Dutch higher education system
May 04, 2011
Higher education in Holland enjoys a worldwide reputation for its high quality.
Holland has two main types of higher education. Research universities focus on the independent practice of research-oriented work in an academic or professional setting, while universities of applied sciences are more practically-oriented, preparing students for specific careers. A third, smaller branch of higher education is provided by institutes of international education, which offer programmes designed especially for international students. An overview of all research universities, universities of applied sciences and institutes of international education can be found at www.internationalstudy.nl.
To see the dutch education system, click here.
Research Universities
There are 18 government-funded research universities in Holland, three of which
specialize in engineering, one in agriculture and one that is an open university. These institutions essentially train students in academic study and research, although many study programmes also have a professional component, and most graduates actually find work outside the research community. The Why Study in Holland?universities vary in size, with enrolments ranging from 6,000 to 30,000. All together they enrol some 206,000 students.www.vsnu.nl the Association of Universities in the Netherlands
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Universities of Applied Sciences
Programmes offered by universities of applied sciences (hogescholen) focus on the practical application of knowledge. Acquiring practical work experience through internshipsis an integral part of professional study programmes. Holland has 43 government-funded universities of applied sciences. The largest of these enrol 20,000 to 39,000 students. All together some 370,000 students are enrolled in professional programmes. www.hbo-raad.nl The Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences
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Institutes of International Education
Holland has been offering another form of higher education for more than 50 years,in the form of ‘International Education’ (IE), comprising advanced courses taught in English. There are five large IE institutes and a number of smaller ones, all of which focus on development-oriented courses conducted in small, intercultural groups, and on the exchange of knowledge as facilitated by teachers with extensive experience of working in developing countries.www.pieonline.nl Platform for international education
Degrees
Students who enrol in Dutch higher education programmes will earn a bachelor’s degree upon completion of the undergraduate phase and a master’s degree upon completion of the graduate phase. Research universities and universities of applied sciences award both types of degrees; IE institutes offer master’s programmes, but no bachelor’s programmes.
Bachelor
Completion of a research university bachelor’s programme requires three years of full-time study (180 credits), while bachelor’s programme offered by universities of applied sciences require four years of full-time study (240 credits).
Master
Depending on the discipline, master’s programmes offered by research universities, universities of applied sciences and institutes for international education will require one, two or sometimes even three years (60 – 180 credits) to complete.
PhD
Doctorate degrees (PhD) are offered by research universities and require four years. Students enrolled in other research institutes that work in close collaboration with research universities may also be awarded the doctorate title.
Admission requirements
International students wishing to apply for a programme at a higher education institution should first contact the institution that offers the programme. Students should also note several general points relating to admission requirements:
–International students must have a diploma judged equivalent to the minimum diploma required. There are also study programmes – in the arts for example – for which institutions set their own additional requirements.
–The main requirement for admission to a bachelor’s programme is a secondary school diploma at the appropriate level.
–Master’s programme applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. In certain popular fields the number of places is limited and admission quotas are set.
– It is essential that international students are able to speak, read and write English well. Students must have passed an English language test. IELTS and TOEFL are commonly accepted, but institutions may accept other tests as well. For the TOEFL the required scores are at least 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 80 (internet-based); for the IELTS a score of at least 6 is required.
– Language requirements for individual programmes or courses are indicated in the database of international courses on our website: www.studyinholland.nl.