The Dutch higher education system explained

For quality education delivered in English in continental Europe, studying in the Netherlands is an obvious choice. The universities here are as highly regarded as the distinctive and welcoming culture – both of which attract tens of thousands of international students each year. Understanding how study works in the country may feel confusing, but you shouldn't worry. We’ve broken down the key parts of the Dutch higher education system to get you started.

Types of institution

One of the most distinctive aspects of higher education in the Netherlands is the way that institutions are divided into two types: WO and HBO. While both can award you a degree at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, there are key differences.

WO institutions

In the Netherlands, the word university is only applied to a specific type of institution: the WO. Short for wetenschappelijk onderwijs (scientific education), this designation is given to just 13 institutions in the country.

WOs are renowned for their strong academic focus, high entry standards and competitive application process. Bachelor's degrees at each one typically take three years to complete when studied full-time, while you can also study for a one-year master's degree, or a longer-term doctoral qualification.

All but one WO features in the top 250 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, indicating the international recognition they receive. The top-rated are Delft University of Technology (48th), the University of Amsterdam (61st), and Wageningen University (64th).

HBO institutions

Short for hoger beroepsonderwijs (higher professional education), HBO is the term used to describe 43 other institutions at which you can receive a degree in the Netherlands. Also known as universities of applied sciences, HBOs offer programmes that are oriented towards a particular profession, giving students practical preparation for their intended workplace.

Unlike at a WO, an undergraduate degree will take four years to complete when studied full-time at a HBO. However, some of that time will be spent on a compulsory internship, which is an advantage that a WO does not offer. Additionally, you will generally find lower entry requirements and less competition for places at HBO institutions.

It is also possible to move from a HBO to a WO for postgraduate study after receiving your undergraduate qualification. Students who wish to do this need to complete an additional pre-master's programme. This will take no longer than a year, and can sometimes be done as part of an undergraduate course. Such programmes are intended to prepare you for the more academic focus of a WO.

Want a quick recap of what separates a WO from a HBO in the Dutch higher education system? The table below can help.

Differences between WO and HBO institutions

English-language courses

In keeping with the high standard of English you will encounter throughout the Netherlands, a large number of the country's university courses use the language. Almost half (47 per cent) of undergraduate degrees at WO institutions are taught at least partly in English, with more than a quarter (28 per cent) being taught entirely in the language. At postgraduate level, these numbers rise to 86 per cent and 77 per cent respectively.

So, if you are looking to study in the Netherlands, you may want to maximise your English language test results. Read our advice on how to get a better IELTS band score.

Dutch grading system

The work of all students in the Netherlands is graded on a scale of 1 (very poor) to 10 (outstanding). The lowest passing grade is a 6, while scores of 1, 2, 3, 9 and 10 are rare. Although similarly simple grading systems are used elsewhere in the world, it is important to remember that numerical scores given in other countries are not directly comparable.

Numerus Fixus

When applying to study in the Netherlands, another new term you may encounter is Numerus Fixus. This Latin phrase, which translates as fixed number, is given to a limit on the amount of students who are able to enrol on certain courses.

Often, these courses are especially popular, resulting in them being oversubscribed. Where that is the case, a selection process takes place to narrow down the applicants. Sometimes, this involves the use of additional entry requirements, but it can also come down to a random draw, or a mix of both.

However, you may be pleased to learn that most courses are not subject to Numerus Fixus. Only the most popular ones need it, such as medicine, psychology and business. Check with institutions directly to see which courses are affected, and look closely at their application deadlines. While most undergraduate courses need international students to apply by April 1, Numerus Fixus courses close to applicants on January 15.

Want to know more about university applications in the country? Find out how to apply to study in the Netherlands.

Problem-based learning

A common feature of degree courses in the Netherlands is problem-based learning. Under this method of education, students are encouraged to actively engage with problems that they may encounter in a professional setting, and work collectively to develop solutions. This is intended to ensure that students gain thorough problem-solving skills, from independent study and analysis, to teamwork and the practical application of knowledge.

In general, Dutch teaching styles emphasise interactivity between students and with tutors. There is strong focus on the importance of teamwork, and students are encouraged to develop and share new ideas with an open mind. This spirit of imagination and mutual understanding is geared towards fostering key interpersonal skills that will be vital in the workplace and beyond.

Now that you know more about the Dutch higher education system, you might want to explore it further. Discover our top reasons to study in the Netherlands, or learn how to apply for a student visa in the Netherlands. Alternatively, you could start browsing courses in the Netherlands today.