Higher education

18 Nov 2010

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Short description of the higher education system

The Netherlands has two main types of higher education institutions: research universities and universities of applied sciences. The 14 research universities focus on the independent practice of research-oriented work in an academic or professional setting. The 40 universities of applied sciences offer professional programmes in the applied arts and sciences that prepare students 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.
 

Types of degrees

A research university bachelor’s programme requires three years of study (180 credits). Graduates obtain a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (BA/BSc) degree, depending on the discipline. A bachelor’s degree programme offered by universities of applied sciences requires four years of study (240 credits). The degree indicates the field of study (for example, Bachelor of Engineering, B Eng).

A research-oriented master’s programme requires one, two or sometimes even three years (60–180 credits) of study. Graduates obtain a Master of Arts or Master of Science (MA/MSc) degree. A master’s degree awarded in the applied arts and sciences requires the completion of 60–120 credits. Graduates obtain a degree indicating the field of study (for example, Master of Architecture, M Arch).

PhD degrees are only offered by research universities and have a standard duration of four years. While most are research based, courses are becoming a compulsory part of the PhD programme.
 

Quality assurance and accreditation

Responsibility for accreditation has been allocated to the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). Students will be awarded recognized degrees only after completing an accredited degree programme. Accredited programmes will be listed in the Central Register of Higher Education Programmes (CROHO). Only degree programmes can be accredited by the NVAO: programmes and courses leading to a Certificate or a Diploma cannot be accredited by the NVAO and are the responsibility of the institutions concerned.

The system of accreditation in higher education aims to guarantee that study programmes meet the highest standards. Dutch law (the Higher Education and Research Act) requires that all degree programmes offered by research universities and universities of applied sciences be evaluated against a specific set of criteria. Bachelor’s and master’s programmes that meet these criteria are accredited by the NVAO (i.e. officially recognized). PhD programmes are the responsibility of individual universities and cannot be accredited by the NVAO.
 

Recent reforms

On 1 May 2006, the Code of Conduct with respect to international students in Dutch higher education came into effect. This code sets out standards for Dutch higher education institutions in their dealings with international students. By signing the Code of Conduct, the institutions are offering international students a guarantee of the quality of their programmes, student recruitment, selection and counselling procedures.

On 1 September 2010 the new Higher Education and Research Act will come into force. The law contains changes in the fields of governance, quality assurance, student affairs,  tuition fees and internationalization.

In terms of internationalization the most important changes are:

  • Institutions will be able to provide international joint degrees at the bachelor’s and master’s level.
  • Institutions will be able to award joint PhD degrees.
  • Institutions will be able to provide accredited higher education abroad and provide recognized Dutch degrees abroad.
  • Diploma Supplements need to be issued in the EU format.
  • The Lisbon Recognition Convention will come into force.

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