Your learning journey in the Netherlands doesn't stop with leaving school or graduating from higher education. Even if you don't have any formal qualifications, there is plenty of choice when it comes to continuing education in the Netherlands, for people who want to further their careers or pick up extra qualifications.
Adult education in the Netherlands
With adult education, older people are able to pick up new skills and experience, improve and update their general, vocational, political or academic knowledge, find better paying jobs and even transition into new working sectors.
As of 2017, over 1,7 million people in the Netherlands aged between 25 and 65 were participating in some form of adult learning, according to CBS - over 19 percent of the adult population. This includes formal education like secondary vocational education (MBO) or higher professional education (HBO) as well as courses and workshops. This proportion puts the Netherlands near the top in an EU-wide comparison, behind only Sweden, Finland and Denmark.
Continuing education is offered by multiple institutions and organisations in the Netherlands, including:
- The Open University of the Netherlands
- De Volksuniversiteit
- Secondary vocational education institutions (MBOs)
- Universities and universities of applied sciences
- Private institutions
- Distance learning institutions
Alongside the Open University of the Netherlands and the Volksuniversiteit, many universities and universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands offer university-level education for adults and professionals, in the form of open programmes, summer schools, and microcredentials. These are short courses that can be completed without having to enrol onto a full degree programme.
MBA programs in the Netherlands
Looking to take your career to the next level? There are multiple outstanding business schools based in the Netherlands that offer Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. The Netherlands is a popular location to do an MBA, thanks to its central location within Europe and business-friendly climate. Browse top MBA programs in the Netherlands in our directory.
Executive education in the Netherlands
Looking for top executive education programmes and courses offered by prestigious universities and institutions in the Netherlands? Our listing of executive education courses in the Netherlands is a good place to start.
Coding & programming courses in the Netherlands
Thinking of delving into the world of tech? Or just want to pick up a new skill like programming or data analysis? Check out our listing of coding and programming courses in the Netherlands to discover coding bootcamps and schools offering both remote and in-person options.