Types of higher education institutions
Oct 28, 2010
Holland has two main types of higher education institutions: universities and universities of applied sciences.
Holland has two main types of higher education institutions: research universities and universities of applied sciences.
Universities focus on the independent practice of research-oriented work in an academic or professional setting. Universities of applied sciences 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.
Research universities
There are 14 government-funded research universities in Holland, three of which specialize in engineering, one in agriculture, and one is an 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 205,000 students.
- PhD: 4 years
- Master of Arts (MA): 1 – 2 years
- Master of Science (MSc): 1 – 2 years
- Bachelor of Arts (BA): 3 years
- Bachelor of Science (BSc): 3 years
Read more
- Watch a promotional video about Dutch research universities on the website of VSNU, the Association of Universities in the Netherlands.
- An overview of the research universities can be found at www.internationalstudy.nl.
Universities of applied sciences
The study programmes offered by universities of applied sciences ('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 applied sciences. The largest enroll 20,000 to 39,000 students.
Altogether some 365,000 students are enrolled on professional programmes.
- Master (M): 1 – 2 years.
- Bachelor (B): 4 years.
Read more
- Watch a promotional video about Dutch universities of applied sciences on the website of HBO-Raad, The Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences
- An overview of the universities of applied sciences can be found at www.internationalstudy.nl.
Institutes for international education
Holland has been offering a third 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.
- PhD (only possible at 1 institute): duration is flexible.
- Master of Arts (MA): 1 – 2 years.
- Master of Science (MSc): 1 – 2 years.
Read more
- An overview of the Institutes for International Education can be found at www.internationalstudy.nl.