|
EuroEducation.net The European Education Directory |
||
|
|
| The Netherlands |
|
Structure of Educational System Pre-higher Education System Higher Education System Administrative structure of higher education Admissions to Higher Education and Recognition |
INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS Types of higher education institutions: Universiteit (University) Technische Universiteit (Technical University) Landbouw Universiteit (Agricultural University) Hogeschool (University of Professional Education) Open Universiteit (Open University) Instelling Voor Internationaal Onderwijs (Institution
For International Education) School leaving and higher education credentials: HAVO Diploma VMBO Diploma VWO Diploma MBO Diploma Propedeuse HBO Propedeuse WO Getuigschrift van het afsluitend Examen WO Bachelor Baccalaureus Doctoraal Getuigschrift HBO Artsexamen Dierenartsexamen HBO Master Tandartsexamen WO Master Doctor's Graad STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM Pre-higher education: Duration of compulsory education: Age of entry: 5 Age of exit: 16 Structure of school system: Primary Type of school providing this education:
Basisonderwijs
(Primary School) Length of program in years: 8 Age level from: 4 to: 12 General Secondary Type of school providing this education:
Voorbereidend
Middelbaar Beroepsonderwijs (VMBO) (Preparatory Secondary Vocational Education)
- Theoretische Leerweg (TL) Length of program in years: 4 Age level from: 12 to: 16 Certificate/diploma awarded: VMBO Diploma - Theoretische Leerweg
(TL) Senior Secondary Type of school providing this education:
Senior
Secondary Education (HAVO) Length of program in years: 5 Age level from: 12 to: 17 Certificate/diploma awarded: HAVO Diploma Prevocational Type of school providing this education:
Voorbereidend
Middelbaar Beroepsonderwijs VMBO (Preparatory Secondary Vocational Ed.)
Basisberoepsgerichte, Kaderberoepsgerichte, Gemengde Leerweg (BL,KL,or GL) Length of program in years: 4 Age level from: 12 to: 16 Certificate/diploma awarded: VMBO Diploma, BL, KL or GL Vocational Type of school providing this education:
Middelbaar
Beroepsonderwijs (Senior Secondary Vocational Education and Training) Age level from: 16 to: 20 Certificate/diploma awarded: MBO Diploma Pre-university Type of school providing this education:
University
Preparatory Education (VWO) Length of program in years: 6 Age level from: 12 to: 18 Certificate/diploma awarded: VWO Diploma School education: Primary education lasts for eight years. Secondary
education consists of VMBO (preparatory secondary vocational education), HAVO
(senior general education) and VWO (pre-university education). Those with a
VMBO Diploma can then go on to the MBO. Depending on interest and capability,
pupils in VMBO can choose from one of four learning tracks or routes: 1) the
theoretical route granting admission to long MBO or HAVO; 2) the
vocationally-oriented route granting admission to long training in secondary
vocational education (MBO) or to short training programmes; 3) a mixed
educational route with a combination of general subjects and vocationally-oriented subjects; and 4) a
vocational route, oriented towards the labour market and aimed at a specific
group for which VMBO is the last educational stage. HAVO prepares for higher
professional education (HBO), but students can go on to the VWO or choose
senior secondary vocational training instead of higher professional education.
VWO prepares for university studies, but many pupils continue in HBO. There are
3 kinds of VWO Certificates: Atheneum, Gymnasium and Unified VWO Certificate.
In the last two years of VMBO, the last two years of HAVO and the last three
years of VWO, pupils have to complete the curriculum requirements for one of
four subject clusters. VMBO pupils can choose between Technology, Health and
Personal Care and Welfare, Economics and Agriculture. HAVO and VWO pupils can
choose between Science and Technology, Science and Health, Economics and
Society and Culture and Society. Higher education: The Netherlands higher education system is a binary
system, composed of Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (WO which is more
research-oriented and traditionally offered by universities) and Hoger
Beroepsonderwijs (HBO - professional higher education, traditionally offered by
hogescholen). WO programmes provide education and research in a wide range of
disciplines : language and culture, behaviour and society, economics, law,
medical and health sciences, natural sciences, engineering and agriculture. In
addition, there is the Open Universiteit (OU - Open University) which offers
fully recognized university degree programmes through distance education.
