Netherlands - Introduction

Dutch higher education hoger onderwijscomprises higher professional education (HBO hoger beroepsonderwijs middelbaar beroepsonderwijs) and university education (WO wetenschappelijk onderwijs). These types of education are provided by HBO institutions ("hogescholen") and universities respectively.

Higher professional education

HBO institutions provide theoretical and practical training for occupations for which a higher vocational qualification is either required or useful. Graduates find employment in various fields, including middle and high-ranking jobs in trade and industry, social services, health care and the public sector.

University education

Universities combine academic research and teaching. University education focuses on training in academic disciplines, the independent pursuit of scholarship and the application of scholarly knowledge in the context of a profession and aims to improve understanding of the phenomena studied in the various disciplines and generate new knowledge.

Eurydice - the information network on education in Europe

Date: 2009
Privacy Policy