Higher education institutions
May 26, 2010
There are three types of Dutch higher education institutions in the Netherlands: research universities, universities of applied sciences and institutes of international education.
Research university
The 14 research universities in the Netherlands include comprehensive universities, research universities specializing in engineering, technology & agriculture, and the Open University. They are primarily offering research-oriented programs.
Bachelor programs last 3 years, and require the Chinese applicant has one year study experience in university. Graduates obtain a world-wide bachelor degree which is also recognized by Chinese Ministry of Education.
Master programs last 1 to 2 years, and require the Chinese applicant hold a bachelor degree. Graduates obtain a world-wide master degree which is recognized by Chinese Ministry of Education.
All research universities are entitled to award the country's highest academic degree, the doctorate / PhD. The doctorate is primarily a research degree, for which a dissertation based on original research must be written and publicly defended. Normally the doctorate study last 4 – 5 years, during this period, the Dutch government will provide subsidy or scholarship to finance the study.
University of applied sciences
University of applied sciences include general institutions as well as institutions specializing in fields such as fine and performing arts, journalism, or teacher training. There are more than 50 universities of applied sciences, and more than 60% of the Dutch graduated from here.
Bachelor programs last 4 years, and require the Chinese applicant graduated from High School with a university admission.
Graduates obtain a world-wide bachelor degree which is also recognized by Chinese Ministry of Education. Some of the university of applied science also provide master programs, and the requirement varies in different schools.
Institutes of International Education
Besides these above mentioned two types of institutes, the higher education system includes a third branch, institutes of international education, which offer advanced, post-graduate training courses originally designed for people from developing countries whose professions require highly specialized knowledge.
To view the completed list of all dutch institutions of higher education who registered with Code of Conduct*, please visit here.
*The Code of Conduct is an initiative of the Dutch institutions, and sets out standards for Dutch higher education institutions in their dealings with international students. By signing the Code of Conduct, the institutions are offering international students a guarantee of the quality of their programmes, student recruitment, selection and counseling procedures. Only institutions that have signed up to the Code are allowed to recruit international students.