Why study in the Netherlands?
In 2007 the Dutch universities offered more than 1300 programmes and short courses taught in English. The Netherlands has also received international acclaim for its ground-breaking Problem Based Learning system, which trains students to analyze and solve practical problems. By studying in the Netherlands you will develop an open mind and increase your international orientation.
The education system focuses on teamwork which makes it easy to make friends. Approximately 95% of the inhabitants speak English and it is easy to blend in socially during your stay.
The Netherlands also has a long tradition of international students. As early as 1950 the Netherlands was the first non - English speaking country to offer programmes conducted in English especially designed for foreign students. Gaining a diploma in the Netherlands can be the key for a successful worldwide career.
Fees and living expenses are relatively low in the Netherlands compared to other European countries. The annual tuition fees for the degree programmes start at approximately €1,500 for EU students. If you are a non-EU student the costs of the programmes and courses generally are higher.
Education in the Netherlands
The Dutch education system comes with a long tradition. Since 1815 the quality guarded by the law and the education is financed by the government. The Dutch children begin school in the primary education at the age of four which they leave at the age of twelve. Based on the results of the final exam primary, they move on to secondary education, which divides into three branches:
- Pre-vocational - 4 years
- Senior general - 5 years
- Pre-university - 6 years
After the secondary education, the students move on to either senior secondary vocational education or higher education. The higher education system of the Netherlands is reorganized in accordance to the European initiative known as the Bologna Declaration and is based on two main curricula, Bachelor (undergraduate) and Master (graduate).
There are two main types of higher education in the Netherlands; university education, and higher professional education.
Higher professional education
Higher professional education or HBO lasts for 3- 4 years and results in a Bachelor diploma. Hogescholen is also called 'universities of professional education' but are more practice-oriented than the university educations and prepare their students directly for careers.
University education
University or WO lasts of 4- 5 years and results in a Master degree. The university trains students for an independent practice of science. Universities also award bachelor degrees in some programs.
Both the university education and the higher professional education have a formal length of four years, even though in some cases students are allowed more time than this. The starting level of the higher education is quite high and the academic year start in late August and ends in mid-June. The programmes are designed to require 40 hours a week.
Other forms of higher education
Beside regular four-year programs at universities and hogescholen, the Netherlands has another form of higher education which is more than 40 years old. It is called International Education, or IE which are advanced courses conducted in English. These International Educations are offered at special IE institutions or could be held at universities and hogescholen.
International Education in English
The Netherlands has almost 400 different courses and study programs in something called the International Education in English, which each year attract over 4500 participants. These courses have gained a reputation even outside the Netherlands' borders and include courses in management studies, agricultural sciences, astronomy, medicine, civil engineering, remote sensing, and the arts. The International Education is primarily meant for people at postgraduate level with some prior professional experience and is well suited for international students. The pace is intensive at an advanced level and all courses are conducted in English. The programs, which last anywhere from a few weeks to four years, are quite practice-oriented and designed to meet the expectations of students seeking specialized knowledge.
Most International Education courses in the Netherlands lead to a diploma. Some of the longer courses lead to a master's degree or a PhD.
