FAQ (frequently asked questions)

Answer: The Dutch higher education system is based on a three-cycle degree system, consisting of a Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD phase. The Netherlands has a binary system of higher education, which means there are two types of study programmes: research-oriented (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO), traditionally offered by research universities, and professional higher education (hoger beroepsonderwijs, HBO), traditionally offered by hogescholen, or universities of applied sciences. The distinction between WO and HBO higher education is very important in the Dutch higher education system and determines admission requirements, content and length of degree programmes, and the degrees awarded.

Answer: Dutch higher education is known around the world for its high standard of quality. This high quality is achieved through a national system of laws, regulations and quality assurance. The NVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders) is an independent agency that works to ensure the quality of higher education in the Netherlands and Flanders.

Answer: The Netherlands is an internationally-oriented and innovative country that occupies a central place in Europe. It was the first non-English speaking country to offer courses in English, and the number of English-taught programmes is still growing. At present there are a total of 800 Bachelor's and Master's programmes in English to choose from at various universities throughout the country. The www.studychoice.nl site now lists 194 Bachelor’s programmes and 560 Master’s programmes taught in English. The Netherlands is known for the high quality of its higher education. No less than 11 Dutch universities feature in the list of the world’s two hundred best universities as published by the Times Higher Education Supplement (THES). The Netherlands also has an excellent international reputation when it comes to problem-based learning - a system that has students learn to solve problems through independent study and a disciplined approach.

Answer: The Netherlands has many interesting facets, as you’ll soon find out when you come here to study. There is plenty to see and do, and there are lots of student towns, starting with Amsterdam. Let the country surprise you! Come to the Netherlands and enjoy the open, friendly atmosphere. The following sites provide some information about the Netherlands: www.holland.com, www.nuffic.nl, www.minbuza.nl/en

Answer: WO (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, or university education) programmes are academic programmes offered at research universities. Research universities are institutions for higher education and scientific research, specifically geared towards theory and research. Research universities offer academic programmes and grant academic titles. In order to be accepted to a research university, you must have a pre-university diploma or a higher professional education diploma. The first phase of research university education is a Bachelor’s degree programme, which generally lasts three years. Once you have earned your Bachelor’s degree you can choose to get a job in your chosen field or continue in education. If you choose to keep on studying, you enrol in a Master’s programme. These are relatively short study programmes that generally last one or two years and entail in-depth study of a specific subject.

Answer: HBO (hoger beroepsonderwijs, or higher professional education) programmes are taught at universities of applied sciences. A universities of applied sciences is an institution for higher professional education with a dual focus on both theory and practice. Students are typically trained for a specific profession such as nursing or teaching. Just as at universities (WO), students enrolling at a HBO begin with a Bachelor's degree programme, which takes four years and results in the title of Bachelor, followed by the abbreviation of the programme (except ‘arts’ or ‘science’) – for example BN (Bachelor of Nursing). On completing a Bachelor’s programme students can choose to get a job or to continue their studies. In the latter case there are two options: a HBO Master’s programme, which usually lasts one or two years and explores a number of subjects in greater depth, or a university (WO) Master’s, preceded by a bridging course. Students who have earned a HBO Master’s degree carry the title of Master, followed by the specialisation (e.g. MANP, Master advanced nursing practice).

Answer: You will need to start planning your stay a year in advance. In order to be able to study in the Netherlands you will need a visa. Also important is to look for a place to live. You can stay with a host family or find rented accommodation yourself. Visit the Nuffic site for a checklist to help you prepare for your stay in the Netherlands, which also includes information on where to go if you run into any problems.

Answer: All Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences have an English website catering to international students. They also all have their own international office where you go with questions about a specific study programme.

Answer: The Dutch government has set up a special system of scholarships for international students wishing to enrol in higher education in the Netherlands. Dutch higher education is subsidised, which means tuition fees can be kept to a minimum - unlike in the USA and UK. Find scholarships at www.grantfinder.nl

Answer: In order to be admitted to a Dutch study programme, international students must first contact the relevant faculty. The most important requirement for admission to a Bachelor’s degree programme is a secondary education diploma at the requisite level. Check with Nuffic to find out if your diploma meets the admission requirements.

Answer: The Dutch government has set up a special system of scholarships for international students wishing to enrol in higher education in the Netherlands. Dutch higher education is subsidised, which means tuition fees can be kept to a minimum - unlike in the USA and UK. Find scholarships at www.grantfinder.nl

Answer: In order to be admitted to a Dutch study programme, international students must first contact the relevant faculty. The most important requirement for admission to a Bachelor’s degree programme is a secondary education diploma at the requisite level. Check with Nuffic to find out if your diploma meets the admission requirements.