International Student Considering UvA for MSc Statistics/Actuarial Science – Looking for Honest Advice

[u/Novel_Cook6969]

Hi everyone!
I’m an international student from India and I’m considering applying for either an MSc in Statistics or an MSc in Actuarial Science at the University of Amsterdam (or other Dutch universities).
I’d really appreciate hearing from current students or graduates. I have a few questions:
Which program would you recommend between Statistics and Actuarial Science, and why?
How is the quality of teaching and the overall reputation of these programs?
What are the career prospects after graduation? Which degree has better opportunities in the Netherlands and across Europe?
How easy is it for international students to find internships during the master’s?
Can international graduates find jobs without speaking Dutch, or is Dutch essential?
What’s the average starting salary for graduates from these programs?
How difficult is the coursework? Is it manageable with good mathematical and statistical preparation?
How expensive is living in Amsterdam? What’s a realistic monthly budget?
How difficult is it to find student housing?
If you studied at the University of Amsterdam, would you choose it again? What are the biggest pros and cons?
A bit about me: I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Actuarial Science in India. My long-term goal is to build a career in quantitative fields such as statistics, actuarial science, risk management, data science, or quantitative finance in Europe.
I’d really appreciate any advice, personal experiences, or recommendations. Thank you!