Frequently Asked Questions
At Ayurveda Academy The Netherlands, we welcome students of different ages, countries and backgrounds. Our students’ ages have ranged from early-20s to mid-70s. You are never too young or too old to study ayurveda! Some students have a background in ayurveda or healthcare, some have had a very different career, yet others come directly from high school into our study program.
Our ideal student possesses a genuine passion for holistic health and a deep curiosity about ayurveda. They are open-minded, eager to learn, and committed to personal growth. They demonstrate a strong work ethic, dedication, and perseverance in their studies.
The APS program is our most in-depth journey - a 4-year curriculum, aimed at students, wishing to go beyond lifestyle advice and into clinical principles, herbal remedies and classical ayurvedic texts. The program consists of three levels: Nutrition & Lifestyle Counselor (Year 1 & 2; 70ECs); Ashtanga Hridayam and Professional Massage Modules (35 ECs); and Year 3 & 4 with a strong clinical focus (100 ECs).
Head over to our PROGRAMS section for a comprehensive description of this study path.
Yes, you can apply for the study program as being a healthcare professional is not a prerequisite. Students with different backgrounds are part of the APS. We aim to educate you towards practicing ayurveda professionally and being able to treat clients upon completion of the 4-year study program, regardless of your professional background.
However, students opening their own ayurvedic practice after completion of the study, are obliged to follow a Western Medicine Fundamentals (Medische Basiskennis) course at PLATO level (40 ECs). Con Amore offers the course in both English and Dutch. Students of the Academy will receive a discount when signing up.
The APS is a 4-year, part-time program. However, it consists of a total of 200 ECs, which is a substantial study load. In addition, it requires mostly in-person class attendance (unless otherwise arranged with the Academy), significant self-study time and dedication to completing post-class assignments and tests.
Our programs are designed for students who wish to learn about ayurveda in-depth and we therefore expect students to be utterly committed to their studies in order to eventually become professional practitioners. Perspective students are urged to evaluate their life-work balance and how/if studying at the Academy can fit their lives before applying.
The Ayurveda Practitioner Studies is a part-time 4-year study program, divided into three Levels.
Years 1 & 2 (Level 1) consist of 70 ECs, which translates into approximately [x contact hours] and [x self-study hours]. This translates into approximately 2 days of classes and 4-5 self-study days per month.
Level 2 is comprised of 30 ECs, divided between an online Asthanga Hridayam module and an 8-day (48 hrs) Professional Massage Module, taught on location.
Years 3 & 4 (Level 3) consist of 100 ECs, including an internship in India. They contain approximately [x contact hours] and [x self-study hours]; or approximately 2-3 days of classes and 4-6 self-study days per month.
Please bear in mind that these are indicative numbers - each student has a different pace of studying and techniques of retaining content.
The entry requirements and application procedure are thoroughly described here
It is important that all students of the APS / NLC have a good understanding of the program and the study load. Therefore, attending one of our open days is a strict prerequisite.
In order to make attending available to all, we have both on-location and online open days.
You can find a list of planned open days by heading over to this page.
If you are unable to attend any of our open days but would still like to apply, please contact us via academy@ayurvedanetherlands.com to discuss your possibilities.
Attending an open day is only necessary if you plan to attend the APS / NLC program. In all other cases we offer optional webinars only.
The Bachelor-level certificate is a requirement according to official accreditation requirements. Unfortunately, without that, you cannot apply.
In such situations, we would advise you to contact your educational institution and request a new copy of your certificate. If you obtained your higher education in the Netherlands, you can also do that through the website of Duo.
If you have completed education in ayurveda at other institutes, you can opt for a special enrolment, with an exemption for certain modules. Please send an email to academy@ayurvedanetherlands.com with a detailed overview and proof of completion of all previous courses, including contact hours, tests and subjects done. The examination committee will consequently decide if an exemption can be granted. In the case of positive advice, the examination committee will provide an overview of exempted modules, a timeline, and a discounted pricing option.
