The Netherlands

INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS
Types of higher education institutions:
Universiteit (University)
Technische Universiteit (Technical University)
Landbouw Universiteit (Agricultural University)
Hogeschool (University of Professional Education)
Open Universiteit (Open University)
Instelling Voor Internationaal Onderwijs (Institution For International Education)

School leaving and higher education credentials:
HAVO Diploma
VWO Diploma
MBO Diploma
Propedeuse HBO
Propedeuse WO
Diploma
Getuigschrift hoger Beroepsonderwijs
Getuigschrift van het afsluitend Examen
Baccalaureus
Bachelor
Doctoraal
Doctorandus
Ingenieur
Master
Meester
Apothekersexamen
Artsexamen
Dierenartsexamen
Professional Title
Tandartsexamen
Post-Doctoraal
Doctor's Graad
Medical Specialist
STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM
Pre-higher education:
Duration of compulsory education:
Age of entry: 5
Age of exit: 16
Structure of school system:
Primary
Type of school providing this education: Basisonderwijs (Primary School)
Length of program in years: 8
Age level from: 4 to: 12
Junior Secondary
Type of school providing this education: Junior General Secondary Education (MAVO)
Length of program in years: 4
Age level from: 12 to: 16
Certificate/diploma awarded: MAVO Diploma
Senior Secondary
Type of school providing this education: Senior Secondary Education (HAVO)
Length of program in years: 5
Age level from: 12 to: 17
Certificate/diploma awarded: HAVO Diploma
Prevocational
Type of school providing this education: Voorbereidend Beroepsonderwijs (VBO) (Preparatory Vocational Education)
Length of program in years: 4
Age level from: 12 to: 16
Certificate/diploma awarded: VBO Diploma
Vocational
Type of school providing this education: Middelbaar Beroepsonderwijs (Senior Secondary Vocational Education )
Length of program in years: 4
Age level from: 16 to: 20
Certificate/diploma awarded: MBO Diploma
Pre-university
Type of school providing this education: University Preparatory Education (VWO)
Length of program in years: 6
Age level from: 12 to: 18
Certificate/diploma awarded: VWO Diploma
School education:
Starting with the 1999-2000 school year, a major restructuring of secondary vocational and general secondary education was implemented. These changes mainly affect VBO, the last two years of MAVO, the last two years of HAVO and the last three years of VWO. Secondary education consists of VBO (pre-vocational education), MAVO (junior general secondary education), HAVO (senior general education) and VWO (pre-university education). Those with a VBO Diploma can then go on to the MBO. The MAVO prepares for senior secondary vocational education (MBO).Starting with the 1999-2000 school year, MAVO and MBO have been officially classified in the same category of education known as VMBO (Voorbereidend Middelbaar Beroepsonderwijs) or preparatory secondary vocational education. Depending on interest and capacity, pupils can choose from one of four learning tracks or routes: 1) the theoretical route granting admission to long MBO or HAVO; 2) the vocationally-oriented route granting admission to long training in secondary vocational education (MBO) or to short training programmes; 3) a mixed educational route with a combination of general subjects and a vocationally-oriented subject; and 4) a professional practice route, oriented towards the labour market and aimed at a specific group for which VMBO is the last educational stage.HAVO prepares for higher professional education (HBO). Students go on to the VWO or choose senior secondary vocational training instead of higher professional education. VWO prepares for university studies, but many pupils continue in HBO. There are 3 kinds of VWO Certificates: Atheneum, Gymnasium and Unified VWO Certificate. An important result of the recent educational reforms regarding VMBO, HAVO and VWO is that pupils in the last two years of VMBO, the last two years of HAVO and the last three years of VWO have to complete the curriculum requirements for one of four subject clusters. VMBO pupils can choose between Technology, Health and Personal Care and Welfare, Economics and Agriculture. HAVO and VWO pupils can choose between Nature and Technology, Nature and Health, Economics and Society and Culture and Society. Beginning in January 1997, a new national qualification framework for adult and vocational education (beroepsonderwijs) went into effect with four levels of training and two learning paths. This new system incorporates the senior secondary vocational educational courses (MBO) and apprenticeship training courses (leerlingwezen) that had existed before. Under the new system, each level of qualification corresponds to a different type of course: 1) assistentopleiding, training to assistant level lasting 6 months to 1 year, 2) basisberoepsopleiding, basic vocational training (2-3 years), 3) vakopleiding, professional training (2-4 years) and 4) at level 4, middle-management training (3-4 years) and specialist training (1-2 years). Students can take these courses consecutively, the Diploma for one course serving to gain entry to the next.
Higher education:
The Netherlands higher education system is a binary system, composed of Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (WO - university education) and Hoger Beroepsonderwijs (HBO - professional higher education). In addition, there is the Open Universiteit (OU - Open University) which offers fully recognized university degree programmes through distance education. Internationaal Onderwijs (IO) (international education), generally conducted in English, is mainly designed to meet the needs of foreign students. Since 1991, university research schools have been founded to cater for young researchers and to centralize research activities.
Main laws/decrees governing higher education:
Decree: Adult and Vocational Education Act Year: 1996
Decree: The Higher Education and Research Act (WHW) Year: 1993
Concerns: university and HBO (Higher Professional education)
Academic year:
Classes from: Sep to: Jun
Long vacation from: 15 Jul to: 1 Sep
Languages of instruction: Dutch
Stages of studies:
Post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):
Non-university level:
HBO provides theoretical and practical preparation for professional practice. The four-year degree programmes are offered at Hogescholen (Universities of Professional Education). Graduates of a four-year technical or agricultural programme obtain the title of 'Ingenieur' (ing.). For the other branches of study, the title is 'Baccalaureus'. Internationally, the title of Bachelor may be used. The HBO Propaedeuse gives entry to the first year of a university course. HBO graduates may proceed to postgraduate programmes.