Internationaal Onderwijs (IO) (international education), generally conducted in
English, is mainly designed to meet the needs of foreign students. Since
September 2002, the higher education system in the Netherlands has been
organized around a three-cycle degree system consisting of bachelor, master and
PhD degrees. At the same time, the ECTS system (European Credit Transfer
System) was implemented as a mean to quantify all higher education study
programmes. Main laws/decrees governing higher
education: Decree: Adult and Vocational Education Act Year: 1996 Decree: Higher Education and Research
Act (WHW), 1993 - amended in 2002 Concerns: Research-oriented higher
education (WO) and HBO (Higher Professional education) Academic year: Classes from: Sep to: Jun Long vacation from: 15 Jul to: 1 Sep Languages of instruction: Dutch,
English Stages of studies: Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):
Non-university level: The national qualification framework for adult and
vocational education (MBO) specifies four level of training and two learning
paths. Each level of qualification corresponds to a different type of course:
1)assistentopleiding, training to assistant level lasting 6 months to 1 year,
2) basisberoepsopleiding, basic vocational training (2-3 years), 3)
vakopleiding, professional training (2-4 years) and 4) at level 4,
middle-management training (3-4 years) and specialist training (1-2 years).
Students can take these courses consecutively, the Diploma for one course
serving to gain entry to the next. University level studies: University level first stage: The
focus of degree programmes (research-oriented, WO or the applied arts and
sciences, HBO) determines both the number of ECTS credits required to complete
the programme and the degree which is awarded. A WO bachelor's programme
requires the completion of 180 credits (3 years) and graduates obtain the
degree Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (BA/BSc), depending on the
discipline. The WO bachelor's programme provides a thorough introduction to the
major discipline and primarily prepares students for admission to graduate
education. An HBO bachelor's programme requires the completion of 240 credits
(4 years) and graduates obtain a degree indicating the field of study. The HBO
titles in use before the higher education system was restructured (bc., ing.)
may still be used. A major component of every HBO programme is the stage
(internship), typically offered in the third year, as well as a scriptie or
major paper in the last year. University level second stage: A
WO master's programme requires the completion of 60, 90 or 120 credits (1,1.5
or 2 years). In engineering, agriculture, math and the natural sciences, 120
credits are always required. A master's thesis is a major component of the
programme and graduates obtain the degree of Master of Arts or Master of
Science (MA/MSc). The WO master's programme requires the completion of 60 to
120 credits and graduates obtain a degree indicating the field of study. An HBO
master's programme requires the completion of 60, 90 or 120 credits (1, 1.5 or
2 years), and graduates obtain a degree indicating the field of study (for
example: Master of Social Work). University level third stage: Doctoraat: The Dutch Doctoraat is obtained through the
'Promotie'. It is a research degree which entitles the holder to the title of
Doctor (dr.), the highest university degree in the Netherlands. After the
master's degree, it can be obtained in two ways: 1. by serving as 'Assistent in
Opleiding' (AIO) or 'Onderzoeker in Opleiding' (OIO), i.e. assistant
researchers. The former also does some teaching. Candidates are required to
carry out the necessary research and to write and publicly defend a doctoral
dissertation over a period of four years. They are paid a small salary which
increases every year. Competition for these positions is tough. 2. By
researching and writing a doctoral dissertation under the supervision of a full
professor. The dissertation must be
defended in public. University level third stage programmes in medical
professions require a total of 300 credits (dentistry) and 360 credits
(medicine, veterinary medicine) to complete. Teacher education: Training of pre-primary and
primary/basic school teachers Both
full and part-time courses leading to a qualification to teach at primary level
are offered in HBO and have a study load of 240 credits (four years). Graduates
are fully qualified to teach all subjects and all age groups (4 to 12 years) at
primary level. Training of secondary school teachers Secondary
