Education in the Netherlands

The Dutch approach

Universities in The Netherlands offer more than 1,150 international course programmes conducted in the English language. As such, our country is the largest supplier of English-language course programmes in continental Europe. The Netherlands has received international acclaim for the groundbreaking Problem-Based Learning, or ‘PBL’ system, that teaches students to analyse and solve real problems independently, through a mix of theory and application, teamwork and self-study and through challenging the self-discipline of the students.

Dutch universities

Higher education in The Netherlands is offered at approximately 55 universities. In addition to arts schools and teacher training colleges, two major types of universities can be distinguished, i.e. universiteiten (research universities) and hogescholen (universities of applied sciences). The research universities train students for the independent practice of science and academic research, whereas the universities of applied sciences focus more on the application of knowledge and the direct preparation of their students for professional careers. At the Fontys University of Applied Sciences, we place the emphasis on competency-based education and we are proud to be one of the Dutch hogescholen.

Universities of applied sciences 

Universities of applied sciences offer four-year course programmes, leading to a Bachelor’s degree upon completion of the undergraduate phase and a Master’s degree upon completion of the postgraduate phase. The course programmes are designed to target specific domains within the labour market and always include internship or work placement periods. In The Netherlands, there are about 40 universities of applied sciences and Fontys is one of the largest and best known.