University
Higher education in the Netherlands is known for its high quality. There are two types of higher education in the Netherlands: research-oriented and profession-oriented:
Research-oriented education (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO) is traditionally offered by research universities.
Higher professional education (hoger beroepsonderwijs, HBO) is offered by universities of applied sciences (hogescholen).
Programmes at universities of applied sciences prepare students for particular professions and tend to be more practically-oriented. They lead to either a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Programmes at research universities focus on theoretical aspects of the field of study and prepare students for undertaking independent research. These also lead to a bachelor’s or master’s degree. At research universities you can also pursue a PhD degree.
Programmes at universities of applied sciences prepare students for particular professions and tend to be more practically-oriented. They lead to either a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Programmes at research universities focus on theoretical aspects of the field of study and prepare students for undertaking independent research. These also lead to a bachelor’s or master’s degree. At research universities you can also pursue a PhD degree.
Degree programmes and periods of study are quantified in terms of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). In this system, 60 credits represent one year of study and one credit represents 28 hours of study. The focus of the programmes determines both the number of credits required to complete the programme and the type of degree that is awarded.
For access to bachelor’s programmes at research universities you need a VWO secondary school diploma. Students who have completed the first year at a university of applied sciences are also eligible for admission. For access to bachelor's programmes at universities of applied sciences, the minimum requirement is a HAVO secondary school diploma.
For some programmes, such as those in art education, the institution specifies additional skills as a requirements for admission.
Even though there are many degree programmes taught entirely in English, you may want to practice your Dutch! More and more international students are enrolling in programmes taught in Dutch.
If you are looking for a programme or course conducted in Dutch, you can check the following websites:
- Studiekeuze123 (website in Dutch with programmes and courses in Dutch)
- DUO
The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) the Netherlands is an international non-profit student association whose main objective is to provide activities and services for international students. The portal can be useful to get in touch with other foreigners.