About Dutch institutions

You'll find two main institution options in Netherlands: universities of applied sciences and research universities. On a smaller scale, institutes for international education offer programmes designed specifically for foreign students.

Universities of applied sciences ('hogescholen') focus on higher professional education and offer a wealth of professional programmes in the applied arts and sciences, with the focus on preparation for specific careers. Acquiring practical work skills through internships is often integral to course content. There are 43 universities of applied science in Netherlands.
Course duration at universities of applied sciences: Master (M): 1-2 years of study, Bachelor (B): 4 years of study

Research universities throughout Netherlands train students, both domestic and international, in academic study and research. There are 13 research universities and one open university in Netherlands.
Course duration at research universities: PhD: 4 years of study, Master of Arts (MA): 1-2 years of study, Master of Science (MSc): 1-2 years of study, Bachelor of Arts (BA): 3 years of study, Bachelor of Science (BSc): 3 years of study

Institutes for international education (IE) in Netherlands provide courses taught in the English language. They offer postgraduate training and education courses in a variety of subjects aimed at professionals from the international community. IE institutes offer short courses, master's programmes and occasionally PhD courses. There are six large IE institutes in Netherlands.
Course duration at institutes for international education: PhD (only available at one IE institute); duration is flexible, Master of Arts (MA): 1-2 years of study, Master of Science (MSc): 1-2 years of study