Netherlands : Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

The Netherlands has two types of higher educational institutions:

• research universities - university education (wetenschappelijk onderwijs or WO) offered by 13 universities and the Open University, which combines teaching with academic research;
• universities of applied sciences - professional education (hoger beroepsonderwijs or HBO) and geared towards the acquisition of vocational qualifications and training.

There are also institutions of international education, which offer postgraduate courses in English in a wide range of fields.

Postgraduate degrees are awarded by universities, universities of professional education, institutions of international education and private institutions.

What courses are available?

Almost 900 postgraduate courses are on offer - most normally lasting one or two years.

There are currently 1,474 international study programs and courses taught entirely in English. This ranges from seminars to full Masters degrees.  More information on programmes and courses can be found on NUFFIC (Netherlands Organisation for International Co-operation in Higher Education) and Association of Universities in the Netherlands .

Where can I study?

There are 13 research universities and one Open University in the Netherlands. Useful listings can be found on Association of Universities in the Netherlands  and at Universities Worldwide .

World university rankings, as well as information on universities in the Netherlands, may be found on Top Universities .

What are the entry requirements for postgraduate study?

For entry into a Masters programme or other postgraduate study, a foreign student must have a Bachelors degree or equivalent. They should also contact the institution where they want to apply to get further information.

When do I apply?

Postgraduate programmes are advertised approximately three months in advance in publications such as NRC Handelsblad and De Volkskrant . It may be necessary to contact the admissions office at the institution you want to apply to for more details.

How do I apply?

Educational institutions in the Netherlands all have their own rules for admission, so it is important to contact the institution of your choice to learn how to apply.

All state-funded institutions now also have an online application system at Studielink .

The application process usually includes an institutional application form and personal statement which is similar to the UK process.

How much will it cost?

While higher education is not free in the Netherlands, costs are fairly reasonable compared to many countries. For EU citizens, fees range from 900-1,500 Euros per year. For non-EU citizens, the costs may be considerably higher and reach 9,000 Euros a year or more.

The annual estimated cost of living for students in Amsterdam is €9,000 (excluding tuition fees).

Are any scholarships available?

In some cases, foreign students are eligible for student grants, based on their nationality or residence permit. NUFFIC (Netherlands Organisation for International Co-operation in Higher Education) provides accurate, up-to-date information about Dutch higher education. It is responsible for the Netherlands Student Grantfinder , an online search engine for those who want to study in the Netherlands and are looking for financial aid. The Grantfinder contains information on a range of Dutch scholarships for foreign students.

Are there any exchange programmes?

UK students on undergraduate degree programmes, postgraduate Masters and some PhD programmes may be interested in spending time studying in the Netherlands through Erasmus . This programme is open to all subject areas, but check with your institution's Erasmus coordinator to see which countries they have links with and in what subject areas.

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?

The Netherlands is a member of ENIC-NARIC , a network of national centres that aims to improve academic recognition of diplomas and periods of study in European Union (EU) member states, EEA countries and associated countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The website includes information on current issues in international academic and professional mobility, and on procedures for the recognition of UK and other European qualifications.