The Netherlands offers one of the finest education systems, focusing on problem-solving, vocational training, and child-centred teaching methods. For the larger part of their studies, students work in teams to analyze and solve problems. This course of action promotes teamwork, making it an attraction point for international students as well. When choosing a school system for their children, parents have a vast variety of schools they can choose from; based on different philosophies and teaching methods. The method that best suits the child’s skills is determined, and the child then spends the following years polishing and implementing his newly learned knowledge.
All levels of education in the Netherlands offer both public and private education, with the latter focusing on religious and ideological beliefs. Primary education in the Netherlands lasts 8 years, and secondary education lasts around 4, 5, or 6 years (depending on the type of school). Vocational or higher education is available after secondary school.
The higher education system in the Netherlands offers research-oriented (HBO) and profession-oriented studies (WO), which are equal in value but also provide some key differences. It is important to note that the Netherlands provides different levels and modes in its education system, each offering a unique skill set for the students to acquire.
We will discuss the general information about higher education in the Netherlands in our detailed article below.
Types of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Netherlands
Higher education in the Netherlands is known for its high-quality, research-oriented work that is recognized worldwide. For international students, to avoid any future problems, they should always inquire about the accreditation of the institute before beginning the application process. Degrees and universities are accredited by NVAO ( Netherlands and Flemish Accreditation Organization) and RIO (in Dutch only), which evaluate and provide quality assurance.
Let’s learn about the different types of higher education institutions in the Netherlands in our article below.
1. University of Applied Science (HBO)
University of Applied Sciences or Hogescholen (HBO) in Dutch are universities that focus on practical applications of arts and sciences. Professional study programs at these institutions emphasize the importance of internships for gaining practical work experience. The time duration of a bachelor’s is 4 years and for a master’s degree is 1-4 years. LLB takes 4 years, while LLM takes 1 year to complete at HBO. Moreover, a ten-point grading system is used to evaluate students.
Hogescholen offers a variety of different disciplines, for example, Information and Communication Technology, Creative Business, Hospitality management, and many more.
Aeres University of Applied Sciences and ArtEZ University of the Arts are some examples of universities of applied sciences offering international study programs and short courses every year.
2. Research Universities (WO)
Generally, research universities, or Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (WO) in Dutch, offer academic programs that are oriented toward research. Students in this type of education are prepared to become scientists or for careers that require scientific knowledge. Moreover, graduates of research universities who complete professional programs find employment outside of the research community.
WO Universities provide a bachelor’s program of three years and a master’s degree of 1-3 years. A professional Doctorate in Engineering takes two years, while a Ph.D. at WO takes four years. A ten-point grading system, the same as HBO, is used to evaluate students. Research Universities offer a variety of interesting programs, for example, spatial planning, Environmental engineering, etc.
Delft University of Technology and Erasmus University Rotterdam are among the prominent research universities providing their services in the Netherlands.
University College
These honors colleges are part of a larger research university and are modeled after the liberal arts and sciences programs in the United States. University Colleges respond to a growing demand for a more holistic type of education. Here, you will work with your academic advisor to create your own multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary curriculum states,
Amsterdam University College is a prime example of a University College.
3. Institutes for International Education
Training and courses are offered in a wide range of fields by institutes for international education (IE). Six large IE institutes provide small intercultural groups for knowledge exchange. The classes are led by teachers who have extensive experience working in developing countries.
IHE Delft Institute for Water Education and KIT Institute (Royal Tropical Institute) are both examples of International Education institutes.
Types of Degree Levels in the Netherlands
Now that we know the type of institutes in the Netherlands’ education system, let’s shed some light on the kind of degrees being offered in them. For the sake of better understanding, let us discuss the degree based on the type of institute you will be getting it from, i.e., from a Research University (WO) or University of Applied Sciences (HBO).
1. Bachelor’s Degree
Bachelor’s Degree (HBO)
A bachelor’s degree typically consists of a first year, followed by three years of the main study. Applied science universities have a great deal of freedom in determining their curriculum. Furthermore, bachelor’s programs at universities of applied sciences are available in a variety of fields, including economics, health care, fine arts, agriculture, etc. These courses aim to provide you with the skills and competencies you need to pursue a specific career.
The duration and number of credits required to complete bachelor programs at HBO is 4 years and 240 credits, respectively. Examples include a Bachelor of Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts, etc.