University level studies:
University level first stage: First phase:
This stage consists of a one-year Propedeutisch course (42 credits). The Certificate awarded is the Getuigschrift van het Propedeutisch Examen.
University level second stage: HBO or Doctoraal programme:
The second stage consists of two types of education: HBO and Doctoraal. A) HBO education combines practical training with theoretical instruction. It is divided into seven sectors: Technology, Administration and Economics, Health Care, Fine and Performing Arts, Education and Teacher Training, Agriculture and Welfare Services. The HBO programme lasts for four years (168 credits including the Propedeuse) in all fields. An essential part of each study programme is the 'stage' (internship) and the "scriptie", or major paper, written in the final year. Upon completion of the programme, the 'Getuigschrift HBO' is conferred and students may use the title of Baccalaureus or, in Engineering, Ingenieur (ing). B) Doctoraal: The purpose of the Doctoraal degree programme is to give students a thorough background in a chosen discipline as well as the research skills necessary to master it. Most university programmes require the completion of 126 credits (three years) after the propedeuse, but programmes in Engineering, Agriculture, Mathematics and Science require the completion of 168 credits (four years) following the propedeuse. A large part of the last year is devoted to the preparation of a 'scriptie', where the student demonstrates his skill in conducting independent research. Graduates of the 'Doctoraal' obtain the title of Doctorandus (drs.), Ingenieur (ir.) or, in Law, Meester (mr.).
University level third stage: Doctoraat:
The Dutch Doctoraat is obtained through the 'Promotie'. It is a research degree which entitles the holder to the title of Doctor (dr.), the highest university degree in the Netherlands. After the Doctoraal, it can be obtained in two ways: 1. by serving as 'Assistent in Opleiding' (AIO) or 'Onderzoeker in Opleiding' (OIO), i.e. assistant researchers. The former also does some teaching. Candidates are required to carry out the necessary research and to write a doctoral dissertation over a period of four years. They are paid a small salary which increases every year. Competition for these positions is tough. 2. By researching and writing a doctoral dissertation under the supervision of a full professor. The dissertation must be defended in public. Post-doctoraal programmes are third stage training and research programmes which do not lead to the title of Doctor but give access to a wide variety of high-level professions in Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, etc.

