Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Choosing to study abroad is already a big leap. Deciding to do so in Aruba, a small island within the Kingdom of the Netherlands situated in the southern Caribbean, is an even greater one. Between year-round sunny weather, a developing university system, a high cost of living, and specific residence procedures, the experience can be as exhilarating as it is demanding.
This article details all aspects of studying in Aruba: the academic landscape, daily life, housing, visa procedures, budget, healthcare system, transportation, and career prospects after graduation. It aims to provide a realistic, data-driven, and concrete overview of the undertaking.
Aruba, a Caribbean microstate focused on higher education
Aruba is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The island, approximately 32 kilometers long and 10 kilometers wide, is located off the coast of Venezuela, outside the main hurricane belt, with a warm, dry climate almost year-round, cooled by trade winds.
The island’s total population is just over 100,000 inhabitants.
The official languages are Dutch and Papiamento, but English and Spanish are very widely spoken, largely due to the importance of tourism. This linguistic and cultural diversity is naturally reflected on campus.
The currency is the Aruban florin (AWG), but the U.S. dollar is accepted almost everywhere. The cost of living is generally high, primarily because the island imports the vast majority of its consumer goods.
A small but rapidly developing academic landscape
On a Caribbean scale, Aruba remains a small academic player, but the growth is real.
The University of Aruba, pillar of the local system
The University of Aruba (UA) is the island’s only public university. Located in the heart of Oranjestad, within a complex of historical buildings (La Salle, Maria Convent, Centro Educativo Christian), it has only a few hundred students, well under a thousand, making it a very intimate institution.
The university is accredited by the Aruban Ministry of Education and by the NVAO agency, guaranteeing recognition of its degrees within the Dutch and European space. Its three legal missions are teaching, research, and service to Aruban society.
The UA was built progressively: first a law faculty in the late 1980s, then an accounting, finance, and marketing faculty in the early 1990s, a hospitality and tourism management faculty in the 2000s, and finally a faculty of arts and sciences. Today, it offers bachelor’s, master’s programs, as well as continuing education and doctoral supervision.
Among its notable characteristics:
– a highly international student and faculty body (Caribbean, Europe, Americas, Asia)
– a strong orientation towards the country’s economic needs (Aruban law, tourism, business, sustainability, governance)
– active participation in the European Erasmus+ program, with inbound and outbound mobility
Other institutions: medicine and teacher training
Aruba also hosts other higher education institutions:
In Aruba, higher education includes specialized institutions like the Xavier University School of Medicine (XUSOM) in Oranjestad, an accredited medical school granting the MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree. Recognized by the Government and Ministry of Education of Aruba, it enables its graduates to apply for medical residencies in the United States, Canada, and other countries. Furthermore, the Instituto Pedagogico Arubano (IPA) is a teacher training institute offering four-year professional bachelor’s degrees, preparing for primary or secondary education, particularly for the Dutch language.
The Aruban system distinguishes, as in the Netherlands, between professional higher education (HBO) and research-oriented higher education (WO). Some of the UA’s bachelor’s degrees are thus classified as HBO (practice-oriented), others as WO (more academic).
What programs are available for an international student in Aruba?
Even if the offering is more limited than in a large European country, there is already a solid range, particularly in English, in fields directly linked to the island’s economic structure.
Bachelor’s programs at the University of Aruba
The UA offers several bachelor’s degrees, most over 3 or 4 years, with an ECTS volume comparable to European standards. Among the main ones:
– BA Organization, Governance and Management (OGM) A 4-year program focused on governance, public policy, and organizational management. Classified as a research bachelor’s (WO).
– BA Social Work and Development A 4-year, professional (HBO) program, available in English and Dutch, centered on social work and community development.
– BSc Sustainable Engineering (SISSTEM) A 3-year bachelor’s in sustainable engineering, research-oriented (WO). Closely linked to island challenges: resource management, energy, environment.
