Education system
02 Oct 2008
Holland has two main types of higher education institutions: Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences.
Universities focus on the independent practice of research-oriented work in an academic or professional setting. Universities of Applied Sciences are more practically-oriented, preparing students directly for specific careers.
A third, smaller branch of higher education is provided by Institutes for International Education, which offer programmes designed especially for international students.
Funding
The Dutch education system can be categorized in government-funded institutions and government-approved institutions.
Government-funded
An institution funded by the Government, entitled to award officially recognized degrees and legally protected titles to graduates of their accredited programmes. The list of all government-funded institutions can be found in CROHO, the Central Register of Higher Education Programmes (www.ib-groep.nl, in Dutch).
Government-approved
An institution not funded by the Government, but with the right to award officially recognized degrees and legally protected titles to graduates of their accredited programmes. Government approval is official recognition that the quality of the institution has been inspected and approved. The list of all government-approved institutions can be found in CROHO, the Central Register of Higher Education Programmes (www.ib-groep.nl, in Dutch).