Teacher education:
Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers
Both full and part-time courses leading to a qualification to teach at primary level have a study load of 168 credits (four years). Graduates are fully qualified to teach all subjects and all age groups (4 to 12 years) at primary level.
Training of secondary school teachers
Secondary school teachers may follow a teacher training course at a university of professional education or follow a postgraduate teacher training course at a university. In HBO training courses, students may obtain a Second Level Qualification (Tweedegraads Bevoegdheid) in a specific subject, a First Level Qualification (Eerstegraads Bevoegdheid) in Physical Education or a First or Second Level Qualification in Arts and Crafts. University graduates can take a post-doctoraal teacher training course leading to a First Level Qualification. Courses are available in all subjects in the secondary curriculum. Teachers with Second Level Qualification are qualified to teach the first three years of VWO and HAVO and all age groups in MAVO, VBO and MBO, while those with a First Level Qualification are qualified to teach at all levels of secondary education.
Training of higher education teachers
There are no special credentials which qualify for teaching at the higher education level.
Non-traditional studies:
Distance higher education
The best example of non-traditional distance education is the Open Universiteit. It offers courses in Law, Social Sciences, Arts, Economics, Management and Administrative Science, Engineering and Natural Sciences. The Central Government has laid down a statutory framework in which the Open University must operate. The only entrance requirement is that students be at least 18 years old. Students define their own programme and proceed at their own pace, which means that the programme's length varies according to the student. Qualifications are Certificates from one or several courses, a Diploma awarded upon completion of several courses combined into a short study programme, or a Doctoraal degree.
Lifelong higher education
Regulated by the Adult Education Framework Act, adult education comprises non-formal education and development work, adult basic education and adult general secondary education (VAVO).
Higher education training in industry
Post-secondary courses offered by privately-owned institutions in business and industry are so numerous and so varied in their admission policies that they cannot be enumerated here.
NATIONAL BODIES
Administration & co-ordination:
Responsible authorities:
Department of University Education, Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, (Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschappen)
Minister: L. Hermans
PO Box 25000Europaweg 42700 LZ ZoetermeerNetherlands
Tel: +31(79) 323-2323
Fax: +31(79) 323-2320
WWW: http://www.minocw.nl

Role of governing body: Principal authority responsible for administration, financing and coordination of higher education

Rectors' Conference of the Netherlands (Rectoren College)
Chairman: D.F.J. Bosscher
Secretary: H.J. Graafland
Postbus 192703501 DG UtrechtNetherlands
Tel: +31(71) 527-3130
Fax: +31(71) 527-3052
EMail: hj.graafland@bb.leidenuniv.nl


Association of Universities in the Netherlands (Vereniging van Samenwerkende Nederlandse Universiteiten (VSNU))
Director: E.E.M. d'Hondt
Postbus 192703501 DG UtrechtNetherlands
Tel: +31(30) 236-3888
Fax: +31(30) 233-3540
EMail: bestuur@vsnu.nl

Role of governing body: Drawing-up a common policy of long-term development of education and research; promoting interuniversity co-operation, and co-operation between university and the Ministry.