– BSc in Hospitality and Tourism Management A 3-year program (equivalent to 180 ECTS) in English, aligned with the local and regional tourism industry.
Two 4-year programs (240 ECTS), professional, taught in English and Dutch, and oriented towards applied areas of management and economics.
A professional program oriented towards finance, management accounting, and marketing.
A professional program focused on applied economics.
– LLB in Aruban Law A 3-year law degree (180 ECTS), focused on the Aruban legal system and the Dutch model. Offered in full-time and part-time versions, primarily in Dutch.
An Academic Foundation Year serves as a bridge for new high school graduates, to strengthen academic skills and, if needed, meet the prerequisites for certain majors.
Master’s programs
For those wishing to pursue studies after an undergraduate degree, several master’s programs are already in place:
– MA Governance & Leadership (FAS) A part-time master’s program (WO), in English and Dutch, targeting future managers in the public and para-public sectors.
– MBA (FHTMS) Master of Business Administration in English, oriented towards management development in tourism, hospitality, and services.
– MSc in Sustainability for Engineering (SISSTEM) A scientific master’s, research-oriented, on sustainability solutions for islands (energy, resources, environment).
– LLM in Aruban Law A one-year master of laws, in Dutch, classified as WO. Option to complete part of the training in the Netherlands.
In addition to its traditional degrees, the University of Aruba offers continuing education programs, often designed in a modular format. It also provides supervision and support for doctoral candidates in specific fields.
Medical studies
For medicine, the Xavier University School of Medicine offers an MD program, with pedagogy aligned with North American requirements and accreditations allowing subsequent access to hospital residencies in the United States and Canada. The school is relatively recent but already well-integrated into the Caribbean landscape.
Admission requirements: diplomas, language, and procedures
The exact requirements depend on the program and level, but some general guidelines can be outlined.
Entering a bachelor’s program in Aruba
For a bachelor’s at the UA, the main scenarios are as follows:
Direct admission is possible with a Dutch secondary diploma of the HAVO or VWO type. For a foreign diploma, an equivalence assessment by the Department of Education Aruba (DEA) is mandatory. In the absence of these diplomas, an entrance exam, the Colloquium Doctum, is held in May and November.
For the Colloquium Doctum, registration is done at the UA’s Office of Student Affairs, with an application file to be submitted before deadlines (in practice, several months before the exam session). Some candidates holding partial HAVO/VWO certificates may obtain partial exemptions.
Master’s admission
For master’s programs, the requirements are more standard:
– possession of a relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution
– official transcripts
– academic and/or professional letters of recommendation
– detailed CV and motivation letter
– for English-taught programs: proof of proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent) if English is not the native language
– for some programs (MBA, governance, etc.): possible requirement for professional experience and sometimes tests like GRE/GMAT
Procedures are generally done via an online form, supplemented by sending supporting documents. The main intakes are in the fall (September) and sometimes in spring (February/March), with program-specific application deadlines.
Exchange students
The UA maintains exchange agreements, notably via Erasmus+ and bilateral partnerships (e.g., with universities in the Netherlands, Puerto Rico, the United States). Exchange students follow a predefined set of courses (e.g., 15 credits per semester at FHTMS or in business), with a highly interactive pedagogy. A student mentor assists them to facilitate integration.
Visas, residence permits, and administrative procedures
Coming to study in Aruba involves understanding a dual level of rules: those related to entry as a tourist and those specific to student residence.
Entry to the island: ED Card, passport, and length of stay
All visitors must complete an online embarkation/disembarkation card (ED Card) before arrival. A $20 “Sustainability Fee” is associated with arrivals by air, with several exemptions (residents, children under 8, certain returning Aruban students, etc.).
General conditions:
– passport valid for the entire duration of stay (unexpired and generally less than 10 years old)
– return or onward ticket
– proof of accommodation (reservation, rental contract, etc.)