school teachers are trained in both HBO and WO study programmes. In HBO
training courses, students may obtain a Second Level Qualification
(Tweedegraads Bevoegdheid) in a specific subject, a First Level Qualification
(Eerstegraads Bevoegdheid) in Physical Education or a First or Second Level
Qualification in Arts and Crafts. WO teacher training programmes at the
master's level requiring between 60 and 120 ects credits lead to a First Level
Qualification. Courses are available in all subjects in the secondary
curriculum. Teachers with a Second Level Qualification are qualified to teach
the first three years of VWO and HAVO and all age groups in VMBO, MBO, while
those with a First Level Qualification are qualified to teach at all levels of
secondary education. Training of higher education teachers There are no special credentials which qualify for
teaching at the higher education level. Non-traditional studies: Distance higher education The
best example of non-traditional distance education is the Open Universiteit. It
offers courses in Law, Social Sciences, Arts, Economics, Management and
Administrative Science, Engineering and Natural Sciences. The Central
Government has laid down a statutory framework in which the Open University
must operate. The only entrance requirement is that students be at least 18
years old. Students define their own programme and proceed at their own pace,
which means that the programme's length varies according to the student. Qualifications
are Certificates from one or several courses, a Diploma awarded upon completion
of several courses combined into a short study programme, or a WO degree. Lifelong higher education Regulated
by the Adult Education Framework Act, adult education comprises non-formal
education and development work, adult basic education and adult general
secondary education (VAVO). Higher education training in industry Post-secondary courses offered by privately-owned
institutions in business and industry are so numerous and so varied in their
admission policies that they cannot be enumerated here. NATIONAL BODIES Administration & co-ordination: Responsible authorities: Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (Ministerie
van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap) Head: Mark Rutte, Staatssecretaris voor Hoger Onderwijs (Parliamentary
Under-Secretary/Assostant Minister for HE) Administrative officer: J. Roborgh, Director-General for Higher
Education and Science International relations: Ron Minnee, Deputy Director for University
Education PO Box 16375 2500 Tel: +31(70) 4123456 Fax: +31(70) 4123450 WWW: http://www.minocw.nl Role of governing body: Principal
authority responsible for administration, financing and coordination of higher
education. Rectors' Conference of The Netherlands (Rectoren
College) Head: W.H. Gispen, Chairman Administrative officer: F. van Steijn, Secretary Postbus 13739 Tel: +31(70) 3021400 Fax: +31(70) 3021495 EMail: post@vsnu/nl Association of Universities in the Netherlands
(Vereniging van Samenwerkende Nederlandse Universiteiten - VSNU) Head: E.M. d'Hondt, Chairman Administrative officer: J.A. Bartelse, Vice-Director Postbus 13739 Tel: +31(70) 3021400 Fax: +31(70) 3021495 EMail: balie@vsnu.nl WWW: http://www.vsnu.nl Role of governing body: Drawing-up a
common policy of long-term development of education and research; promoting
interuniversity co-operation, and co-operation between universities and the
Ministry. Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied
Sciences (HBO-Raad) Head: Doekle Terpstra, President Administrative officer: A. de Graaf, Chief Executive Officer International relations: E.J. de Vries Postbus 123 Tel: +31(70) 3122121 Fax: +31(70) 3122100 EMail: post@hbo-raad.nl WWW: http://www.hbo-raad.nl Role of governing body: The HBO-raad
focuses on strengthening the social position of Universities of Professional
Education and to this end maintains contacts with a broad range of people and
organisations. ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION Admission to non university higher
education studies Name of secondary school credential
required: HAVO Diploma For entry to: HBO
Bachelor's programmes Alternatives to credentials: MBO Diploma (level 4) grants admission to HBO. Admission to university-level studies Name of secondary school credential
required: VWO Diploma For entry to: WO/HBO
Bachelor's programmes Alternatives to credentials: Students who
have passed the first year (propedeuse)
of HBO Bachelor's programmes are eligible for admission to WO Bachelor's
programmes. Numerus clausus/restrictions: Numerus
