The Netherlands
Why Study in the Netherlands
Netherlands or Holland
There is a common misconception that the terms “Holland” and “Netherlands” are interchangeable, and even among localsone can hear local people using “Holland” to refer to the entire country. Technically, however, this is not accurate. The correct name for the entire country is the Netherlands, which is composed of twelve provinces. Two of these provinces form the Holland region, divided into North and South Holland (Noord- and Zuid-Holland, respectively).
The informal use of “Holland” to denote the entire country dates back to the 17th century when Holland held the most influence among the Dutch provinces. Despite this historical origin, the Holland region still constitutes a significant portion of the population, housing the three largest cities in the Netherlands: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague (Den Haag). Consequently, for many individuals, “Holland” continues to be synonymous with “the Netherlands.”
Dutch Higher Education
Upon completion of HAVO or VWO, students in the Netherlands have the option to pursue higher education at a research university or a university of applied sciences, leading to a bachelor’s (HBO or WO), master’s, or doctoral degree. However, if you hold a foreign diploma or certificate and aspire to study in the Netherlands, there are essential considerations to address.
If you hold a foreign qualification and plan to study in the Netherlands, it’s crucial to consider that your certificate may not directly align with Dutch education standards. Consequently, a credential evaluation and verification process is typically required. Nuffic, representing the Assistance Centre for Professional Recognition (AC) in the Netherlands, often conducts this evaluation. You can also personally ask for credential through the Nuffic website which can cost you some money, but in this way, you receive a formal certificate for your credential evaluation.
When applying to a Dutch school or university, they may request further information about your foreign diploma. This may include translated copies, generally into English, attested by a sworn translator, as well as verification from the ministry of education. To address these requirements and prevent unexpected challenges, it is advisable to start this process early in your planning.
Dutch Universities
In the Netherlands, there are two primary types of universities: Research Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences, known as “hogescholen” in Dutch. Research universities provide a more academically rigorous education with a focus on specific subjects. The emphasis is on a comprehensive understanding of the chosen field, while Applied Science universities offer programs specifically designed to prepare students for particular careers upon graduation. The focus is on practical, job-oriented education, catering to those seeking hands-on experience.
In addition to public universities, there are also a limited number of private universities in the Netherlands. These institutions typically specialize in specific areas such as hospitality, tourism, or business. However, it’s important to note that private universities generally have higher tuition fees compared to other Dutch universities.
1- Research universities
Undergraduate programs at Research Universities in the Netherlands typically take three years to complete and usually do not include work experience or internship. The number of research universities is limited to 13 Research Universities in the whole country. Among those universities, 12 offer bachelor’s degrees in English, totaling approximately 185 programs.
At some universities in the Netherlands, like Utrecht, Leiden, and Amsterdam, there are special University Colleges where most classes are taught in English. These colleges are separate from the main university but still a big part of it when it comes to recognition and reputation. Here, students get to explore lots of different subjects before picking a specific area to focus on. It’s great if you have many interests and don’t want to decide right away what to specialize in for your higher education. Some University Colleges might really focus on certain things, like social sciences or technology.
University Colleges are typically residential, requiring students to live together as part of an academic community throughout their three-year study period. Alternatively, some universities offer Liberal Arts and Sciences programs without a residential element, allowing students to study a similar curriculum while being part of the broader student body. Examples of such programs can be found at Erasmus University Rotterdam, Maastricht University, and Tilburg University
2- Applied Science Universities
Getting an undergraduate degree at Universities of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands typically takes three or four years. During this time, you’ll always have a work placement and often get a chance to study abroad. There are 41 Universities of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, ranging in size and focus. Some are small and specialize in areas like agriculture, design, or teacher training. These smaller universities might offer a couple of courses in English related to their expertise. The larger ones usually provide a variety of English taught programs, with around 300 degrees in total. Unlike Research Universities, the subjects offered at Universities of Applied Sciences rarely overlap, except for law and business. Business degrees at Universities of Applied Sciences are more hands-on, focusing on practical skills rather than academic study.
Many Universities of Applied Sciences now offer fast-track three-year degrees, condensing the first two years into a more intensive one. This option appeals to students who want to graduate sooner, but it’s not always the best choice. It’s crucial to consider your professors’ advice. Universities of Applied Sciences generally have smaller class sizes than Research Universities, emphasizing practical education with a focus on group work and workplace skills. The degrees offered, such as Life Sciences, Process and Food Technology, Hotel Management, and International Game Design and Architecture, are highly practical, making graduates very employable.
Unlike Research Universities, Universities of Applied Sciences don’t heavily focus on research activities, so they may not appear in global university rankings that heavily consider research outcomes. Choosing between the two depends on whether you’re more concerned about improving your job prospects or continuing your studies beyond undergrad.