The Dutch education system gives families a choice among public-authority schools, denominational private schools, and schools based on educational approaches such as Montessori, Dalton, Jena Plan, or Steiner. Public-authority schools are not based on a particular religion or belief, while privately run schools may have a religious, ideological, or educational ethos. This variety allows parents to consider a school’s principles and teaching approach when selecting an appropriate option for their child.
Most children in the Netherlands attend primary school for eight years. After primary school, students generally enter one of three secondary education tracks: the four-year pre-vocational secondary education program (VMBO), the five-year senior general secondary education program (HAVO), or the six-year pre-university education program (VWO). These tracks prepare students for secondary vocational education (MBO), higher professional education (HBO), or research-oriented university education (WO).
The Dutch higher education system has two main types: higher professional education (HBO) and research-oriented higher education (WO). HBO programs are profession-oriented and emphasize practical application, while WO programs are academically and research-oriented. Although both are part of higher education, they have different educational purposes and program structures.
We will discuss general information about higher education in the Netherlands in the detailed article below.
Types of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Netherlands
Dutch higher education institutions may be government-funded, government-approved, or private. Before applying, international students should check whether their intended institution and program are officially recognized. The Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO) assesses and accredits recognized higher education programs. Accredited programs and recognized institutions are recorded in RIO, the Register of Institutions and Programs, which is maintained by the Dutch Education Executive Agency (DUO).
Let’s learn about the different types of higher education institutions in the Netherlands in our article below.
1. University of Applied Science (HBO)
Universities of applied sciences, or hogescholen in Dutch, provide higher professional education (HBO). HBO is more practically oriented than WO and connects academic knowledge with professional practice, commonly through work placements, internships, and applied projects. An HBO bachelor’s program normally takes four years and carries 240 ECTS credits. An HBO master’s program generally takes one year and carries 60 ECTS credits, although some art and teacher-training programs take two years and carry 120 ECTS credits.
Universities of applied sciences offer programs in sectors such as economics, health care, agriculture, education, social and community work, the arts, and technology. Some institutions specialize in a particular field, such as agriculture, the arts, or teacher training.
Aeres University of Applied Sciences and ArtEZ University of the Arts are examples of Dutch universities of applied sciences. Both offer degree programs and other study opportunities for international students, including English-taught options.
2. Research Universities (WO)
Research universities, or universities offering wetenschappelijk onderwijs (WO), provide academically and scientifically oriented education. Their programs prepare students to conduct scientific research or enter professions in which scientific knowledge is applied, such as dentistry or pharmacy.
A WO bachelor’s program normally takes three years and carries 180 ECTS credits. Most WO master’s programs take one year and carry 60 ECTS credits. Technical and natural sciences programs and research master’s programs generally take two years and carry 120 ECTS credits. Master’s programs in medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry generally take three years and carry 180 ECTS credits. An Engineering Doctorate normally takes two years, while a PhD generally takes four years and is often not expressed in ECTS credits.
Delft University of Technology and Erasmus University Rotterdam are examples of research universities in the Netherlands.
University College
University colleges are generally part of a larger research university and provide WO-level education. They usually offer small-scale, selective, English-taught bachelor’s programs in liberal arts and sciences. Students commonly follow an interdisciplinary curriculum and receive academic guidance when choosing courses and areas of specialization.
Amsterdam University College is one example. It offers a three-year, full-time Liberal Arts and Sciences honors program and awards a joint bachelor’s degree issued by the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
3. Institutes for International Education
Institutes for international education (IE) offer advanced training and courses in a wide range of fields. Most are part of a Dutch research university. Six large IE institutes focus on exchanging knowledge in small, intercultural groups, and their instructors commonly have experience working in developing countries. These institutes offer short courses, master’s programs, and, in some cases, PhD programs.
IHE Delft Institute for Water Education and KIT Institute are examples of institutions offering internationally oriented postgraduate education and professional training.
Types of Degree Levels in the Netherlands
Now that we know the types of institutions in the Dutch education system, let’s examine the degrees they offer. For clarity, the degree levels below are discussed according to whether they are offered through higher professional education (HBO) or research-oriented higher education (WO).
1. Bachelor’s Degree
Bachelor’s Degree (HBO)
An HBO bachelor’s degree typically begins with a first-year phase, followed by the main phase of the program. Programs are available in fields such as economics, health care, the arts, agriculture, education, and technology. They are designed to develop the knowledge, practical abilities, and professional competencies needed for a particular career.
An HBO bachelor’s program normally takes four years and requires 240 ECTS credits. The curriculum generally includes a substantial work placement and ends with a thesis or final project. Degrees awarded may include the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Social Work.
Bachelor’s Degree (WO)
A WO bachelor’s program is a three-year, research-oriented program focused mainly on theory and academic study. It generally includes a first-year phase, followed by education in a particular area of specialization or a major-and-minor structure. Programs often conclude with a short thesis in the third year.
WO bachelor’s programs develop academic, scientific, and research skills. After completing the degree, students can apply to an appropriate WO master’s program. Admission to an HBO master’s program may also be possible, depending on the program’s requirements.
A WO bachelor’s program normally takes three years and requires 180 ECTS credits. Degrees awarded include the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Laws.
2. Master’s Degree
You can earn a master’s degree at a research university or a university of applied sciences. The two types differ in their orientation and intended outcomes.
Master’s Degree (HBO)
HBO master’s programs are profession-oriented and help students deepen their knowledge of a particular profession. They commonly emphasize applied research and conclude with a thesis or final project. Many students combine their studies with employment, although the available full-time, part-time, and work-study options depend on the institution and program.
An HBO master’s program generally takes one year and requires 60 ECTS credits. Some programs, particularly in the arts and teacher training, take two years and require 120 ECTS credits. Degrees may include the Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, Master of Science, or Master of Social Work.
Master’s Degree (WO)
Research-oriented master’s programs provide advanced subject knowledge and the analytical and research skills needed to conduct independent research in a specific or multidisciplinary field.
There is a variety of master’s programs to choose from:
- Academic master’s programs that provide advanced training in preparation for employment.
- Research master’s programs in which students participate extensively in scientific research.
- Teacher-training master’s programs that prepare graduates to teach at different levels of secondary education.
Most WO master’s programs take one year and require 60 ECTS credits. Research master’s programs and programs in technical and natural sciences generally take two years and require 120 ECTS credits. Master’s programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and pharmacy generally take three years and require 180 ECTS credits.
3. Ph.D.
A doctoral degree, or PhD, is a research degree involving independent research, the writing of a dissertation, and usually the public defense of that dissertation. Admission generally requires a WO master’s degree and may involve additional requirements such as a research plan and personal presentation. A PhD generally takes four years and is often not assigned a fixed number of ECTS credits.
4. Engineering Doctorate (EngD)
Engineering Doctorate (EngD) programs are offered through the four Dutch universities of technology. These full-time, post-master’s programs combine advanced education with a practical technological design project completed in collaboration with industry or, in some programs, a health care organization. An EngD program normally takes two years, carries 120 credits, and leads to the Engineering Doctorate degree.
In conclusion, the Netherlands offers recognized higher professional and research-oriented education pathways at universities of applied sciences, research universities, university colleges, and institutes for international education. Prospective students should confirm the current structure, admission requirements, and accreditation status of their chosen program before applying.
We hope that you found this article on higher education in the Netherlands informative. If you are interested, check out the Netherlands Study Guide and Available Courses in Europe!