The Bachelor-level accreditation by SNRO secures that the study program is carried out at a qualified professional level and that it meets all quality requirements. In order to guarantee these standards are met, the study program contains, among others, ample assignments and tests throughout the year and students are expected to study on a regular basis.
The accreditation testifies that the program is complete in terms of preparing students to practise in a professional way in the field of ayurvedic medicine.
The Bachelor-level degree is acquired upon successfully completing the 4-year Ayurveda Practitioner Studies. With this degree (in combination with the Western anatomy & physiology (Medische Basiskennis) course), you can become a member of one of the professional associations, enabling your future clients to claim reimbursement of their invoice under supplementary health care insurances.
When you have successfully completed your studies, you can open your own ayurveda practice. In other words, you can start your career in ayurveda.
You will be able to inform your clients about ayurvedic ways to improve their health with the help of concrete steps and guidelines. You will have insight into which complaints you can treat yourself and which more complex ones will require the help of an ayurvedic physician or other health experts. You will be confident in exploring the complaints of your clients by tapping into their needs in a proper way while using ayurvedic assessment techniques like pulse reading and tongue diagnosis. Clear communication, trust, respect, an open attitude and confidentiality play an important role in building a relationship with your clients – and this relationship is a part of your ayurvedic healing skills.
Our studies conform to the Bachelor-level accreditation in the Netherlands, thus the Diploma is locally recognised.
Different countries have their own strict standards for ayurvedic practitioners and depending on the place, various additional qualifications need to be obtained, in addition to the ayurvedic education, before being allowed to become a practitioner. In the Netherlands, for example, the Western anatomy & physiology (Medische Basiskennis) course also has to be completed prior to opening your own practice.
We therefore advise students to thoroughly inform themselves as to the criteria in the respective country, where they want to practice and inquire what professional permissions our APS Diploma will grant them.
At Ayurveda Academy The Netherlands, we welcome students of different ages, countries and backgrounds. Our students’ ages have ranged from early-20s to mid-70s. You are never too young or too old to study ayurveda! Some students have a background in ayurveda or healthcare, some have had a very different career, yet others come directly from high school into our study program.
Our ideal student possesses a genuine passion for holistic health and a deep curiosity about ayurveda. They are open-minded, eager to learn, and committed to personal growth. They demonstrate a strong work ethic, dedication, and perseverance in their studies.
The NLC program is perfect for anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of nutrition and lifestyle, rooted in the ayurvedic principles. It is also perfect for students who might want to continue with our APS program in the future, as the NLC constitutes Level 1 of the APS program.
Head over to our PROGRAMS section for a comprehensive description of this study path.
The NLC is a 2-year, part-time program. However, it consists of a total of 70 ECs, which is a substantial study load. In addition, it requires mostly in-person class attendance (unless otherwise arranged with the Academy), significant self-study time and dedication to completing post-class assignments and tests.
Our programs are designed for students who wish to learn about ayurveda in-depth and we therefore expect students to be utterly committed to their studies in order to eventually become professional practitioners. Perspective students are urged to evaluate their life-work balance and how/if studying at the Academy can fit their lives before applying.
The Nutrition and Lifestyle Counselor is a part-time 2-year study program, consisting of 70 ECs, which translates into approximately [x contact hours] and [x self-study hours]. This translates into approximately 2 days of classes and 4-5 self-study days per month.
Please bear in mind that these are indicative numbers - each student has a different pace of studying and techniques of retaining content.
The entry requirements and application procedure are thoroughly described here
It is important that all students of the APS / NLC have a good understanding of the program and the study load. Therefore, attending one of our open days is a strict prerequisite.
In order to make attending available to all, we have both on-location and online open days.
You can find a list of planned open days by heading over to this page.
If you are unable to attend any of our open days but would still like to apply, please contact us via academy@ayurvedanetherlands.com to discuss your possibilities.
Attending an open day is only necessary if you plan to attend the APS / NLC program. In all other cases we offer optional webinars only.