Bachelor’s Degree (WO)
WO bachelor’s program is a 3-year program focused mainly on theory/academic research. The first year primarily focuses on (theoretical) education in one field of study or a major/minor structure, followed by a thesis in the third year. Research-oriented bachelor’s degrees are designed to prepare you for further analysis and employment, as well as teach you the academic and scientific skills necessary for a traditional university education.
In almost all bachelor’s programs, you need to do a course in research methodology and a bachelor’s thesis. After you have completed your bachelor’s degree at WO, you have the option of pursuing your Master’s degree as well as starting a career in your field of choice.
The time duration of completing your degree at WO is typically 3 years, and the credits offered are 180. Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Bachelor’s in Applied Physics, among many others, are examples of courses being offered at WO.
2. Master’s Degree
You can get a master’s degree at a research university or a university of applied sciences. For details, read below.
Master’s Degree (HBO)
Applied sciences universities offer master’s degrees primarily to help students enhance their knowledge and skills. During the program, you will improve your professional competencies and clinical and analytical skills, and develop leadership and management abilities. The programs are either full-time or part-time, and most students are already employed. Having this opportunity gives them the chance to apply the learned knowledge in their particular field.
Master’s programs last at least one year (60 credits), but many are longer, ranging from 1.5 to four years (90-240 credits). Examples include Masters of Business Communication, Master’s of Art Therapies, etc.
Master’s Degree (WO)
Research-oriented master’s programs aim to provide you with the necessary knowledge and analytical skills to carry out independent research in a specific field or a multidisciplinary one.
There is a variety of master’s programs to choose from:
- Academic master’s providing advanced training in preparation for employment.
- Research master’s in which you are engaged in scientific research
- Teacher training master’s programs that prepare you to teach at all levels of secondary education.
Master’s programs last one year (60 credits). On the other hand, it takes two years (120 credits) to complete a master’s program in research, teacher training, engineering, mathematics, natural science, or agriculture. Furthermore, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and pharmacy are advanced professional programs that take a total of three years (180 ECTS).
3. Ph.D.
Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) is the highest form of degree that involves performing independent research and writing a dissertation, possibly in combination with training. This type of degree typically requires a WO Master’s Degree and other requirements like a research plan and a personal presentation. The time duration needed to complete a doctoral degree is 4year and is often with any ECTS.
4. Engineering Doctorate (EngD)
Engineering Doctorate (EngD) programs are also offered at the four universities of technology in the Netherlands, in addition to doctorate Ph.D. programs. EngD graduates (technical designers) are capable of developing innovative technological solutions. In the first year, students gain an in-depth understanding of the latest design methods and applications. During the second year of the program, trainees work in the industry on individual design projects for high-tech companies. An EngD degree takes two years to complete and is often given with 120 ECTS.
FAQs: Higher Education in the Netherlands
What Grading System Do Higher Education in the Netherlands Use?
One of the crucial aspects of the education system in the Netherlands is its grading system. The Dutch institutes use the Ten Point Grading System or the ECTS to evaluate their students. The former method is self-explanatory, with 10 being the highest grade to one being the lowest. Grades 1-3 and 9-10 are seldom given to students.
The grading system used in the Netherlands educational institutes has a lot of benefits to offer, like clarity, flexibility, and, most importantly, international recognition. Firstly, being allotted a certain number of points gives the students clarity about which courses are important and which they need to work harder on. Secondly, the point grading system offers flexibility in choosing different programs and even transferring abroad without much problem in transferring credits—the most important advantage of this grading system, i.e., international recognition.
The Netherlands grading system is widely recognized, which makes it easier for students to transfer credits and study abroad and vice versa. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the conversion of the points may vary depending on the country you are transferring your credits to. For example, an 8 or higher point in the Dutch grading system is approximately equivalent to a 4.0 GPA in the US. On the other hand, An 80 in China is not considered a good grade since most grades in higher education in China are between 80 and 100. In the Netherlands, however, an 8 is a very good grade. Therefore, the conversion of grades should be carefully considered.
The Dutch education system also uses ECTS. The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) facilitates the transparency of studies and courses within the European Higher Education Area. Most importantly, it makes it easier for students to study and relocate between countries as well as have their academic qualifications and study periods recognized abroad.
In conclusion, the Netherlands offers some of the best, well-reputed institutes with high-quality accredited degrees. Dutch institutes are worth considering if you want quality education while studying abroad.
We hope that you found this article on higher education in the Netherlands informative. Check out the Netherlands Study Guide and Open Courses in Europe to learn more about studying abroad.