– sufficient financial means for the stay
The authorized tourist stay length varies: 30 days standard, with the possibility of extension up to 180 days per year in some cases. U.S. citizens can generally stay up to 90 days without extension. However, a study stay of a semester or more requires a separate student residence permit, distinct from simple tourist status.
Student permit and visas: who must do what?
All international students must obtain a temporary residence permit for studies. The procedure is managed by DIMAS (Departamento di Integracion, Maneho y Admision di Stranhero). The announced processing time is around 4 to 6 weeks after submission of a complete file.
The cases fall into two main categories:
– U.S. or Canadian citizens They do not need a classic student visa, but must obtain a student residence permit. The documents remain numerous, but the consular part is simplified.
– Other nationalities They must first obtain a temporary student permit authorization issued in Aruba, then go to the embassy or consulate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in their country to have the corresponding visa placed in their passport. This consular process takes on average an additional 5 weeks.
In all cases, it is forbidden to start working locally with only student status: the study permit allows for education, but not for paid employment, except under specific arrangements (internships, etc.).
Typically required documents
The detailed requirements vary slightly depending on the institution (UA, medical schools, etc.), but generally include:
To compile a complete application, you must provide: a color letter of admission stating the study period; a color copy of the identity page of your passport (valid for at least 6 months); passport-sized photos in Dutch format (35×45 mm, white background); a recent criminal record extract (less than 6 months old), legalized/apostilled and translated if needed; a birth certificate (and marriage certificate if applicable) also apostilled/legalized; proof of financial means (parental sponsorship letter with copy of guarantor’s passport, loan agreement, etc.); a housing contract or accommodation attestation; proof of health/travel insurance covering at least one year with precise dates; and, for some countries, a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Foreign documents often need to go through an apostille or legalization procedure at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of origin, then at the Dutch consulate.
Beyond university admission, the key is to anticipate these steps, as combining 4-6 weeks of processing in Aruba and 5 weeks on the consular side can quickly delay a departure.
How much does student life cost in Aruba?
Studying in a paradisiacal setting comes at a price. The island imports a large part of what it consumes, which is reflected in daily expenses.
Overall monthly estimates
Various sources converge on a monthly student budget in the range below (in U.S. dollars):
| Expense Item | Low Estimate (USD/month) | High Estimate (USD/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | 700 | 1,500 |
| Food / Groceries | 300 | 500 |
| Transportation | 50 | 100 |
| Health Insurance | 100 | 150 |
| Miscellaneous / Leisure | 200 | 300 |
| Total Estimate | 1,350 | 2,550 |
Over a 12-month academic year, this represents between 16,200 and 30,600 dollars, excluding tuition fees. The University of Aruba advises its exchange students to have about 1,400 dollars per month.
Housing costs in Oranjestad
Rents vary greatly depending on housing type and location. Market data provides the following averages:
| Type of Housing | Average Rent (USD/month) |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom in Oranjestad center | ~677 |
| 1 bedroom outside center | ~572 |
| 3 bedrooms in center | ~1,455 |
| 3 bedrooms outside center | ~1,346 |
For a student, sharing a 2 or 3-bedroom apartment is often the best compromise. Some student residences or dedicated apartments offer packages including water, internet, and even cleaning and shuttle service.
Food and entertainment budget
Food prices are close to or slightly higher than in the United States. Some benchmarks:
The average price for a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is about 80 dollars.
The cost of leisure remains reasonable (movies around 12 dollars, for example), but tourist activities like excursions can quickly increase the bill.
Tuition fees: local vs. international
Exact fees depend on each program, but the orders of magnitude for a master’s student are as follows:
– Local student: between 3,000 and 6,000 dollars per year
– International student: often 6,000 to 15,000 dollars per year, more for certain fields like medicine or some private schools.
The total cost of a master’s year in the United States, including tuition and cost of living, ranges from 21,000 to over 45,000 dollars.
Student housing: what options are available in Aruba?
