When you study in a different country, you’ll probably find that the way of teaching and the way you learn is different to what you’re used to – and maybe that’s exactly what you’re looking for! Especially as you’re also dealing with a difference between secondary education and higher education. To help you find out what’s what and how things are organised, check out our summary of how the Dutch educational system works and find out about the different types of degree you can do in the Netherlands. 

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The Dutch education system 

Higher education in the Netherlands is divided into two streams: research universities (RU) (in Dutch Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (WO)) and universities of applied sciences (UAS) (or in Dutch Hoger Beroeps Onderwijs (HBO). Both offer bachelor’s programmes and master’s programmes but the way you learn and why you learn is different. NHL Stenden is a university of applied sciences where the focus lies on the practical application of knowledge. A UAS also undertakes research but this is on a project basis for a particular company or field. Research universities, on the other hand, focus more on scientific research. 

The differences in short for bachelor programmes: 

University of applied sciences (UAS/HBO) Research university (RU/WO) 
The focus is on professional skills and 21st 
century skills 		The focus is on theory and analytical skills 
You learn to apply your knowledge to come 
up with practical solutions and choose the 
best solution for a problem 		You learn to apply and research scientific 
and theoretical information to a particular 
question 
You work in project teams and have more 
contact hours with lecturers and coaches 		You have fewer contact hours, carry out 
independent study and learn to carry out 
independent research 
Your studies include a period of internship 
that means you gain professional 
experience before you graduate 		An internship is an option 
You generally study for four years* and 
earn a total of 240 credits to pass a 
bachelor’s degree 		You generally study for three years and 
earn a total of 180 credits to pass a 
bachelor’s degree 
A bachelor’s degree is equivalent to a 
European Qualifications Framework Level 
6: the same as a bachelor's degree from a 
research university. 		A bachelor’s degree is equivalent to a 
European Qualifications Framework Level 
6: the same as a bachelor's degree from a 
university of applied sciences. 

* some degree programmes can be completed more quickly depending on your previous experience and education 

Dutch lecturers are facilitators  

Studying in the Netherlands may be quite different to what you’re used to. Dutch classrooms tend to reflect the country’s broad culture and its values of equality and autonomy. Students are expected to develop their own intellectual independence and are stimulated to share their ideas and opinions. All of this is part of a teaching style which has received international praise. Lecturers at Dutch schools and universities are more like facilitators who guide students in their learning process. Students are expected to be assertive, proactive and independent so that they develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.    

Design-Based Education 

At NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, we use Design-Based Education, an educational concept that combines an inter-disciplinary approach with real-world assignments. It works so well that it’s one of the reasons students choose to come and study and NHL Stenden. You can find out more about what our students think of our education concept and how it works here. 

The Dutch education system has a strong connection with both national and international businesses and with partner universities across the world. This means there’s a wide choice of internships and work placement possibilities and more career opportunities for students.  

Studenten werken samen aan een opdracht