Undergraduate level

BSc = Bachelor of Science

Certificate and exchange programmes

These are non-degree programmes, composed of elective courses, for students with at least two years of academic training in a relevant field.

All certificate and exchange students receive a transcript indicating the courses taken and the credits and grades obtained. They can attend certificate and exchange programme courses for either one or two semesters.

Bachelor's programmes

The starting level of Bachelor’s programmes at Dutch universities is comparable to that of other Western European countries, which is usually one or two years higher than most countries outside Western Europe.

Graduate level

Graduate degrees
MA = Master of Arts 
MSc = Master of Science
LLM = Master of Laws
PhD = Doctorate degree

Master's programmes

These are one- or two-year study programmes, leading to a Master’s degree, which are open to students with qualifications comparable to a Dutch university Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

After satisfactory completion, you will obtain a Master’s degree in addition to an official transcript indicating the courses taken and the credits earned. Students unable to fulfil the requirements may receive an official transcript only. 

Important:
As education systems vary considerably across the world, some Bachelor's degrees are valued at three years of a Dutch university education, while others are evaluated at two years or less. 

Research Master’s programmes

The two-year Master’s programmes, (comparable to MPhil programmes outside the Netherlands), prepare students for a career in research. Students are selected on the basis of their motivation, research skills and previous academic results. 

Students with a Bachelor’s degree can apply for these programmes. Students with a Master’s degree are generally expected to complete the programme in a shorter time period than students with a Bachelor’s degree.

Advanced Master's programmes

These Master’s programmes are intended for specific groups of professionals already holding a Master’s degree, or a Bachelor’s degree combined with at least two years of relevant work experience.

Upon completion, students receive an (additional) Master’s degree. These programmes last one year.

Executive Master’s programmes

Executive Master's programmes are comparable to advanced Master’s programmes, and are intended for specific groups of professionals, usually with experience in management or with ambitions in that direction.

Upon completion of the programme, students receive an (additional) Master’s degree.

PhD programmes

These are study programmes designed for students who are in the process of pursuing a PhD degree in a certain field. A PhD programme lasts four years.