Dutch higher education

09 Sep 2008

Higher education in Holland enjoys a worldwide reputation for its high quality. Experience shows that people who have studied at a Dutch institution of higher education perform very well in other parts of the world.

For a small country like Holland, this international orientation, including in education and training, is a must for survival in an increasingly internationalized world.
 

Education in English

Higher education institutions in Holland offer about 1,391 international study programmes and courses, of which 1,376 are taught in English. These programmes cover a broad range of fields. Curricula are intensive, at an advanced level, practically-oriented, and designed to meet the expectations of students seeking specialized knowledge. The courses alternate theory with practice in real or simulated work situations. 

There are degree programmes and courses leading to an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree or a PhD degree, and non-degree programmes and courses, leading to a Diploma or Certificate: 

  • 1002 degree programmes. 
  • 389 short courses.

Students

  • Total enrolment: 584,978 students with men and women in approximately equal numbers.
  • Average enrolment: Institutions vary in size, enrolling anywhere from 300 to 39,000 students.
  • Age entering university: Variable, but most first-year students are around 18.
  • Age graduating: Variable, but most often 22 or 23. 

Leading role

Holland has a broad number of disciplines in which it has a leading role. The ones that are particularly well-known around the world are:

  • Management & business studies.
  • Agricultural sciences.
  • Medicine.
  • Civil engineering.
  • Remote sensing.
  • Arts & architecture.