clausus for specific Bachelor's programmes are determined by the Ministry of
Education and vary from year to year. A numerus clausus still applies for programmes in fields such as Medicine, Dentistry;
Pharmacy; and Veterinary Medicine. Other admission requirements: For access
to both types of higher education, pupils are required to have completed at
least one of the subject clusters that fulfills the requirements for the higher
education programme in question. For admission to programmes in medicine for
example the Science and Health cluster is required. Potential students older
than 21 years of age who do not possess one of the qualifications mentioned
above can qualify for access to higher education on the basis of an entrance
examination and assessment. Foreign students admission Definition of foreign student: For the
purpose of evaluation: a student admitted to an institution of higher education
on the basis of a foreign diploma, whether he has Dutch nationality or not. For
the purpose of statistics, scholarships: any student who does not hold a Dutch
passport. Quotas: Medicine, 2% of all
applicants, Dentistry, 2% of all applicants, Pharmacy, 2% of all applicants. Admission requirements: Foreign
students in the Netherlands must have reached in their home country a level of
education considered at least equivalent to that required for entry into the
proposed programme. In addition, certain programmes require sufficient
preparation in subjects at the secondary level. Entry regulations: Every
foreign student needs a residence permit. To be eligible for this permit one
must: hold a valid passport, be registered in a full-time course of study, have
enough money to cover study and living expenses, have medical insurance, have
enough money to pay for a return ticket. Nationals of some countries may apply
and obtain a residence permit after their arrival in the Netherlands; others
must obtain an authorization of temporary residence (MVV) from the Netherlands
embassy or consulate of their country. Non EU students need a visa. Health requirements: none Language requirements: A language
test is usually required. Most universities organize Dutch language courses. Application procedures: Apply to national body for entry to: First year
at hogescholen or universiteiten. Apply to: CBAP PO Box 30157 Application closing dates: For university level studies: 1 Dec Recognition of studies &
qualifications: Studies pursued in home country (System
of recognition/accreditation): Main bodies for accrediting credentials:
Ministry of Education, Culture and Science; Ministry of Agriculture; Ministry
of Welfare, Health and Cultural Affairs; Accreditation Organisation of the
Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). Studies pursued in foreign countries
(bodies dealing with recognition of foreign credentials): Centre for International Recognition and Certification
(CIRC), NUFFIC (Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in
Higher Education) Head: Jindra Divis, Director PO Box 29777 Tel: +31(70) 4260274 Fax: +31(70) 4260395 EMail: circ@nuffic.nl WWW: http://www.nuffic.nl/index-en.html Services provided & students dealt
with: Evaluation of foreign qualifications upon request of institution of
higher education and ministries. Informatiecentrum Richtlijn Algemeen Stelsel (IRAS) Head: Lucie de Bruin Postbus 29777 Tel: +31(70) 4260274 Fax: +31(70) 4260395 EMail: iras@nuffic.nl WWW: http://www.professionalrecognition.nl Deals with credential recognition for
entry to: Profession Services provided & students dealt
with: Information Centre for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications Sector Internationale Diplomawaardering, COLO Head: Stan Plijnaar Postbus 7259 Tel: +31(79) 3294000 Fax: +31(79) 3515478 EMail: info@colo.nl WWW: http://www.colo.nl Deals with credential recognition for
entry to: Profession Services provided & students dealt
with: Evaluation of foreign credentials at secondary vocational level. Other information sources on recognition
of foreign studies: Some universities carry out their own evaluations. Special provisions for recognition: For access to university level studies: HBO and WO:
For holders of foreign qualifications regardless of nationality there are no
special provisions nor practices. The institution decides and the applicants
should contact the Hogeschool or university
of their choice. For access to advanced studies and
research: Institutions are empowered by law to make their own decisions. Multilateral agreements concerning
recognition of foreign studies Name of agreement: European
