The Netherlands was the first non-English-speaking country to offer courses taught in English. Together the Dutch higher education institutions offer about 1,385 international study programmes and courses, which are taught entirely in English.

The Netherlands has two main types of higher education: research universities and universities of applied sciences.

Research universities focus on the independent practice of research-oriented work in an academic or professional setting. universities of applied sciences are more practically-oriented, preparing students directly for specific careers.

A third, smaller branch of higher education is provided by institutes for international education, which offer programmes designed especially for international students.

Research Universities

There are 14 government-funded research universities in The Netherlands, three of which specialize in engineering, one in specializes in agriculture and there is one open university.

These institutions essentially train students in academic study and research although many study programmes also have a professional component and most graduates actually find work outside the research community. The universities vary in size, with enrolments ranging from 6,000 to 30,000. Altogether they enroll some 215,000 students.

• PhD: 4 years
• Master of Arts (MA): 1 – 2 years
• Master of Science (MSc): 1 – 2 years
• Bachelor of Arts (BA): 3 years
• Bachelor of Science (BSc): 3 years
  
  

Universities of applied sciences

The study programmes offered by universities of applied sciences ('hogescholen') focus on the practical application of knowledge.

Acquiring practical work experience through internships is an integral part of professional study programmes. The country has 45 government-funded universities of applied sciences. The largest of these enroll 20,000 to 39,000 students. Altogether some 365,000 students are enrolled on professional programmes.

• Master (M): 1 – 2 years
• Bachelor (B): 4 years
  
  

Institutes for international education

The Netherlands has been offering another form of higher education for more than 50 years: advanced courses taught in English in what is known as ‘international education’.

There are five large international education institutes and a number of smaller ones, which all focus on development oriented courses based on working in small, intercultural groups and the exchange of knowledge facilitated by teachers who have an  extensive experience of working in developing countries.

• PhD (only possible at 5 institutes): 4 years
• Master of Arts (MA): 1 – 2 years
• Master of Science (MSc): 1 – 2 years 

More information

For more information, please visit   www.studyin.nl,    www.internationalstudy.nl or   www.dutchsciencecareers.in.