Education system

The Netherlands is a studious nation. Education is compulsory up to the age of 16. With eight years at primary school, and four to six years in secondary education, we spend up to 12 years in school. Children can start school at the age of four in Holland, but’s it’s only compulsory from five.
Dutch students gain access to higher education after school by achieving their University Preparatory Education (VWO), Senior General Secondary Education (HAVO) or Senior Secondary Vocational Education (MBO) qualifications.

Since 2002, Dutch higher education follows the Bachelors and Masters degree system.

In the Netherlands, there are three main types of higher education available to students:

• Research-oriented education at Universiteiten, or research-based universities.
• Professional education at Hogescholen, or universities of applied sciences, with practical courses geared towards a particular career (like agriculture or teaching).
• International education – specialised training courses, usually taught in English, originally designed for students from developing countries.