requirements
If your dream is to study in the Netherlands remember universities have different requirements.
Research universities in the Netherlands are primarily interested in your academic results, appraisals, achievements and the reasons you give for wanting to study a particular subject. They tend to have a traditional approach to teaching and learning.
Universities of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands generally look for students who wish to have a practical educational journey, and thus appraisals and references play a major part in determining whether or not you will be offered a place.
To study in the Netherlands, you will be asked to demonstrate your language abilities. Generally, if you are interested in studying a course at a Dutch university which is taught in English, you will be asked for proof of language proficiency: IELTS of 6 and above; CAE Grade C; and TOEFL of 80+.
Elab can provide you with any additional preparation you might need to pass these exams, including one-to-one tutoring and language workshops or courses.
Admissions requirements to study in the Netherlands vary from one university to another, but the majority of admissions departments are not solely interested in secondary school grades but are looking for students who can show that they have already studied the subject or the field and are committed to expanding their knowledge.
You may be asked to provide a breakdown of your school timetable, for example, to demonstrate the number of hours you have spent on specific subjects. You may also be asked for an essay or to take part in an online or telephone interview. Just relax and see this as an opportunity to shine!
To study in the Netherlands, you will need to check specific university websites – or better still contact Elab. Each university has its own checklist of required documentation, which will need to be translated prior to uploading.
These typically include:
- School certificate
- Exam results when available
- A Personal Statement
- Academic references
- Certificate stating the number of hours you were taught in those subjects you intend to study in the Netherlands.
Study in the Netherlands – application process
If you want to study in the Netherlands you will need to make your application through the StudieLink system, which opens a year before you intend to start your course.
Dutch universities do not have the same deadlines for applications. Some accept them until the very last minute while others, in particular the research universities, expect all applications to be filed by 15 January or 1 May for most courses.
You can apply for up to four courses and are free to change your mind until the deadline day. To study in the Netherlands, you will need to provide some, or all, of the following documents:
- Academic transcripts
- Passport or ID
- Up to four photographs
- Proof of English language proficiency (IETS 6+, CAE grade C, etc)
- An essay or a personal statement
- References
- Proof of finances – if necessary.
Although each applicant is allowed to apply to four courses a year, only two of these can be “numerus fixus” – limited number of courses. If you do wish to be considered for a numerus fixus course, your application has to be submitted by 15 January. You will be given a number and placed in a queue, based on the information you have provided, and will go up the list if other applicants drop out or reject the place.
Remember, May is the general deadline to apply to study in the Netherlands, although certain universities are more flexible and accept applications uploaded after this date.
You should get a response within a few weeks and have 14 days in which to accept or reject the place you have been offered.
How Elab can help with your application to the Netherlands?
Call Elab for more information on deadlines and for advice on which type of university you should apply to, a research university or a university of applied sciences.
Study in the Netherlands - costs
Study in the Netherlands: Costs – tuition fees
If you wish to study in the Netherlands and are an EU citizen, you will pay the statutory tuition fees, which were approximately 2,168 euros in 2021-2022, and are expected to be around 2,209 euros in 2022-2023.
At present, the Dutch central government is offering all first-year undergraduate students a 50 percent discount on their tuition fees, as a result of the pandemic.
Non-EU students pay the institutional fee, which is far higher.
Non-Dutch EU students do not have to buy health insurance but are covered by their EHIC card.
Study in the Netherlands: Costs – living expenses
When you study in the Netherlands, accommodation will be your greatest expense, but the monthly sum you will need during your studies depends to a significant extent on where you decide to live. Obviously, Amsterdam, the Hague, and Rotterdam will charge higher rents than smaller university cities and towns.
Overall, it has been calculated that you need around 800 -1000 euros a month to cover food, rent, books, entertainment, bills, your mobile phone, internet, etc.
A recent poll of students who study in the Netherlands broke down their monthly expenses (in euros) as:
Food 180 euro
Accommodation 350-800 euro
Tuition 200 euro
Insurance 80 euro
Clothing and entertainment 100 euro
Books 50 euro
It has been estimated that studying in the Netherlands costs in the region of 1000 euros a month, inclusive of tuition fees – a very reasonable sum. And, of course, you are entitled to apply for a range of financial grants and loans.
Below, you will find a breakdown of the most popular student cities in the Netherlands and how they compare in terms of cost.
Study in the Netherlands: Costs – which student cities are the most expensive?
- Amsterdam
- The Hague
- Rotterdam
- Maastricht
- Eindhoven
- Groningen
Study in the Netherlands: Costs – How much should I budget for accommodation?
You will spend between 350-650 euros a month on renting a shared house.
If you want to economise, why not look for accommodation in the suburbs or small villages near your campus? Transport links are excellent, and you can always bicycle to university , like the Dutch!