Convention on the Academic Recognition of University Qualifications Year of signature: 1967 Name of agreement: European
Convention on the Equivalence of Diplomas Leading to Admission to Universities Year of signature: 1956 Name of agreement: European
Convention on the Equivalence of Periods of University Studies Year of signature: 1956 Name of agreement: Protocol to
the European Convention on the Equivalence of Diplomas Leading to Admission to
Universities Year of signature: 1964 Name of agreement: UNESCO
Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher
Education in the States of the European Region Year of signature: 1981 Bilateral agreements concerning
recognition of foreign credentials Name of agreement: Agreement On
Equivalence of Degrees Year of signature: 1985 Country/state involved: Austria Name of agreement: Agreement On
Equivalence of Degrees Year of signature: 1983 Country/state involved: Germany References to further information on
foreign student admissions and recognition of studies Title: Study in the Netherlands Publisher: Nuffic Title: The Education System of the
Netherlands Publisher: Nuffic STUDENT LIFE Main student services at national level Foreign Student Services (FSS) Oranje Nassaulaan 5 Tel: +31(20) 6715915 Fax: +31(20) 6760555 EMail: info@foreignstudents.nl WWW: http://www.foreignstudents.nl/ Category of services provided: Special
services/Centre for foreign students National student associations and unions Landelijke Studenten Vakbond (LSVb) PO Box 1335 Tel: +31(30) 2316464 Fax: +31(30) 2342119 EMail: lsvb@lsvb.nl WWW: http://www.lsvb.nl Special student travel fares: By road: Yes By rail: Yes Student expenses and financial aid Student costs: Average living costs: 8000 (Euro) Home students tuition fees: Minimum: 1450 (Euro) Type of financial aid available: Scholarships/grants/fellowships: Higher vocational/technical studies: Home: Yes Foreign: Yes First Degree studies: Home: Yes Foreign: Yes Advanced/doctoral studies: Home: Yes Foreign: Yes Loans: Higher vocational/technical studies: Home: Yes Foreign: Yes First degree studies: Home: Yes Foreign: Yes Advanced/doctoral studies: Home: Yes Foreign: Yes Bodies providing information on student
financial aid: Informatie Beheer Groep Postbus 50103 Tel: +31(50) 5997755 WWW: http://www.ib-groep.nl Deals with: Grants Publications on student services and
financial aid: Title: Catalogue of International
Courses in the Netherlands Publisher: Nuffic Title: Study Abroad 2005-2006 Author: UNESCO Year of publication: 2005 Title: Study in the Netherlands Publisher: Nuffic Title: The Netherlands Fellowships
Programme Publisher: Federation
of Institutes for International Education (FION) and NUFFIC Year of publication: 2000 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION &
EXCHANGES Principal national bodies responsible
for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education: Nuffic (Netherlands Organization for International
Cooperation in Higher Education) Head: Sander P. van den Eijnden, President Administrative officer: Hanneke Teekens, Chief, Department of
Internationalisation PO Box 29777 Tel: +31(70) 4260260 Fax: +31(70) 4260399 EMail: nuffic@nuffic.nl WWW: http://www.nuffic.nl/index-en.html Participation of country in multilateral
or bilateral higher education programmes Name of exchange programme: Cultural
Agreement Programmes Name of exchange programme: Huygens
Programme Name of exchange programme: LEONARDO Name of exchange programme: SOCRATES Name of exchange programme: Tempus GRADING SYSTEM Usual grading system in secondary school Full Description: 10-uitmuntend
(excellent); 9-zeer goed (very good); 8-goed (good); 7-ruim voldoende (very
satisfactory); 6-voldoende (pass); 5-bijna voldoende (fail);4-onvoldoende
(unsatisfactory); 3-zeer onvoldoende (very unsatisfactory); 2-slecht (poor);
1-zeer slecht (very poor). The grades 9 and 10 are rarely given. Highest on scale: 10 Pass/fail level: 6/5 Lowest on scale: 1 Main grading system used by higher
education institutions Full Description: 10-uitmuntend
(excellent); 9-zeer goed (very good); 8-goed (good); 7-ruim voldoende (very
satisfactory); 6-voldoende (pass); 5-bijna voldoende (fail); 4-onvoldoende
(unsatisfactory); 3-zeer onvoldoende (very unsatisfactory); 2-slecht (poor). Highest on scale: 10 Pass/fail level: 6/5 Lowest on scale: 1 Other main grading systems voldoende/onvoldoende (pass/fail) NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM Data for academic year: 2005-2006 Source: IAU from Centre for International Recognition and Certification, Nuffic, the Hague, 2006 Copyright © IAU, World Higher Education Database (WHED) |
|
STUDENT SERVICES
|