The growth of higher education on the island has given rise to a genuine student housing market. There are no large public residential campuses yet, but several solutions are available to international students.
Student residences and apartments
Around the campuses, particularly in Oranjestad and the Noord area, you can find:
– furnished or semi-furnished studios
– 1 to 3-bedroom apartments, sometimes in complexes with a pool, laundry, WiFi
– rooms for rent in shared private houses
The monthly rent for a medical student, in housing often offered through an agreement between the school and a landlord, can range from 700 to 1,800 dollars.
University internationalization services generally provide a list of contacts and residences, while specifying they are not responsible in case of disputes. It is highly recommended to read contracts carefully, verify what is included (water, electricity, WiFi, garbage, cleaning), and inquire about distance to campus and access to transportation.
Popular neighborhoods
For a student, the following areas are frequently mentioned:
Oranjestad is convenient for its proximity to the university, the sea, and services. Noord is a residential area popular with expatriates, near beaches, shops, and restaurants, but it is one of the most expensive. Other frequent neighborhoods for student housing are: Shaba, Sasaki, Bubali, Seroe Blanco, Morgenster, Paadera, Solito, and Rooi Santo.
Short-term rental platforms can also be useful for a first month, while searching on-site for a more affordable solution.
Getting around: buses, rental cars, and taxis
Despite its small size, Aruba is not necessarily an island where getting around is easy without a vehicle.
Public transportation
The Arubus public bus network connects the island’s main points. A student card exists, with a reduced fare per trip. But frequency, schedules, and coverage remain limited, complicating daily commutes, especially if living on the outskirts.
For a student living immediately near the UA, the bus or walking may suffice, but in practice, many young people rent a car, or share housing on the outskirts with a shared vehicle.
Car: long-term rental and driver’s license
Several rental agencies offer long-term rates for students, often around 480 to 580 dollars per month for a small car, including basic insurance, unlimited mileage, 24/7 assistance, and delivery.
Holders of a foreign driver’s license can drive in Aruba, where driving is on the right-hand side. For long-term stays, especially students, some schools facilitate conversion to an Aruban license, often without a practical exam.
Taxis and occasional travel
Taxis operate on fixed rates, in florins and dollars. The minimum fare is around 6 dollars, with surcharges in the evening, on weekends, holidays, or for luggage. For regular trips (campus, supermarket, beach), a shared car generally remains more economical in the medium term.
There are no ride-hailing services like Uber on the island, which limits options for those who were counting on these platforms.
Health and insurance: a point not to be underestimated
Aruba has a healthcare system considered strong on a Caribbean scale. Legal residents are covered by the public health insurance AZV, funded by the state, employers, and employees. It covers general practitioners, hospitalizations, medication, etc.
Student health coverage
The situation for international students involves several layers:
For students enrolled in certain schools (notably medical schools), the institution automatically registers them for a private international medical insurance plan (IMG), the cost of which is integrated into tuition fees. This plan covers emergencies, including medical evacuation. Upon obtaining the student residence permit, access to the AZV card and the public system for routine care is opened. It is strongly recommended to maintain insurance from your home country, especially for travel, and to always carry your insurance cards and documents.
For certain aspects (dental care, for example), AZV does not cover everything, and it may be useful to have supplementary insurance. For clinical rotations in the United States, students must have health insurance valid on U.S. territory, at their own expense.
Medical infrastructure
The island has a general hospital in Oranjestad (Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital) and several medical centers. In case of a serious problem not treatable on-site, evacuation to a referral facility (often in the region or the United States) is possible, but very costly without insurance.
Minimum amount in dollars that health insurance must cover for a study stay in Aruba, including hospitalization, emergencies, and repatriation.
Daily life, climate, and safety
One of Aruba’s major assets for a student is the quality of life. The climate is nearly constant, around 27-30 °C (81-86 °F), with over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and very little rain. The island is known for its relaxed atmosphere, summed up by the local motto “poco poco” (slowly, slowly).
