Dutch higher education
Dec 19, 2011
Higher education in the Netherlands enjoys a worldwide reputation for its high quality. Experience shows that people who have studied at a Dutch institution of higher education perform very well in other parts of the world.
For a small country like the Netherlands, this international orientation, including in education and training, is a must for survival in an increasingly internationalized world.
Education in English
Higher education institutions in the Netherlands offer almost 1,600 international study programmes and courses, of which more than 1,500 are taught in English. These programmes cover a broad range of fields. Curricula are intensive, at an advanced level, practically-oriented, and designed to meet the expectations of students seeking specialized knowledge. The courses alternate theory with practice in real or simulated work situations.
There are degree programmes and courses leading to an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree or a PhD degree, and non-degree programmes and courses, leading to a Diploma or Certificate.
Students
- Total enrolment: 634,048 students with men and women in approximately equal numbers.
- Average enrolment: Institutions vary in size, enrolling anywhere from 300 to 39,000 students.
- Age entering university: Variable, but most first-year students are around 18.
- Age of graduation: Variable, but usually 22 or 23.
Leading role
The Netherlands takes a leading role in a broad number of disciplines. The ones that are particularly well-known around the world are:
- Management & business studies
- Agricultural sciences
- Medicine
- Civil engineering
- Remote sensing
- Arts & architecture