Netherlands Association of Universities of Professional Education (HBO-Raad)
Chairman: F. Leijnse
Postbus 123Prinsessegracht 212501 CC The HagueNetherlands
Tel: +31(70) 312-2121
Fax: +31(70) 312-2100
EMail: post@hbo-raad.nl
ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION
Admission to non university higher education studies
Name of secondary school credential required: HAVO Diploma
For entry to: Hogeschool (University of Professional Education)
Alternatives to credentials:
MBO Diploma (level 4) grants admission to HBO
Admission to university-level studies
Name of secondary school credential required: VWO Diploma
For entry to: Hogeschool and Universiteit
Alternatives to credentials: Students who have passed the first year (propedeuse) of higher professional education (HBO) are eligible for admission to the universities.
Numerus clausus/restrictions: Numerus clausus for specific university and HBO programmes are determined by the Ministry of Education and vary from year to year. A numerus clausus still applies for university programmes in fields such as Medicine, Dentistry; Pharmacy; and Veterinary Medicine.
Other admission requirements: Theology/Classical Studies: Latin and Greek; Medical Sciences, Pharmacy: Biology, Physics and Chemistry; other Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering: Mathematics and Physics; Economics/Social Sciences: Mathematics.The reforms in the upper secondary phase of HAVO and VWO will have an enormous influence on the admission of students to higher education programmes. Diplomas obtained upon completion of the old-style curriculum will be phased out in 2004-2005. After that, the admission requirements to many higher education programmes will be even more strictly regulated than they are now and secondary graduates who have not completed the required subject cluster or supplemented subject cluster for a particular programme will not be admitted to that programme.
Foreign students admission
Definition of foreign student: For the purpose of evaluation: a student admitted to an institution of higher education on the basis of a foreign diploma, whether he has Dutch nationality or not. For the purpose of statistics, scholarships: any student who does not hold a Dutch passport.
Quotas: Medicine, 2% of all applicants, Dentistry, 2% of all applicants, Pharmacy, 2% of all applicants.
Admission requirements: Foreign students in the Netherlands must have reached in their home country a level of education considered at least equivalent to that required for entry into the proposed university or HBO-programme. In addition, certain programmes require sufficient preparation in subjects at the secondary level.
Entry regulations: Every foreign student needs a residence permit. To be eligible for this permit one must: hold a valid passport, be registered in a full-time course of study, have enough money to cover study and living expenses, have medical insurance, have enough money to pay for a return ticket. Nationals of some countries may apply and obtain a residence permit after their arrival in the Netherlands; others must obtain an authorization of temporary residence (MVV) from the Netherlands embassy or consulate of their country. Non EU students need a visa.
Health requirements: none
Language requirements: A language test is usually required. Most universities organize Dutch language courses.
Application procedures:
Apply to national body for entry to: First year of HBO or university education
Apply to:
CBAP
PO Box 301579700 LJ GroningenNetherlands

Application closing dates:
For university level studies: 1 Dec
Recognition of studies & qualifications:
Studies pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation): Main bodies for accrediting credentials: Ministry of Education, Culture and Science; Ministry of Agriculture; Ministry of Welfare, Health and Cultural Affairs.
Studies pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition of foreign credentials):
Department for International Credential Evaluation, Nuffic (Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education)
Director: Jindra Divis
PO Box 29777Kortenaerkade 112502 LT The HagueNetherlands
Tel: +31(70) 426-0270
Fax: +31(70) 4260-395
Telex: 33565 nuffic nl
EMail: divis@nuffic.nl
WWW: http://www.nuffic.nl/index-en.html

Deals with credential recognition for entry to: University
Services provided & students dealt with: Evaluation of foreign qualifications upon request of institution of higher education, ministries and individual diploma holders

Other information sources on recognition of foreign studies: Some universities carry out their own evaluations.
Special provisions for recognition:
For access to university level studies: HBO and Universiteit: For holders of foreign qualifications regardless of nationality there are no special provisions nor practices. The institution decides and the applicants should contact the Hogeschool or university of their choice.
For access to advanced studies and research: Institutions are empowered by law to make their own decisions.
Multilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies
Name of agreement: Unesco Convention On the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in the States of the European Region
Year of signature: 1981
Name of agreement: European Convention On the Academic Recognition of University Qualifications (1959)
Year of signature: 1967
Name of agreement: Protocol To the European Convention On the Equivalence of Diplomas Leading To Admission To Universities
Year of signature: 1964
Name of agreement: European Convention On the Equivalence of Diplomas Leading To Admission To Universities
Year of signature: 1956
Name of agreement: European Convention On the Equivalence of Periods of University Studies
Year of signature: 1956
Bilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign credentials
Name of agreement: Agreement On Equivalence of Degrees
Year of signature: 1985
Country/state involved: Austria
Name of agreement: Agreement On Equivalence of Degrees
Year of signature: 1983
Country/state involved: Germany
References to further information on foreign student admissions and recognition of studies
Title: Study in the Netherlands
Publisher: Nuffic
Title: The Education System of the Netherlands
Publisher: Nuffic
STUDENT LIFE
Main student services as national level
Netherlands Office for Foreign Student Relations
Rapenburg 6LeidenNetherlands

