Universities of applied sciences offer practical and profession-oriented programmes (hoger beroepsonderwijs - HBO) and research universities offer highly academic research-oriented programmes (wetenschappelijk onderwijs - WO).
Both types of institution offer bachelor and master degrees. An HBO bachelor's takes 4 years, and a WO bachelor's takes 3 years. A master's degree programme is usually 1-2 years, but master's programmes in engineering can be longer. Each HBO/WO institution has its own specializations and not all subjects are offered everywhere. Student workloads are determined using the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), with 1 credit representing 28 hours of work. There are fees for higher education, which are set by the government.
Many of the degree programmes at both bachelor and master level are available in English.
Brabant is home to 2 research universities - Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and Tilburg University - and several universities of applied sciences, including Design Academy Eindhoven, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Breda University of Applied Sciences, Avans University of Applied Sciences, and HAS green academy.
Numerus fixus
Some courses are numerus fixus, which means they have a limited number of places and therefore have a selection procedure. Each institution sets its own selection procedure for each numerus fixus course, so you need to check the individual course page on the relevant institution’s website to find out exactly what is required. You normally have to apply earlier for numerus fixus courses.
More information on numerus fixus courses can be found on the Nuffic website.
Apply on time
Studielink is the official registration and application portal for programmes at Dutch higher education institutions. The deadline for most study programmes is usually 1 May but numerus fixus programmes have an earlier deadline, usually 15 January. To find out more about the application process and the course requirements for the course you wish to study, you should check the relevant website.
Important:
You should always check the specific requirements and deadlines for any courses you are interested in, as the application dates, procedures and requirements may vary.