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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
2515 XP The Hague
Netherlands

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
2501 ES The Hague
Netherlands

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
2501 ES The Hague
Netherlands

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
Prinsessegracht 21
2501 CC The Hague
Netherlands

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
 9700 LJ Groningen
Netherlands

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
2502 LT The Hague
Netherlands

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
2502 LT Den Haag
Netherlands

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
2701 AG Zoetermeer
Netherlands

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
1075 AH Amsterdam
Netherlands

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
3500 BH Utrecht
Netherlands

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
9702 GC Groningen
Netherlands

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
2502LT The Hague
Netherlands

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