Universities in the Netherlands (sometimes referred to as ‘Holland’) are state-funded and are split into two categories: research universities and universities of applied sciences. There are 14 research universities and 41 universities of applied sciences in the country.
The Netherlands itself offers a unique experience to international students and can be an excellent fit for many potential applicants. Below are a few things to bear in mind as you consider the Netherlands for your university education:
The Netherlands is one of the most developed and wealthy nations in the world, with much of the population living in cities, many of them very densely populated.
The Netherlands has a number of thriving student cities (think Amsterdam, Maastricht, Delft, Rotterdam, Utrecht, among many others!), which have thriving hubs of cafes and nightlife, while being no more than a bicycle ride (the nation’s preferred mode of transport) away from beautiful countryside.
The Dutch are known for their directness, which can be misunderstood as rudeness. With time, you’ll learn that it comes from a desire for openness and understanding, but it can be an adjustment!
Culturally, the Netherlands is known for its tolerant and liberal way of life.
With 4 seasons, the Netherlands offers a variety of weather to the newcomer. Frozen canals are ideal for skating in the winter, the spring brings the iconic tulips, warm summers stay light until late and autumn brings beautiful colours and cool, temperate weather.
Finally, while many programs are taught in English, and the Dutch are excellent English speakers, you should be prepared to knuckle down and learn Dutch to make the most of your experience.
Non-EU/EEA can stay and work in the Netherlands to work once they graduate from university. These students can apply to an Orientation Year and can spend up to one year looking for work in the Netherlands, and can stay as long as they have that job. Students can do this after their bachelor's or their master's, or both. They have up to 3 years to leave and return to the Netherlands to use the Orientation Year. (update of this information: 8 June 2020)
Binding study advice (BSA)
Binding study advice (abbreviated to BSA) is a recommendation issued by the examination board regarding whether or not a student will be permitted to continue their studies in the degree programme in which they are enrolled. It is usually done after the first year of studies.
All students must obtain sufficient study credits in the first year of their bachelor programme to be permitted to continue studying. This applies to all Dutch Higher Education Institutions. Some programmes also have additional requirements, and, each institution or programme will have their own requirements in terms of the number of study credits that must be obtained (out of 60).
The BSA is the culminating decision based on the student's progress throughout the year. The decision will not be a surprise to the student as they will have met their study advisor/programme supervisor throughout the year to discuss their progress and address any problems.
Types of institutions
There are two main kinds of universities in the Netherlands:
Research Universities (wetenschappelijk onderwijs: WO)
Some research universities have ‘University colleges’ that offer 3-year undergraduate programs. These are often likened to US liberal arts colleges
Universities of Applied Sciences (hogescholen: HBO).
In addition to the two main public university types, you can also find a limited number of private universities in the Netherlands. These typically specialise in particular areas such as hospitality and tourism or business and charge higher fees than other Dutch universities.
There is almost no crossover between the types of subjects offered at Universities of Applied Sciences and Research Universities so the discussion about which is the right place for your subject rarely arises. The exceptions here would be law and business.
Universities of Applied Sciences: Universities of Applied Sciences offer profession-orientated programmes that are designed for students who are looking to enter a particular career upon graduation.
Undergraduate degrees at Universities of Applied Sciences typically take three or four years and will always include a work placement and usually a period of time studying abroad. There are 41 Universities of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands although they vary in terms of their size and focus. Some are very small and specialise in a particular area such as agriculture, design or teacher training.
Many Universities of Applied Sciences now offer fast-track three-year degrees. Students with 3 A levels might be able to access the fast-track of their chosen degree. Students with BTECs are unlikely to be able to do this. The fast-track universities will not cover less ground but will condense the first two years of classes into one more intensive year. There will still be exactly the same work experience and study abroad opportunities on a 3 or 4 year version of your degree. Many students are attracted to fast-track degrees because they wish to graduate sooner. However, it is not automatically a better idea to take the fast-track.
Universities of Applied Sciences typically offer smaller class sizes than Research Universities (although not University Colleges). The style of education is more practical and there is a strong emphasis on group work and teaching skills necessary for the work place.
Research Universities: Research universities offer more academically rigorous education that focuses on specific subjects.
Modelled after the Bologna system (and similar to traditional UK universities), these universities offer 3 year undergraduate degrees that are rigorously academic and typically do not include opportunities (or requirements) for work experience during study. Undergraduate degrees at Research Universities typically take three years to complete and usually do not include work experience. There are 13 Research Universities in the Netherlands.
Some Dutch universities have ‘colleges’ that offer 3-year undergraduate programs. These are often likened to US liberal arts colleges, offering breadth of study area and enabling students who don’t know their area of specialisation to discover it at university. University Colleges have a different application process. This is because they are much smaller and all students are required to live on campus, so there is a space limitation for places. University Colleges offer a liberal-arts style of education which is very different from the British single-subject bachelors degree approach to undergraduate education and has more in common with elite, American colleges. Here students are expected to study a range of subjects before going on to specialise at a later stage. They are perfectly suited to you if you have a wide range of interests and do not wish to be constrained in your choice at this stage of your higher education. Some University Colleges will have an emphasis on a particular field, such as the social sciences or technology.
Sources:
Guide to Universities in The Netherlands, BridgeU LTD 2018.
https://www.studyinholland.co.uk/about_dutch_universities.html (accessed on the 24 April 2020)