Category of services provided: Special services/Centre for foreign students

Netherlands Office for Foreign Student Relations
Oranje Nassaulaan 51075 AH AmsterdamNetherlands

Category of services provided: Special services/Centre for foreign students

Special student travel fares:
By road: Yes
By rail: Yes
By air: No
Available to foreign students: No
Student expenses and financial aid
Student costs:
Average living costs: 8000 (US Dollar)
Home students tuition fees: Minimum: 2930 (Netherlands Guilder)
Type of financial aid available:
Scholarships/grants/fellowships:
Higher vocational/technical studies:
Home: Yes
Foreign: Yes
First Degree studies:
Home: Yes
Foreign: Yes
Advanced/doctoral studies:
Home: Yes
Foreign: Yes
Loans:
Higher vocational/technical studies:
Home: Yes
Foreign: Yes
First degree studies:
Home: Yes
Foreign: Yes
Advanced/doctoral studies:
Home: Yes
Foreign: Yes
Bodies providing information on student financial aid:
Informatiseringsbank
GroningenNetherlands
WWW: http://www.ib-groep.nl

Publications on student services and financial aid:
Title: Catalogue of International Courses in the Netherlands 2000-2001
Publisher: Nuffic
Year of publication: 2000
Title: Study Abroad 2000-2001
Publisher: UNESCO/IBE
Year of publication: 1999
Title: Study in the Netherlands 2000-2001
Publisher: Nuffic
Year of publication: 2000
Title: The Netherlands Fellowships Programme
Publisher: Federation of Institutes for International Education (FION) and NUFFIC
Year of publication: 2000
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & EXCHANGES
Principal national bodies responsible for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education:
Nuffic (Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education)
PO Box 29777Kortenaerkade 112502LT The HagueNetherlands
Tel: +31(70) 426-0260
Fax: +31(70) 426-0399
Telex: 33565 nufic nl
Cable: 33565 nufic nl
EMail: nuffic@nuffic.nl
WWW: http://www.nuffic.nl/index-en.html

Participation of country in multilateral or bilateral higher education programmes
Name of exchange programme: Cultural Agreement Programmes
Name of exchange programme: Huygens Programme
Name of exchange programme: LEONARDO
Name of exchange programme: SOCRATES
Name of exchange programme: Tempus
GRADING SYSTEM
Usual grading system in secondary school
Full Description: 10-uitmuntend(excellent);9-zeer goed(very good); 8-goed(good); 7-ruim voldoende (very satisfactory); 6-voldoende(pass); 5-bijna voldoende (fail);4-onvoldoende(unsatisfactory);3:zeer onvoldoende(very unsatisfactory);2:slecht(poor);1:zeer slecht(very poor)
Highest on scale: 10
Pass/fail level: 6/5
Lowest on scale: 1
Main grading system used by higher education institutions
Full Description: 10-uitmuntend (excellent); 9-zeer goed (very good); 8-goed (good); 7-ruim voldoende (very satisfactory); 6-voldoende (pass); 5-bijna voldoende (fail); 4-onvoldoende (unsatisfactory); 3:zeer onvoldoende (very unsatisfactory); 2:slecht (poor).
Highest on scale: 10
Pass/fail level: 6/5
Lowest on scale: 1
Other main grading systems
voldoende/onvoldoende (pass/fail)
NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM


Data for academic year: 2000-2001
Source: Department for International Credential Evaluation, Nuffic, 2000