We are open to international students and have several European countries represented in the study program. So yes, applying for the Nutrition & Lifestyle Counselor program is possible when living abroad. Please take into account however, that we do have some modules, which are mandatory to attend in person, so you will have to travel to the Netherlands a couple of times in the year. You will be responsible for your own travel fare and accommodation. Since we are a private educational institute, it is not possible to apply for a student visa.
If you have completed education in ayurveda at other institutes, you can opt for a special enrolment, with an exemption for certain modules. Please send an email to academy@ayurvedanetherlands.com with a detailed overview and proof of completion of all previous courses, including contact hours, tests and subjects done. The examination committee will consequently review your application and decide on the exemption. In the case of positive advice, the examination committee will provide an overview of exempted modules, a timeline, and a discounted pricing option.
After obtaining the NLC Diploma, you will be able to provide general advice and assist clients with imbalances and simple ailments. You can start offering consultations, and it's also very possible to integrate this knowledge with your current profession in the fields of health, yoga, sports, dietetics, or vitality.
Our former students have also authored (cooking)books, launched products, published articles, organised retreats, workshops for companies, and conducted simple workshops.
The NLC program constitutes Level I of our Ayurveda Practitioner Studies (APS). Students graduating from this program, can therefore choose to continue deepening their knowledge of ayurveda by signing up for Levels II and III.
It is essential to differentiate between the two programs (NLC and APS), as it is only in the latter where ayurvedic pathology is taught, based on which complex herbal remedies and treatment plans can be developed. NLCs are required to refer clients with complex pathologies to certified practitioners or physicians.
Bij Ayurveda Academy the Netherlands verwelkomen we studenten van verschillende leeftijden, landen en achtergronden. De leeftijden van onze studenten variëren van begin twintig tot midden zeventig. Je bent nooit te jong of te oud om Ayurveda te studeren! Sommige studenten hebben een achtergrond in ayurveda of gezondheidszorg, sommigen hebben een heel andere carrière achter de rug, weer anderen komen rechtstreeks van de middelbare school bij ons in de opleiding.
Onze ideale student heeft een oprechte passie voor holistische gezondheid en een diepe nieuwsgierigheid naar ayurveda. Ze zijn ruimdenkend, leergierig en toegewijd aan persoonlijke groei. Ze tonen een sterke werkethiek, toewijding en doorzettingsvermogen in hun studie.
De jaaropleiding is een deeltijdopleiding van 1 jaar, bestaande uit 10 lesdagen en 2 online kookdagen, of 68 contacturen. Daarnaast kan de student rekenen op ongeveer 100 uur (dus ongeveer 10 uur per opleidingsdag) aan zelfstudie.
Wij zijn een particuliere onderwijsaanbieder en het is helaas niet mogelijk om overheidssubsidie of subsidie aan te vragen. Onderwijskosten kunnen worden gezien als bedrijfskosten, indien de betreffende student een eigen bedrijf heeft.
In case payment in installments is possible for a specific course, this will be clearly indicated in the course description page. In all other instances, participation fee has to be paid in full prior to the start of the course as this secures the participant’s spot in the course.
In rare, exceptional cases an exception might be granted by the Academy but in this case, the student should clearly and timely notify us of their situation by sending an email to academy@ayurvedanetherlands.com.
We have some courses and trainings that take place fully online (e.g. cooking course) and others - that are mandatory to attend in-person (e.g. massage course).
Unless otherwise specified in the course description, attending in person is always the preferred option. For some courses, blended learning will be made available, meaning that students can either attend in person or follow a zoom life stream. Students choosing for the latter option should always contact the teacher(s) and inform them prior to the respective class. Please note that attending a class online in such circumstances might somewhat restrict the level of participation. This stems from the fact that there are often group assignments or practical demonstrations, which might be difficult to project via zoom.
