Education in the Netherlands
Higher education in the Netherlands is well-known for its worldwide focus and high standards.
The country provides one of the most extensive offerings of English-taught university courses in continental Europe, which makes studying in the Netherlands appealing to expats.
After completing high school students can choose to obtain their Bachelor’s (WO or HBO), Master’s or Doctoral degree in either Research University or University of Applied Sciences.
Hogescholen
Universities of Applied Sciences
(Hogescholen)
Students are trained for independent scientific practice at universities of applied sciences (hogescholen). Because all hogescholen have a more practical bent, Bachelor’s programs that specialize in specific disciplines last four years.
It should be noted that after completing a four-year Bachelor’s program, students can apply to (nearly) any university for a second Bachelor’s or even a Master’s program. However, a one-year changeover program may be required. An HBO degree can be obtained at a university of applied sciences in the Netherlands.
The HBO represents a four-year Bachelor’s degree at a university of applied sciences (hogeschool), where students can major in design, engineering, information technology, teaching, and other subjects. Through group projects and internships, the HBO integrates theoretical and practical knowledge. Around the age of 21, students complete the HBO.
research-oriented Education
Dutch Research Universities
The independent practice of research-oriented education in an academic or professional setting is the emphasis of research universities in the Netherlands. More than 200.000 students are enrolled at 14 research institutions and 8 academic medical centers, which offer three-year Bachelor’s programs and one or two-year Master’s programs. A WO degree can be obtained at a research university in the Netherlands.
The WO is a three-year Bachelor’s degree obtained at a research university (universiteit) where students can major in arts, science, or law. A student must have a VWO high school diploma to begin a WO (or equally an International Baccalaureate Diploma/High School Diploma) , unless they have already finished the first year of an HBO degree. Around the age of 21, students complete the WO
research-oriented Education
Dutch Research Universities
The independent practice of research-oriented education in an academic or professional setting is the emphasis of research universities in the Netherlands.
More than 200.000 students are enrolled at 14 research institutions and 8 academic medical centers, which offer three-year Bachelor’s programs and one or two-year Master’s programs. A WO degree can be obtained at a research university in the Netherlands.
The WO is a three-year Bachelor’s degree obtained at a research university (universiteit) where students can major in arts, science, or law. A student must have a VWO high school diploma to begin a WO (or equally an International Baccalaureate Diploma/High School Diploma) , unless they have already finished the first year of an HBO degree. Around the age of 21, students complete the WO
High-order degree
Postgraduate Education in the Netherlands
Students with a Bachelor’s degree (either HBO or WO) can pursue postgraduate education such as a Master’s or PhD degree.
Master of Science
Master’s programs last one to three years and cover theoretical or applied expertise.
PhD or Doctorate
PhDs are four-year doctorate programs that involve study and thesis writing in a specialized field of theoretical knowledge.
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