The Kingdom of the Netherlands is well known for its high-quality education system — it’s modern, student-focused, and encourages interactive learning. All Dutch research universities are ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide. There are currently over 122,000 international students studying in the Netherlands!
It’s important to know that there are two types of bachelor’s degrees in the Netherlands:
- Professional bachelor’s degree – offered by universities of applied sciences. These programs focus on practical training and developing specific professional skills.
- Research bachelor’s degree – offered by research universities. These programs are more theoretical and prepare students for academic careers, research, or further studies at the master’s or PhD level.
Both types of programs place strong emphasis on group work, which helps you develop teamwork skills and connect with students from different countries.During lectures, students are encouraged to share their opinions freely — this builds confidence in expressing ideas, fosters respect for different perspectives, and strengthens the ability to make decisions and reach compromises. Most study programs also focus on solving real-world problems through project work and teamwork. Depending on your field of study, you’ll also have the chance to gain hands-on experience through internships, lab work, or practical assignments. On this page, you’ll hear more about higher education in the Netherlands — directly from students currently studying there.
'Study in Holland' in 100 seconds
Did you know that 1 in 10 students in Holland is an international student? Holland has more than 122,000 international students and that number is increasing every year. So why should you study in Holland?
| University | University of Applied Sciences |
|---|---|
At Dutch research universities, students not only attend regular lectures and seminars — they also take part in research projects and academic work. By the time you graduate, you’ll be well prepared to carry out independent research. After completing your studies, you will receive a bachelor’s degree diploma. | Universities of Applied Sciences provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, while research universities focus more on academic careers. These universities have flexibility in how they design and structure their programs. As a student, you’ll spend part of your time learning theory and a large part applying what you’ve learned in real work environments — through internships or hands-on projects. After completing your studies, you will receive a professional bachelor’s degree. |
| Types of studies | |
Bachelor’s studies:
Master’s studies:
| Bachelor’s studies:
Top-up studies:
Master’s studies:
|
Bachelor’s studies
Bachelor’s programs at Dutch research universities focus on building traditional academic and theoretical knowledge. The study content varies from general to more specialized — in most universities, you’ll take both mandatory core courses and elective subjects that you can tailor to your chosen field. Bachelor’s studies are completed by submitting a final thesis, after which you receive a bachelor’s diploma. From there, you can either continue with a master’s degree or start your career.
In bachelor’s programs at universities of applied sciences, students spend the first two years attending lectures, participating in seminars, and working on group projects. In the third year, they do an internship at a company in the Netherlands or abroad. In the fourth year, they prepare their bachelor’s thesis while doing a second internship in another company. These bachelor’s programs prepare students for careers in a specific professional field. That means students gain hands-on experience through internships, group work, seminars, and project-based assignments. It’s also important to note that universities of applied sciences offer the option to complete the standard 4-year bachelor’s program in 3 years. In that case, students attend more lectures during the academic year and study more intensively. After completing a 3-year program, students receive the same professional bachelor’s degree as those who studied for 4 years. Graduates can continue with a master’s degree or enter the job market.
Top-up studies
Top-up studies at universities of applied sciences last 1 year. These programs are intended for students who have already completed a college or university degree in their home country (for example, Lithuania) and want to earn another degree in a similar field in the Netherlands. They are also suitable for those who are in their final year of studies and wish to transfer to a Dutch university. Top-up programs are usually chosen based on the student’s previous studies, as admission depends on the compatibility of earned credits.
Master’s studies
Master’s programs at research universities are focused on academic development and future academic careers. They place strong emphasis on scientific research and developing analytical thinking skills, so that students can later conduct independent research.
There are several types of master’s programs to choose from:
- Research master – focused mainly on academic research. These programs are common in fields like engineering, mathematics, natural sciences, and agriculture. They typically last one or two years (60–120 ECTS credits).
- Academic master – focused on preparing for a professional career. These programs are usually offered by universities of applied sciences and also last one or two years (60–120 ECTS credits).
There are many master’s programs that last longer — from 1.5 to 4 years (90–240 ECTS credits). At universities of applied sciences, you can choose between full-time and part-time master’s studies (as it's expected that some applicants may already be working in their field). During classes, you’ll carry out project-based work and research linked to your professional activities outside the university. This helps you connect your work experience with academic knowledge and encourages analytical thinking.
After completing a master’s degree, you will earn a Master’s diploma. You can then choose to continue your academic path with PhD studies or enter the job market.
Grading system
The Dutch grading system is based on a 10-point scale. A grade of 10 is the highest possible, while 6 is the minimum passing grade.
