How the Dutch education system works
Overview
Two kinds of institution: research universities (WO) that award academic degrees, and universities of applied sciences (HBO) that award professional bachelor's degrees with mandatory internships.
Levels and how long they take
| Level | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HBO bachelor's | 4 years | Professional bachelor's with placements. |
| WO bachelor's | 3 years | Academic bachelor's. |
| Master's | 1 to 2 years | 1 year for most WO master's, 2 for engineering and research master's. |
| PhD | 4 years | PhD candidates are usually salaried employees. |
Grading
Scale of 1 to 10; 5.5 is the pass mark.
Intakes
| Intake | Notes |
|---|---|
| September | Main intake. Apply by 1 May (1 April or earlier for many master's; 15 January for numerus fixus programmes). |
| February | A smaller number of programmes. |
Figures are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
Get this checked for your case
Rules change and every application is different. A counsellor confirms the current position for your country and course. Free.
Talk to a counsellorRelated questions
Do Dutch universities need IELTS?
Yes in most cases, typically 6.0 for HBO and 6.5 for research universities. Some accept TOEFL, Cambridge or a degree taught in English.
How hard is it to find housing in the Netherlands?
Very hard in Amsterdam, Utrecht and Leiden. Universities have limited reserved rooms; apply for them the day you accept your offer. We help students search from home and avoid scams.
Can I stay after graduating?
Yes, the Orientation Year gives 12 months to look for work. Many students use it to move into a Highly Skilled Migrant permit.