Study in the Netherlands- loans, grants, and financial aid
All EU citizens who study in the Netherlands are entitled to apply for the Collegegeldkrediet, a loan to cover tuition fees, as long as:
- You are under 30 years old
- You have a Dutch bank account
- You have a BNS, a national social security number which you will get once you register your permanent address in the Netherlands. The BNS is essential for all types of administrative tasks, from getting a mobile phone contract to finding work. The process is straightforward.
You cannot apply for the loan until you have received a confirmed offer of a place at a Dutch university, and up to 31 January in that academic year.
When you study in the Netherlands as an international student, you can also apply for the Studiefinanciering grant if:
- You work in a registered job. Do not assume this will be easy, since Dutch employers prefer their staff to speak Dutch, so if you have the time and motivation, it would be extremely useful to pick up at least a smattering of Dutch before you leave to study in the Netherlands. Put your summer break to good use!
- You register for income tax and national insurance – even though you will not pay these, as a student, unless your earnings are very high.
- You work at least 56 hours a month, 12 months a year. This stipulation is often overlooked by students, who assume that they will still be able to have a Christmas break back at home and a six-week summer holiday. This is not the case, if you want to keep on being eligible for the grant.
You can apply for the grant three months after you have started working, no earlier, since you will have to produce three months’ worth of payslips to submit the application for financial aid.
You may be eligible to apply for Huurtoeslag –Housing benefit.
EU citizens who study in the Netherlands and have a lower income than the minimum income defined by the government may be able to apply for this form of financial aid. You must have a rental contract in your own name and the cost of your housing has to fall into a specific bracket. In addition, no one who is under the age of 18 is entitled to claim housing benefits in the Netherlands.
Study in the Netherlands – popular student cities?
Studying in the Netherlands is a life-changing experience and, once you have settled on the course you wish to take, the next most important thing to decide is where you want to study. After all, you will be spending three or more years here, in your new home, and it has to suit the pace of life you enjoy and your interests.
Study in Groningen
Groningen, in the north, has been voted the best student city not just nationally, but in the whole of Europe. The population numbers around 220,000 – of whom 50,000 are students – so it is hardly surprising that it is a lively, buzzing place, with a huge range of cafes and restaurants and 49 sports clubs, where you can enjoy horse riding as well as American football – and everything in between. A bike-friendly city, Groningen mixes the innovative with grand historical architecture, patrician buildings, and old warehouses, and is particularly well known for its festivals, such as Eurosonic and Paradigm, which attract thousands of visitors. The city has 150 bars, and counting, a student-focussed nightlife and economy, and is known for its multiculturalism and progressive spirit. Groningen also has a close relationship with the water, since canals cross the city centre, and you can hire a boat, do stand-up paddling, water sports and windsurfing or simply enjoy a leisurely cruise through the city and beyond.
Groningen has its own international airport, Eelde, and is well-served by trains and buses. Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, with its connections to many destinations, is two hours away by car, and there are over 30 trains a day between Groningen and Schiphol, with a ticket costing in the range of 28 euros, single.
Study in Amsterdam
Study in Amsterdam – the largest, busiest, and best-known city in the Netherlands. Located in the northwest, it remains the historic capital, although many administrative functions have now moved to The Hague, which is the Dutch seat of government.
With a population of around one million people, the Dam, as it is referred to, is picture-perfect to look at: imposing world-class museums and galleries, a cafe culture that spills onto every street and lines its beautiful canals, and bicycles everywhere. A liberal, cosmopolitan city, Amsterdam is, of course, slightly more crowded than other locations, because it is the prime tourist magnet in the Netherlands, and this makes accommodation more expensive, and slightly more difficult to find. Amsterdam is known for its cultural scene and museum district, and the seventeenth-century magnificent narrow houses with their ornate gables mirror the city’s trading past and riches. Amsterdam rocks.
It boasts an Affordable Art Fair every year and has its own marathon and popular Dance Event. Its nightlife is varied, and exciting and attracts people from all over the world. If you are looking for a fast-paced, trendy lifestyle, then Amsterdam is worth considering.
Study in Leiden
Study in Leiden – situated some half-hour away from Amsterdam in South Holland, is an utterly charming, attractive, and small city, and boasts the oldest university in the Netherlands, established in 1575. Leiden is known for its 28 kilometers of canals, for being the birthplace of Rembrandt, and for its windmills and 2800 historic monuments.
Leiden’s Botanical Garden was founded back in 1590 and is probably responsible for the tulip fever which spread across Europe and bankrupted so many families! Known as the City of Keys, Leiden is a short bike ride away from the seaside at Katwijk and Noordwijk, where you can while away the summer, revising or reading. Appropriately enough, the city hosts a famous Tulip Parade once a year and the extremely popular TAPT festival, where you can try specialty beers while listening to music.
