collageIn the Netherlands, there are two types of higher education institutions: research universities (universiteiten) and universities of professional tertiary education (universiteiten) (hogescholen). Students can obtain three types of degrees from these institutions: a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree (the Dutch equivalent is the Doctorandus – Drs. ), and a Doctoral degree.
More general and academically oriented programs are available at research universities. This type of research-based education is referred to as Wetenschappelijk onderwijs (WO) in Dutch. Higher professional education (Hoger Beroepsonderwijs, abbreviated HBO) is provided by tertiary education schools (hogescholen).
You can learn more about the Netherlands degree system here on collegelearners. In this article, we will take you through information like Netherlands degree classification, bachelor’s degree equivalent in Netherland, Masters degree equivalent in Netherlands, Dutch diploma equivalent and bachelor degree in Netherland in English.
netherlands degree classification
Higher education in the Netherlands is divided into two types: research-oriented higher education (wetenschappelijk onderwijs) and higher professional education (higher professional education) (hoger beroepsonderwijs). After the establishment of the bachelor’s-degree master’s structure in 2002, this distinction remained in force.
Institutions of applied sciences mostly provide higher professional education, while research universities primarily provide academic or research-oriented higher education. These two types of education have different admission standards, lengths of study, and official titles.
Types of institutions
There are 3 types of universities of applied sciences and research universities in
the Netherlands:
- Government-funded institutions (13 research universities, the Open University and 36 universities of applied sciences) are financed by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, and are entitled to issue legally recognized degrees. These institutions offer study programmes for the statutory tuition fee.
- Approved institutions, such as Nyenrode Business Universiteit, do not receive funding from the Dutch government but may also issue legally recognised bachelor’s and master’s degrees. These institutions are not bound by statutory tuition fees, and are free to determine their own tuition fees.
- Private institutions, such as international universities, are not bound by Dutch government regulations. However, these institutions may apply for accreditation by the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO), subject to specific conditions.
Bachelor’s Degree Equivalent In Netherlands
Universities
Research-oriented higher education is provided at 14 Dutch research universities in the Netherlands, including the Open University, although these institutions also collaborate with universities of applied sciences. Most research universities offer study programs in various areas of specialization, such as economics, law, medicine, language & culture, and natural sciences and management. One research university specializes in agriculture and the environment, while 3 universities offer largely technological programs. University colleges also provide research-oriented higher education
and are generally part of a research university. These colleges offer English language education and are mainly focused on undergraduate liberal arts programs.
Research-oriented higher education (WO)
Research-oriented higher education offers education programs with the following key aim:
‘independent scientific research or the professional application of scientific knowledge’ (see Section 1.1.c of the Higher Education and Research Act).
Academic study programs are divided into 3 consecutive stages:
• a 3-year bachelor’s degree program;
• a 1, 2 or 3-year master’s degree program, depending on the specialization;
• doctoral research, generally lasting a total of 4 years.
Bachelor’s
This is the first stage of research-oriented higher education.
• A VWO diploma or HBO first-year certificate (propedeuse).
• Duration: 3 years (180 ECTS).
• Content: generally a first-year phase leading to a first-year certificate; mainly (theoretical) education in 1 area of specialization or a major/minor structure; often followed by a short thesis in the 3rd year.
Diploma: one of the following bachelor’s degrees: Bachelor of Arts (BA),
Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
masters degree equivalent in netherlands
A master’s degree program is open to students who have finished a bachelor’s degree program. They will not, however, be automatically accepted into any master’s program. Admission may be contingent on meeting certain criteria. As a result, it is critical that students make an informed decision while selecting a master’s degree.
Master’s
The beginning of a research-oriented higher education program.
• Since 2010/2011, a bachelor’s degree has been required for admission — with additional criteria in some situations.
• Duration: 60 ECTS for most specialisations, 120 ECTS for technical and natural sciences specialisations, 180 ECTS for medical, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry.
• Content: particular specialization and research techniques training; usually includes a required thesis.
Graduates with a master’s degree in research-oriented higher education are nonetheless allowed to use one of the traditional Dutch titles under certain circumstances. In the majority of specializations, this refers to the doctorandus title (drs.). Graduates of technical specializations or study programs in agriculture and the natural environment may use the title of ingenieur (ir. ), whereas graduates of legal programs may use the title of meester (mr.).
dutch diploma equivalent
Can you compare American diplomas to Dutch diplomas? We present a list of certificates that are frequently seen by Dutch higher education institutions when American students enroll for degree programs.
| Diploma | Comparable to | NLQF level | EQF level |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Educational Development diploma | a VMBO-T diploma | 2 | 2 |
| High School Diploma | usually a HAVO diploma, but at least a VMBO-T diploma and at most a VWO diploma | 2-4+ | 2-4 |
| Associate’s degree (‘terminal/vocational program’) | usually an MBO diploma, level 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Associate’s degree (‘transfer program’) | an associate degree, but in some cases a VWO diploma | 5 or 4+ | 5 or 4 |
| Bachelor’s degree | usually an HBO or a WO bachelor’s degree | 6 | 6 |
| Master’s degree | usually an HBO or a WO master’s degree | 7 | 7 |
Please note:
- NLQF = Dutch Qualifications Framework
- EQF = European Qualifications Framework.
- The NLQF or EQF level is not so much a reflection of study load or content; rather, it is an indication of a person’s knowledge and skills after having completed a certain programs of study.
- You can find information about the Dutch diploma’s on our web pages about the education system in the Netherlands.
- The Cooperation Organization for Vocational Education, Training and the Labor Market (SBB) evaluates statements on foreign qualifications and training at VMBO and MBO level. The evaluation may vary if SBB evaluates the diploma for admission to VET schools or for work in the Netherlands.
bachelor degree in netherlands in english
The Netherlands was one of the first countries outside of the English-speaking world to offer English-taught courses to international students. Depending on your language skills, you will be able to study in either English or Dutch. On a global scale, the Netherlands’ universities are well regarded.
Foreign students wanting to study in the Netherlands can find a diverse selection of degree programs offered by Dutch universities. Many universities in the Netherlands offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in English.
Regarding government portals, information on studying in the Netherlands is readily available in English. Foreign students generally receive assistance from universities in the Netherlands in arranging their move and obtaining a Dutch student visa. In any event, overseas students will find plenty of assistance and opportunities to study in the Netherlands.
International students can study (in English) at the following universities in the Netherlands.
Delft The University of Technology (UT) is a public research university
1. The University of Amsterdam is located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
2. Wageningen University and Research Center is a university and research center in Wageningen, the Netherlands
3. Erasmus University is a university in Rotterdam, Rotterdam
4. Leiden University is a university in the Netherlands.
5. Groningen University
6. University of Utrecht
7. Maastricht University is a university in Maastricht, the Netherlands
8. Nijmegen’s Radboud University
9. Twente University VU University Amsterdam
10. Eindhoven The University of Technology (UT) is a public research university
11. Tilburg University is a university in Tilburg, the Netherlands
According to the QS University Rankings, all Dutch universities are within the top 350 in the world, with eight of them among the top 150. The University of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology, Leiden University, Utrecht University, and the University of Groningen were the top Dutch universities on their list.
More than 40 English undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are taught at all Dutch universities. Not all universities, however, offer undergraduate English degrees in all subjects. Postgraduate degrees are more typically offered in English.
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