Education in the Netherlands

Introduction

Education system in the Netherlands is one of the most progressive and effective in the world. Though official language in the Netherlands is Dutch and in schools, colleges and universities lessons are in Dutch, almost all educational institutions have international programs with English as a language of instruction. You can choose to study between two types of universities in the Netherlands - Research Universities, Universities of Applied Sciences; there are also International Educational Institutes.

In the Netherlands at the foundation of teaching method lies respect for the world view and opinions of every individual. This method is based on ‘Problem based learning’ where students analyze and solve practical problems applying the acquired knowledge, which requires self study and self discipline.

The teaching style is interactive and student-centered, which stimulates attention and gives freedom to develop their way of applying acquired knowledge according to their convictions.

There are more than 1, 462 international study programs and courses taught in English.

For more details please visit www.nuffic.nl

Research Universities

General Universities, Open Universities and Universities specializing in engineering and agriculture belong to this group. These Universities train students in the area of academic thought and research, professional education being included, which allows graduates also to work in a different domain.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree and Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree programs at the university requires three years of full time study, 180 credit points.

After graduation students can continue their studies for Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc) degree that requires one to two years of study, 60 – 120 credit points and then the doctorate (PhD) degree, which is a four year program.

Universities of Applied Sciences

These are general institutions and institutions specializing in a specific field (agriculture, fine and performing arts, teacher training). Students obtain not only academic knowledge here, but mainly focus on practical application of the acquired knowledge, thus preparing for work in the specific domains/professions.

Bachelors (B) degree requires four years of full time studies, 240 credit points.
Masters (M) degree requires one to two years of study, 60-120 credit points.
Universities of Applied Sciences do not offer doctorate.

Institutes for International Education

For over fifty years the Netherlands offer advanced courses in English – International education.
These Institutes do not offer bachelors degree programs.

Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MSc) degree requires one to two years of study, 60-120 credit points.

Only in one institute it is possible to continue studies for doctorate (PhD).

Admission requirements

You should notice that in popular fields the number of places is limited and quotas are set for bachelors, masters and doctorate programs, and it is important to be acquainted with applying procedures and follow the set terms. You should speak, read and write in English; have to have passed IELTS or TOEFL.

Bachelors degree – secondary school diploma at appropriate level but there are some programs that require additional exams, tests or demonstration of the required artistic abilities.

Masters degree - bachelors degree, and you can apply for doctorate if you have Masters degree.

Explanations of abbreviations

VWO – University Preparatory Education

6 years
may apply for research universities and universities of applied sciences

HAVO – Senior General Secondary Education

5 years
may apply for universities of applied sciences, VWO and MBO

VMBO – Preparatory Vocational Secondary Education

1-4 years
may apply for MBO

MBO – Senior Secondary Vocational Education and training

1-4 years
level 1: 0.5 – 1 year
level 2: 2-3 years
level 3: 2-4 years
level 4: 3-4 years
may apply for universities of applied sciences