Dutch higher education system
Oct 13, 2010
Holland has two main types of higher education. Research universities focus on the independent practice of research-oriented work in an academic or professional setting, while universities of applied sciences are more practically-oriented, preparing students for specific careers. A third, smaller branch of higher education is provided by institutes of international education, which offer programmes designed especially for international students.
An overview of all research universities, universities of applied sciences and institutes of international education can be found at www.internationalstudy.nl.
Research Universities
There are 18 government-funded research universities in Holland, three of which specialize in engineering, one in agriculture and one that 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. All together they enrol some 206,000 students.
Universities of applied sciences
Programmes offered by universities of applied sciences (hogescholen) focus on the practical application of knowledge. Acquiring practical work experience through internshipsis an integral part of professional study programmes. Holland has 43 government-funded universities of applied sciences. The largest of these enrol 20,000 to 39,000 students. All together some 370,000 students are enrolled in professional programmes.
Institutes of international education
Holland has been offering another form of higher education for more than 50 years, in the form of ‘International Education’ (IE), comprising advanced courses taught in English. There are five large IE institutes and a number of smaller ones, all of which focus on development-oriented courses conducted in small, intercultural groups, and on the exchange of knowledge as facilitated by teachers with extensive experience of working in developing countries.