Types of schools of Holland

By law, universities in the Netherlands can be called only those schools which are teaching academic disciplines; their educational programs undergo accreditation, and the quality of work is carefully controlled by the state. Just in this small area there are more than 60 universities. Most Dutch universities are located in large cities, do not have campuses, and faculties often occupy separate buildings in different parts of the city.

Universities in the Netherlands are divided into 3 main types: research, applied and institutes of international education.

Research universities WO

Only in the Netherlands 14 research universities, among which are common, leading to instruction in all subject areas, and specialized – for example, engineering, agricultural.

Research universities focused on the development of fundamental science, research and the training of scientists. Major research universities: University of Amsterdam, VU – Vrije Universiteit, AUC – Amsterdam University College.

Universities only offer this type of PhD program. They also teach at the level of bachelor, master and give a short preparatory program for students whose level is insufficient for direct admission. For example, this applies to graduates from applied universities in the Netherlands, decided to build an academic or scientific career. With high probability they will have to undergo additional training before entering, because programs and applied research, though universities are to receive the same degree, the content is very different.

This group includes the Open University is a national University that offers distance education primarily in the Dutch language.

It is the research universities of Holland participate in the world rankings of universities , and regularly appear in the top-100 and top-500 best universities in the world.

Applied universities, HBO

Applied universities in the Netherlands more than research – 39. They are divided into common, leading to learning in all subject areas, and specialized – for example, agricultural, artistic, and pedagogical. Applied universities teach academic subjects in the light of their practical application, prepare for a career in a certain field, give the profession. One example of applied universities- Inholland University of Applied Sciencesoffering programs in English with low tuition fee.

Applied higher education institutions offer baccalaureate programs and graduate programs, which normally last for a year longer programs of research universities.

Universities of this type are also the two-year program leading to the degree of independent professional Associate''s degree. Training in this program is credited for admission to a bachelor degree.

As the application universities do not conduct research activities, they never appear in the leading world rankings and, therefore, remain less well known than the research universities in the Netherlands. But does this fact not about poor quality work of applied universities is just a historical feature of the national education system of the Netherlands.

However, there are ratings applied universities, created by Dutch organizations. The three most reputable in The HBO Keuzegids, Elsevier Magazine and the Nationale Studenten Enquete, NSE.

Institutes of international education

There is also a third small group of educational institutions, institutions of international education, specially designed for foreigners – 5 major and some minor. They offer undergraduate, master's, PhD and short courses on a number of social, economic and environmental Sciences.