Study in Rotterdam
Study in Rotterdam – the largest port in Europe which was heavily bombed during the second world war. It is therefore a modern city, with an unusual and interesting architectural skyline, with its cube houses and skyscrapers, as well as Delfshaven’s historic houses and old boats moored at the quayside, paying homage to the city’s past and importance as a seafaring hub.
Rotterdam is a cosmopolitan city with a well-developed electronic music scene, and since it was planned and laid out relatively recently, town planners have ensured that most of its attractions are within walking distance of the city center.
If you want to see a vision of the city of the future, Rotterdam will interest and enchant you.
Study in The Hague
The Hague is, as we all know, the home of the Dutch Royal Family, the government and numerous international organisations, such as the International Court of Justice.
An administrative city thus lies within the city – and is home to a large number of consulates and multinational companies, such as Shell, which makes the Hague incredibly diverse, elegant and vibrant.
The beaches at nearby Scheveningen and Kijkduin, and the local forest and parks, will provide you with escape into nature, once the nightlife and shopping expeditions have worn thin – if this is possible!
In August, the Hague holds an amazing outdoor sculpture exhibition, but unlike small Dutch towns and cities, it also offers entertainment all the year round, since 43 per cent of its inhabitants are foreigners. If networking is a priority in your field, then we can’t imagine a better place to study for a degree than the Hague – the home of international networking.
Study in Tilburg
Tilburg is well-known for being home to Sony, Fuji, Philips, and Ericsson, which makes it fairly easy to find internships or even a full-time job while studying here.
The city offers a mixture of modern and historical architecture and holds a well-known ten-day fair in July, which draws people from all over Europe. Thanks to its geographical location, students from Tilburg can take day trips to Frankfurt and Brussels, or jump on a train and get to Amsterdam in just over an hour.
Tilburg is known as the City of Textiles and is extremely green and environmentally friendly.
Study in Eindhoven
Eindhoven is the home of design, vision, innovation and experimentation across every field of endeavour. The city is considered the technological hub of the Netherlands and its architecture reflects its forward-looking, progressive thinking. From designer outlets to astonishing architecture, Eindhoven is renowned for its great food and entrepreneurial spirit. It may not be pretty or quaint in the classical sense, but Eindhoven is the place to live, if you are as passionate about post-industrial reinvention as the city’s community of designers.
Study in Utrecht
Utrecht is ideally situated in the center of the country and therefore traveling in any and every direction is very easy. BBC Travel found that Utrecht is the fourth happiest place in the world, and this may be because it has the provincial coziness and intimacy of a small town, crossed with all the amenities you expect from a large city. From its medieval Dom Tower to its castle, canals, canoeing facilities, and parks, Utrecht offers students a lively, safe and welcoming environment.
Study in Delft
Delft can best be described as a miniature version of Amsterdam, with its ornate houses, winding lanes, cobblestones, cafes, and historical monuments. Formerly the seat of the House of Orange, it is best known as the birthplace of Vermeer and highly collectible Delftware, the distinctive blue and white pottery which is so often found in our grandmothers’ cabinets. Delft is very attractive, small, and quaint. Its historic buildings draw visitors all year round, which can impact the cost of housing.
Study in Maastricht
Maastricht is surprisingly hilly for the Netherlands and borders Germany and Belgium. A two-thousand-year-old settlement, it is divided by the River Maas, which flows right through the centre, and is a stunning city with a historic old town, tunnel-caves, Roman remains and miles of canals.
The fortress of St Pieter is nearby and well worth visiting. Maastricht has an excellent gastronomic reputation and 49 per cent of the student body come from abroad, so it is both international and multicultural in atmosphere. Travelling to Maastricht is not difficult, since it is close to several airports and well-served by road and rail. Maastricht’s Christmas market and European Fine Art Fair are very popular with students and visitors alike.
How your application with Elab will look like?
![5 steps to success Elab Education Laboratory [ENG]](https://b1467199.smushcdn.com/1467199/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/english-5-steps-poster-03-1024x580.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
Step 1: Applicant Induction and Diagnostics
- Analysis of the client’s interests, aspirations and budgetary considerations
- Diagnostic test, questionnaire and consultation
Step 2: University Search and Generating Report
- Preliminary report on the chosen universities, in line with the client’s profile and personal preferences
- An evaluation of financial options and time constraints
Step 3: Planning How to Proceed and Preparatory Strategies
- Drawing up a detailed plan of the process and its various stages against a timeline
- Introducing tutors who will maximise the client’s chances of succeeding in their applications
- Determining the required entrance exams
Step 4: Preparing and Submitting the Final Application
- Preparing the final version of the application documents
- Submitting the application through the designated online platform or sending it directly to the chosen universities.
Step 5: University Offers and Making a Decision
- Final choice of university and course
- Interviews
- Submitting an application for financial support and
accommodation
Study abroad with Elab - reviews from our applicants:
Students who study abroad have very positive opinions of
the courses and life in general. Below are a few examples of opinions from Elabs students studying abroad or who recently completed their studies:
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