Aruba is often presented as one of the safest territories in the Caribbean, with a low violent crime rate. The capital Oranjestad is generally considered very safe, including for families and LGBTQ+ travelers. As everywhere, petty theft exists, especially in tourist areas, and it’s advisable to remain vigilant.
The society is predominantly Catholic, but the government adheres to a principle of secularism. The country is characterized by its multilingualism and a culture welcoming to tourists, creating an environment generally open to foreigners.
Culture and leisure
In terms of culture and recreation, the island is far more than just its beaches:
– Arikok National Park and its desert landscapes, natural pools, hiking trails
– rock formations, lighthouses (California Lighthouse), mining ruins (Bushiribana), aloe vera factory
– iconic beaches (Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, Arashi, Mangel Halto, Baby Beach), water sports (snorkeling, windsurfing, kitesurfing)
– San Nicolas, sometimes called the cultural capital, with its murals
Nightlife is lively in some areas, with beach bars, restaurants, clubs, concerts. The cuisine blends Dutch, Latin American, and Caribbean influences.
For a student, this means multiple opportunities for entertainment, but also the need to manage a budget in a very touristy environment where prices can quickly rise.
Funding your studies: scholarships, loans, and aid
Studying in Aruba is not reserved only for affluent students, but requires careful financial planning.
Tuition fees and cost structure
As mentioned earlier, annual fees for a local master’s student range between 3,000 and 6,000 dollars, for an international student between 6,000 and 15,000 dollars, to which are added 16,000 to 30,000 dollars in living costs. For a full two-year master’s cycle, the total bill can easily exceed 50,000 dollars.
Scholarships and local aid
Several funding sources exist:
Discover the main financial aid options available to support your academic journey at the University of Aruba.
Some university programs offer scholarships based on academic and/or social criteria.
A government student loan managed by the Department of Education Aruba to fund studies in Aruba or abroad, including at the UA.
Scholarships from the Kingdom of the Netherlands or international foundations for studying in the Caribbean territories of the kingdom.
For a foreign student, the bulk of scholarships will often come from their home country (national scholarships for studies abroad, programs like Commonwealth, Fulbright, etc.) or specialized international organizations.
Erasmus+ and mobility for students already enrolled at the UA
For students already enrolled at the University of Aruba, the Erasmus+ program is particularly attractive: it allows for a semester at a European partner university, with:
Key support and guarantees for students participating in a university exchange in Europe
A financial aid grant of between 670 and 770 euros per month to cover daily living expenses.
A flat-rate travel subsidy of approximately 820 to 1,500 euros, varying based on the distance to the destination country.
No additional tuition fees at the host university abroad. University fees remain those of your home institution.
Guarantee of full recognition by your home university of the ECTS credits earned during your stay abroad.
Access to this program is reserved for students who have completed at least their first year, and each major has an “ideal” semester for going abroad (3rd year in law, 2nd or 3rd year in certain FAS programs, etc.).
After graduation: working and staying in Aruba?
For a foreign student, one of the central questions is whether it will be possible to work on the island after obtaining the degree.
Work permit: priority to rare skills
Aruba protects its labor market. To work, you need a specific work and residence permit, requested by the employer. The main points:
To obtain a work permit, the candidate must have a firm job offer. The employer must first conduct a labor market test via the Departmento di Progreso Laboral (DPL) to prove that no local candidate can reasonably fill the position. The application is then processed by DIMAS. The permit is generally valid for one year and is renewable.
Highly qualified profiles, in sectors with shortages (engineers, certain healthcare professions, specialized roles in tourism, IT, or finance) obviously have better chances.
Promising sectors for graduates
The Aruban economy relies largely on tourism and hospitality, but not exclusively. Among sectors identified as dynamic or in need:
Discover the main professional fields covered by our platform, offering varied opportunities suited to current skills.
