Higher education in the Netherlands

Higher education in the Netherlands is well-regarded internationally, known for offering high-quality teaching and plenty of programmes in English, making it a top choice for international students from around the world. This section looks at the structure of the higher education system in the Netherlands and offers information and advice for international students thinking of coming to study in the Netherlands. 

The higher education system in the Netherlands

Reflecting the streaming system of secondary education, there are several different types of higher education institutions in the Netherlands. These include: 

• Research universities, which provide research-orientated education in an academic or professional setting.
• Universities of applied sciences, which combine theoretical and practical knowledge to enable students to independently practise science.
• Universities of the arts, which are a subgroup of universities of applied sciences that focus on the practical application of the arts.
• University colleges, which are part of research universities and have a strong focus on student community.
• Private universities, which usually specialise in a particular area of study, like hospitality and tourism or business, and generally charge higher fees.

Research universities (universiteiten)

Research universities in the Netherlands focus on the independent practice of research-oriented education in an academic or professional setting. In total, 14 research universities and eight academic medical centres enrol more than 200.000 students and offer three-year bachelor's programmes and one or two-year master's programmes. At a research university in the Netherlands, you can get a WO degree.

WO degree (research bachelor’s degree)

The WO (Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs) is a three-year bachelor’s degree at a research university (universiteit), where a student can gain a degree in arts, science or law. To start a WO, a student must have a VWO high school qualification, unless they have already completed the first year of an HBO degree. Students complete the WO around the age of 21. 

Universities of applied sciences (hogescholen)

In universities of applied sciences (hogescholen), students are trained for the independent practice of science. All hogescholen have a more practical orientation and thus, bachelor's programmes specialising in specific areas last for four years. 

After completing a four-year bachelor's programme at a hogeschool, students can apply for a second bachelor's or even a master's programme at (almost) any university. However, a one-year switch programme may be required. At a university of applied sciences in the Netherlands, you can get an HBO degree.

HBO degree (applied bachelor’s degree)

The HBO (Hoger Beroepsonderwijs) is a four-year bachelor’s degree at a university of applied sciences, where a student can gain a degree in fields such as design, engineering, IT, teaching and more. The HBO combines both theoretical and practical knowledge via group work and internships. Students complete the HBO around the age of 21. 

Universities of the arts

Universities of the arts are a subgroup of universities of applied sciences and also offer applied instruction in arts subjects, with a particular focus on practical application. Universities of the arts in the Netherlands offer an extensive range of bachelor’s, master’s and research degrees in fine arts, music, dance, theatre, film and television and more.

University colleges 

Introduced in the Netherlands in 1997, university colleges are inspired by the Liberal Arts and Sciences programmes in the US, or colleges at universities like Oxford or Cambridge. They offer a more holistic approach to education, allowing students to live, study and work together with students from different cultural backgrounds and different study areas. University colleges in the Netherlands offer full-time bachelor programmes in liberal arts and sciences. They also have an international and intercultural focus, making them perfect for international students. 

Private universities

There are a number of private universities in the Netherlands. They tend to specialise in a single area of study, like business, executive education, or tourism and hospitality. Most Dutch business schools offer a wide variety of part-time and full-time (international) master’s degree programmes.

Institutes for International Education (IE)

Institutes for International Education (IE) offer a variety of specialised programmes, including short courses, Master’s programmes and PhD programmes. Most of the IE institutes are part of a research university. Due to their international nature, IE institutes may well suit the needs of expats.

Postgraduate education in the Netherlands

Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree (either HBO or WO) can embark on postgraduate education in the Netherlands, such as a master’s degree or doctoral degree.

Master’s degree

Master's programmes last between one and three years, covering an area of theoretical or applied knowledge.

PhD or doctorate

PhDs are four-year doctorate programmes covering a specific field of theoretical knowledge involving research and writing a thesis.

Private and public universities in the Netherlands

In terms of funding, all Dutch universities and institutions belong to one of the two following categories:

• Government-funded institutions are legally protected and financially supported by the Dutch government and thus, allowed to offer officially recognised degrees.
• Government-approved institutions are not funded by the Dutch government but preserve the right to offer degrees that are officially recognised.

Studying in the Netherlands

Thinking about coming to study in the Netherlands? Our guide walks you through some of the most important things you need to know about making the move, from applying to Dutch universities and getting a visa, to taking out health insurance and finding student housing. 

Tuition fees in the Netherlands

Higher education in the Netherlands is not free, but it is subsidised by the Dutch government, making it affordable for Dutch students and also fairly accessible for international students. Learn more about tuition fees and higher education costs in the Netherlands.

Student finance & scholarships in the Netherlands

There are many different scholarships available for expats, including the Holland Scholarship and the Erasmus programme. Learn more about financial support for international students in the Netherlands.