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Education system

The Netherlands have two main types of higher education: Universities and universities of professional education. Universities focus on the independent practice of research-oriented work in an academic or professional setting. Universities of professional education 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.

Universities

There are 14 government-funded universities in The Netherlands, three of which specialize in engineering, one in agriculture and 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.

Universities of professional education

The study programmes offered by universities of professional education (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 professional education. The largest enroll 20,000 to 39,000 students. Altogether some 365,000 students are enrolled on professional programmes.

Institutes for International Education

The Netherlands have 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 IE 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 with extensive experience of working in developing countries.

Tuition fees

Education in The Netherlands is not free, but tuition fees are reasonable compared to other countries. The annual tuition fees for enrolment on a degree programme or course at a Dutch higher education institution start at approximately 1,500 euro for EU students. The costs of programmes or courses for non-EU students are generally higher.

Way of teaching

Respect for each individual´s opinions and convictions is a national virtue that gives strength to the fabric of the Dutch diverse and plural society. This is the foundation of the teaching method used at the Dutch educational institutions.

The teaching style can be described as interactive and student-centred, providing students with the attention and freedom they need to develop their own opinions and creativity in applying their newly acquired knowledge. The Netherlands have received international acclaim for its groundbreaking Problem-Based Learning system, which trains students to analyze and solve practical problems independently through emphasis on self-study and self-discipline. A large portion of all study programmes is dedicated to writing papers, working in groups to analyze and solve specific problems, acquiring practical work experience through internships, and conducting experiments in laboratories.

Higher education in The Netherlands enjoys a worldwide reputation for its high quality. This is achieved through a national system of regulation and quality assurance.

Accreditation and Quality Control

The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (www.minocw.nl) is responsible for legislation pertaining to education. See also www.qa-in.nl. Responsibility for accreditation has been allocated to the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (see www.nvao.net). Students will be awarded recognized degrees only after completing an accredited degree programme. Only degree programmes can be accredited by the NVAO. Accredited programmes will be listed in the Central Register of Higher Education Programmes (CROHO). Institutions may also offer bachelor´s, master´s or other programmes that have not been accredited by the NVAO, but by a body in another country. For example a master´s programme may be offered by a Dutch university of professional education, but validated by an accredited British university. In the database of international programmes and courses at www.studyin.nl, the status of each individual programme is indicated by icons.

Accreditation of degree programmes

A degree programme leads to a bachelor´s, master´s or PhD degree. The system of accreditation in higher education aims to guarantee that study programmes meet the highest standards. The law (the Higher Education and Research Act) requires that all degree programmes offered by universities and universities of professional education be evaluated against a specific set of criteria. Bachelor´s and master´s programmes that meet the criteria are accredited by the NVAO (i.e. officially recognized). PhD programmes are the responsibility of the university concerned and cannot be accredited by the NVAO.

Code of Conduct

On 1 May 2006, the Code of Conduct with respect to international students in Dutch higher education came into effect. This Code sets out standards for Dutch higher education institutions in their dealings with international students. By signing the Code of Conduct, the institutions are offering international students a guarantee of the quality of their programmes, student recruitment, selection and counselling procedures. Only institutions that have signed up to the Code are allowed to recruit international students. This Code of Conduct is an initiative of the Dutch institutions. The Code of Conduct requires educational institutions to provide timely, reliable and easily accessible information to international students about their study programmes. Specifically, this includes information such as accreditation status, quality, admission requirements as well as many more important rules and procedures for international students. The information provided by the educational institutions to international students on the basis of the Code of Conduct must be in English, in the language used for the study programme, or in the native language of the international student. The educational institution must make clear what services it provides to international students, such as help with obtaining a visa and a residence permit, housing, introduction sessions and student counselling. In their information materials, educational institutions must specify clearly what services they offer and what the associated costs are.
Students from outside the EU, seeking a course at an institution of higher education that has not signed the Code of Conduct, will not be able to obtain visas. The full version of the Code of Conduct can be found at www.internationalstudy.nl. This website provides a list of the institutions that have signed the Code and also provides information on what to do if you feel that your institution is not meeting the terms of the Code of Conduct.

Admission requirements

To be admitted to a programme of higher study, foreign students should first contact the institution that offers the programme. The main requirement for admission to a bachelor´s programme is a secondary-school diploma at the appropriate level. Foreign students must have a diploma judged equivalent to the minimum diploma required. There are also study programmes - in the arts for example - for which institutions set their own additional requirements. For admission to a master´s degree programme, applicants must have at least a bachelor´s degree or its equivalent. In certain popular fields, the number of places is limited and quotas are set.

Language requirements

It is essential for foreign students to be able to speak, read and write English well. Students must have passed an English language test. IELTS and TOEFL are commonly accepted, but institutions may accept other tests as well. The required scores are at least 550 (paper based) or 213 (computer based) for TOEFL. For IELTS a score of at least 6 is required. Language requirements for individual programmes or courses may vary.

Preparing your stay

Visa and permits

To enter The Netherlands for study purposes, inhabitants from most countries need a visa. Once in the Netherlands sometimes a residence permit or a work permit is required.

Insurance

Dutch law requires everyone living in The Netherlands to be covered by health insurance. Students must make sure that they have adequate cover.

Housing

Well in advance of leaving your own country, ask your host institution whether or not housing will be arranged for you in advance.

Relevant Links

Nuffic: For more information, www.nuffic.nl

Studiechoice123.nl: an easy-to-use website that guides you step-by-step through 450 English taught bachelors and master's degree programmes in the Netherlands. The result is a clearly presented personal comparison of study programmes. For a personal comparison of university programmes in the Netherlands: www.studychoice123.nl

Eurogates.nl: Everything about study in Holland: scholarships, study programmes, student stories and the latest news from Universities in Holland.

Finding a job in the Netherlands after your study in the field of agricalture over here: http://www.agriholland.nl/jobboard/

Forum

For discussing your stay in the Netherlands with other students, you can visit the forum Forumplein.nl