Hotel management, event organization, food service, and tourist activities.
Accounting, management control, data analysis, and finance.
Healthcare professions and essential paramedical functions.
Engineering specialized in renewable energy, water management, and the environment.
Software development, cybersecurity, and IT support.
Teaching and research in various academic and scientific fields.
For a UA graduate in tourism, Aruban law, governance, or sustainable engineering, there is therefore a natural alignment with local needs, but obtaining the work permit remains subject to legal criteria.
Towards longer-term residence
Beyond the student world, Aruba offers different residence statuses, including pathways via investment or passive income, but this falls outside the strict framework of studies. Regarding nationality, as Aruba is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, naturalization occurs under Dutch nationality law, with residency requirements of several years and proficiency in Dutch.
Advantages and limitations of a study project in Aruba
Pursuing higher education abroad in Aruba is very different from leaving for a major European metropolis. The project presents specific advantages and constraints.
What the island offers more
– An exceptional living environment: climate, nature, beaches, relaxed atmosphere.
– A university on a human scale, with small classes, proximity to teachers, accessible campus life.
– A very international and multilingual environment, conducive to developing intercultural skills.
– Programs aligned with key sectors (tourism, governance, sustainability, business, local law), with opportunities for applied projects rooted in island realities.
– Generally high safety and a robust healthcare system for the region.
Challenges to anticipate
– High cost of living, particularly for housing, food, and transportation.
– Limited transportation infrastructure if you don’t have a car, especially for jobs or internships outside city centers.
– Program offerings still limited, not covering all disciplinary fields.
– Complex visa and residence permit procedures, combining Dutch and Aruban aspects, with multiple documents requiring legalization.
– A relatively small and selective job market for staying after studies, with priority given to rare skills.
How to concretely prepare for studying in Aruba
To turn desire into a concrete project, several key steps are essential.
Clarify your academic objective
First, you must verify if an appropriate program actually exists in Aruba. The offering is concentrated around Aruban law, management, finance, tourism, applied social sciences, and sustainable engineering. For other fields (medicine, for example), you’ll need to look to specialized schools.
Once the program is identified, it is crucial to:
Before applying, it is crucial to: check the language of instruction of the program (Dutch, English, or bilingual); understand the distinction and recognition of the degree type (HBO vs. WO) in your country; and contact the institution’s admissions service directly to clarify all specific conditions, such as required tests or minimum GPA.
Build a realistic budget
It is essential to add up:
– annual tuition fees for international students
– annual cost of living (aiming rather for the middle of the 1,350–2,550 dollar per month range, i.e., 20,000–25,000 dollars per year for a decent standard of living)
– airfare, visa fees, and document translation/apostille costs
– possible car rental or substantial transportation budget
On this basis, it becomes possible to map out possible funding sources: personal savings, family support, scholarships, loans, remote work (if permitted), etc.
Anticipate the administrative part
Finally, one of the determining factors for the project’s success will be time management for administrative procedures:
For a smooth study stay, it is crucial to request criminal record extracts, birth certificates, their translations, and apostilles in time. You must also submit the student residence permit application early enough to account for the 4-6 week processing time, and then, if applicable, the visa processing time by the consulate. Coordinate university registration dates with visa application deadlines. Finally, arrange temporary housing for the first few weeks if your permanent accommodation is not ready upon arrival.
Working in regular contact with the international affairs office of the chosen university helps avoid many pitfalls.
By way of conclusion
Studying abroad in Aruba means accepting to trade the large libraries of a metropolis for a more intimate campus, nestled in the heart of a desert island fringed by turquoise waters. It means benefiting from accredited teaching, closely linked to a Caribbean economy focused on tourism, governance, and sustainability, while facing a significant cost of living and demanding administrative procedures.
For students interested in a path off the beaten track, Aruba can offer a rich and unique experience. This destination requires immersion in a multilingual environment and a methodical approach, with rigorous anticipation and budget management.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
