Dutch diplomas are internationally recognized and indicate an excellent start for an international career. Coming to study in the Netherlands students can follow education given in Dutch within the national curriculum framework and international programmes taught in English.

The Bachelor-Masters structure (BaMa) was launched in the Netherlands in 2002. Students who enrol on higher education programmes will obtain a Bachelor’s degree upon finishing of the undergraduate stage and a Master’s degree after completing of the graduate level.

The Universities of Applied sciences and Research universities together make up the higher education sector. The Universities of Applied sciences are usually referred to in Dutch as “hoger beroepsonderwijs (hbo)”. The Research universities are referred to as “wetenschappelijk onderwijs (wo)”.

Research Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences award both types of degrees, but with a difference in orientation:

• Degree programmes at Research Universities focus on academic study and research.
• Study programmes at Universities of Applied Sciences oriented on practical, professional knowledge.
• Institutes for International Education offer master’s programmes, but no bachelor’s programmes. 

Bachelor Programmes. Undergraduate degrees

Students with a 6-year prior education can enter at a 3 year Bachelor programme. A Bachelor programme at a Research University requires 3 years of full-time study (180 credits) to complete. 

Students with 5-years of prior education will be considered capable of completing a 4- year Bachelor programme. A Bachelor’s programme offered by an University of Applied Sciences lasts 4 years of full-time study and requires 240 credits. After completing education at a Dutch university of applied sciences alumnies can follow fast - track Master programmes

See Bachelor programmes in Eurogates' database.

Master’s programmes. Graduate degrees

Depending on the discipline, master’s programmes at Universities, Universities of Applied Sciences and Institutes for International Education will last one to two years (60-120 credits). See Master programmes in Eurogates' database.

PhD

The doctorate (PhD) is only offered at Universities and takes at least four years. A master degree is compulsory for admission. For more information, download PhD programme in Holland (PDF).