Yes, all courses and training that we offer, upon successful completion, lead to receiving the Certificate / Proof of Attendance. These Certificates are signed and usually sent to the students digitally. If a student requests to receive their printed Certificate by post, extra costs for sending will apply.
Our tuition fees are clearly stated on the respective program, course or training page. In case of a doubt you can drop us a line at academy@ayurvedanetherlands.com
The Academy has laid down clear payment terms and policies.
Payment in instalments is only possible for the APS and NLC programs. Participation fee for shorter courses and trainings must be paid in full prior to the start of the study, unless otherwise specified in the study description.
The number of instalments for the APS and NLC programs is fixed and cannot be increased. We urge students to seriously evaluate their financial situation before starting the studies.
In exceptional cases, where a student cannot meet the payment requirements, they are required to contact us at academy@ayurvedanetherlands.com in order to discuss options.
We are a private educational provider and unfortunately it is not possible to apply for a government grant or subsidy. Educational costs can be viewed as a company expense, in case the respective student has their own company.
Ayurveda Academy The Netherlands has a cancellation policy in place.
Students enrolled in the APS or NLC programs, should consult the Student Statute for their options.
Students enrolled in shorter trainings or courses, should consult the Terms and Conditions.
A general rule of thumb is that a refund is not possible after the respective study has already begun and the student has partaken. In exceptional cases, the Academy might consider making an exception. Furthermore, in some instances, a better solution might be to pause one’s study instead of quitting it altogether. After a conversation with the Academy the best individual solution can be found.
For the APS and NLC there is a minimum attendance requirement of 75% per academic year.
We encourage students of these two programs to attend as many classes on-location as possible due to the practical and applied nature of the studies. Our blended learning does provide the possibility of attending online when a student is deterred from attending on location. In such instances, the student is required to inform us at academy@ayurvedanetherlands.com prior to class.
Students attending neither on location, nor online will be considered absent for the respective class. Students attending our shorter courses or trainings are obliged to participate in 75% of all classes (be it online or on location) if they want to obtain their Certificate of Participation. In exceptional circumstances, where a student is forced to miss a class, they need to timely inform us at academy@ayurvedanetherlands.com
In case of not being able to join any class or module, please send an email to the office (academy@ayurvedanetherlands.com) as soon as possible, or at the latest, one hour before class. Include clear and valid reasons for your absence. You will then be informed what to do in order to catch up on missed material, which will depend on the missed class.
In some cases, missing a substantial part of a practical module, might require an individual catch-up with the teacher, which would then entail extra costs for the student. The Academy will accordingly inform the student of their options.
Our classes are streamed via zoom; students receive the respective login information upon signing up for the program or course.
Attending online does not include the same level of engagement as on-location attendance and should therefore be treated as a last resort for students unable to attend class in person. The reason is that our classes often involve a significant practical element or in-class group work and assignments. That means that students attending online will be able to follow the content but might be hindered in hands-on participation.
Certain modules, e.g. massage, are not possible to attend online due to their highly practical nature. Students who miss more than a day of these modules, will have to physically attend a catch-up at a later date and at an extra cost.
Ayurveda Academy The Netherlands does not offer accommodation or travel reimbursement and it is the students’ own responsibility to organize these. We can however help with advice, especially in the case of international students.
Students enrolled in the APS or NLC programs, should consult the Student Statute for their options.
Students enrolled in shorter trainings or courses, should consult the Terms and Conditions.
A general rule of thumb is that a refund is not possible after the respective study has already begun and the student has partaken. In exceptional cases, the Academy might consider making an exception. Furthermore, in some instances, a better solution might be to pause one’s study instead of quitting it altogether. After a conversation with the Academy the best individual solution can be found.
We strongly advice that students follow the whole program without interruption. We do understand however that there can be an urgent reason for taking a break. In such cases, we should be immediately contacted at academy@ayurvedanetherlands.com so that we can inform the student of their options. Breaks from our APS or NLC programs can only last one year. For breaks longer than one year, the respective program has to be restarted and costs paid again.
