Higher education in the Netherlands is offered at two types of institutions: universities of applied sciences (hogescholen; Hoger Beroeps Onderwijs, HBO) and research universities (universiteiten; Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs, WO).The former comprise general institutions and institutions specialising in a particular field, such as agriculture, fine and performing arts, or teacher training. The latter comprise general universities and universities specialising in e.g. engineering, law, social studies, and agriculture. The universities of applied sciences offer in general a more practical oriented professional education, whereas students with a master’s degree in science from a research university have access to careers at the highest scientific levels.
Since September 2002, the higher education system in the Netherlands has been organised around a three-cycle system consisting of Bachelor's, Master's and PhD degrees. At the same time, the ECTS credit system was adopted as a way of quantifying periods of study. The higher education system continues, however, to be a binary system with a distinction between research-oriented education and professional higher education.
A bachelor's programme at a research university requires the completion of 180 credits (3 years) and graduates obtain the degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (BA/BSc), depending on the discipline. In the Netherlands, it is still common to do a Master’s after obtaining a Bachelor’s degree. A Master’s degree takes generally two years in technical fields (120 credits or more) like agriculture, and maths and the natural sciences (120 credits are always required). Graduates obtain the degree of Master of Arts or Master of Science (MA/MSc). Most of the other master studies take only one year. The old title appropriate to the discipline in question (Drs., Mr., Ir.) may still be used.
A bachelor's programme at a university of applied sciences requires the completion of 240 credits (4 years), and graduates obtain a degree indicating their field of study, for example Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng.) or Bachelor of Nursing (B. Nursing).
HBO master's programmes require the completion of 60 to 120 credits, and graduates obtain a degree indicating the field of study, for example Master of Social Work (MSW).
The third cycle of higher education is offered only by research universities, which are entitled to award the country's highest academic degree, the doctorate, which entitles a person to use the title doctor (Dr.). The process by which a doctorate is obtained is referred to as the promotie. The doctorate is primarily a research degree, for which a dissertation based on original research must be written and publicly defended (PhD).
The three technical research universities in the Netherlands offer together a two-year post-master track, leading to the certificate: Professional Doctorate in Engineering (PDEng). Knowledge and experience are broadened by means of a personal and practical design assignment, under the supervision of experienced design professionals, and in close co-operation with business and the industry (Check for more information www.3tu.nl).
Check for more information about the bachelor and master structure in the Netherlands www.nuffic.nl.
At Bachelor level and up, the following educational institutes offer courses in English in the Southeast Netherlands (also check the paragraph Tertiary Education).
Universities of Applied Sciences
- Design Academy
With its conceptual and project-oriented approach to industrial design education, the Design Academy Eindhoven is amongst the most influential design institutes in the world, and ranks 5th on the ICON list. The Design Academy has close ties with TU/e (Eindhoven University of Technology).
- Fontys University of Applied Sciences
At Fontys University of Applied Sciences (Fontys Hogescholen), nearly all higher professional education programmes at bachelor’s and master’s level can be followed. Fontys University offers programmes in Healthcare and Social Work, Economics, Business and Communication, Technology, Visual and Performing Arts, Logistics and Transport, and Education.
Research Universities
- Eindhoven University of Technology
TU/e is a research-driven, design-oriented university that provides academic education within the engineering, science and technology sectors. TU/e is the 3rd highest rated technical university in Europe, and offers many of its programmes in English. It is a very international institution and many of its current students and PhDs are non-Dutch. Check also the following links for;
- Technical Design (post master): Stan Akkermans Institute
- PhD students
- Vacancies
- Development support - Maastricht University
Maastricht University (UM) is the youngest university in the Netherlands. UM is known at home and abroad for its innovative education system, advanced research and international orientation
The significance of the themes on which UM education and research are centred reaches beyond the Dutch national borders. UM can easily call itself the most international university in the Netherlands. Situated in the heart of Europe, English has a place in nearly all educational programmes, and most of its programmes are taught completely in English. In addition, much of its education and research revolves around international themes in which European issues often take centre stage.
The region creates an international atmosphere that is attractive to Dutch and international students and employees. One out of 3 students and 16 per cent of UM employees come from abroad. Together they represent about 70 different countries.
For PhD students: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl - Tilburg University
Enjoying the reputation as Europe’s best in Business, Economics, and Law, Tilburg University also specialises in Humanities and in Social Sciences. It provides high-quality education and research on a compact campus with excellent facilities. Tilburg University, founded in 1927, is a fully accredited government financed University with approximately 12,000 students. Its mission is to inspire and challenge students, faculty, staff, and alumni by providing high-quality, innovative and internationally oriented education and research.
For PhD students: www.tilburguniversity.nl
Open Universities
- Open University
The Open Universiteit Nederland (Open University), which welcomed its first students in September 1984, is an independent government-funded institute for distance learning at university level. The Dutch government's purpose in founding the Dutch Open Universiteit was to make higher education accessible to anyone with the necessary aptitudes and interests, regardless of formal qualifications. - The Open University
The Open University (OU) was the world's first successful distance teaching university. Born in the 1960s, the OU was founded on the belief that communications technology could bring high quality degree-level learning to people lacking the opportunity or desire to attend campus universities. The Open University's style of teaching is supported distance learning. People living in the Netherlands can study at their own home and exams can be completed in the study centre in The Hague.
Useful links:
www.internationalstudents.nl
www.studychoice123.nl
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