University of Applied Sciences vs. Research University
In the Netherlands, you can choose between two types of higher education institutions: universities of applied sciences (hogeschool) and research universities (universiteit). Both offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees, but differ in approach and focus.
| University of Applied Sciences |
Research Universities |
|
| Duration | Bachelor’s: 4 years Master’s: 1 or 2 years |
Bachelor’s: 3 years Master’s: 1 year |
| Focus | Prepares you for specific jobs, practical-driven |
Hones your academic skills, theory-driven |
| Teaching style | Lectures, seminars, small groups, hands-on projects |
Lectures, seminars, academic research, independent study |
| Internship |
A mandatory part of the programme |
Often an optional part of the programme or self-organised |
| Graduation |
Final project or graduation paper |
Final research paper |
| Internationally recognised titles |
For example: Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, Bachelor of Education |
For example: Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, Bachelor of Education |
Of course, there are some exceptions and peculiarities. For example, you can only become a medical specialist by completing a programme at a research university. This will take up to 12 years. If you want to become a physical therapist, however, it is more common to follow a programme at a university of applied sciences.
If you’re not sure which programme suit your goals, make sure to inform about a programme at various institutions.
Accredited and funded education at the HU
In the Netherlands, the standard of higher education is maintained through an accreditation system guaranteeing legal regulation and quality assurance. Apart from this accreditation, the Dutch government can also award a funded status to a higher education institution. This means that the institution is financed by the government.
All programmes at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht are tested and approved by the accreditor, the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). This means that they meet the quality requirements for approved higher education set by the Dutch Ministry for Education, Culture and Science, ensuring you always choose a programme of a high standard.
The Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science recognises higher education institutions by awarding them the status of either funded or approved. Funded indicates that the institution is financed by the government. All of our Bachelor’s degree programmes are funded.
Approved means that the institution, although accredited and approved, does not receive government funding and has to rely on its own monetary sources. This status is usually given to privately owned institutions.