The degree programmes of universities in Holland for international students are conducted in English. In order to enter an study programme and to complete an intended study successfully, all foreign students must have a good command of the English language.

In order to facilitate enrolment to undergraduate and graduate courses Dutch universities developed preparatory or foundation programmes for students coming from other countries.

Preparatory of Foundation courses

Preparatory courses last from 2 till 12 months. The main goals of this programme are:

• upgrade knowledge of the English language and prepare candidates if it is necessary for the TOEFL exam. If the chosen programme will be contacted in Dutch, prepare candidate for the Dutch language exam ( NT2 -  Dutch as a second language);
• improve knowledge of the subject required for the basic course;
• smoothen transition for the second school to the higher school;
• minimize adaptation problems for newcomers

Preparatory programmes gives foreign students the best chance to succeed. Important to know that a preparatory year is not compulsory and during this year, students are not always considered matriculated students.

Tuition fees of a preparatory course are depended of the length, knowledge level of candidates and the type of school.

More information about preparatory programmes at the universities of applied sciencies the Netherlands:

• Han Univeristy of Applied Sciences
• Avans University of Applied Sciences
• NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences
• Hanze UAS, Groningen
• The Hague University of Applied Sciences
• Saxion University of Applied Sciences
• Fontys University of Applied Sciences
• HZ University of Applied Sciences

Admission to the preparatory programme

If the chosen education programme taught in Dutch, students should master Dutch language properly. A good knowledge of some main subjects is sometimes also required for those who want to study at a university in Holland.

Some universities in Holland ask foreign students to prove their ability by passing one or more entrance examinations. Only then admission at a university in the Netherlands can be obtained. The entrance examinations should not be taken lightly. Past experience has shown that only students who have prepared themselves thoroughly have a chance to pass these entrance examinations.

Admission requirements:

• a letter of pre-registration and acceptance for a Dutch university;
• diploma or certificate of secondary school or higher education (with list of subjects and hours per subject)
• a good command of English, both in speaking and in writing (paper-based TOEFL score 500, Toefl internet based 60 or IELTS 5 or similar level to be proven at the intake interview.

See Preparatory courses (start days and prices) in our database.