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Admission & Programmes
Admission & Programme FAQ
Common questions about getting started with Dutch higher education — programme types, credits, grading, and the academic calendar.
Getting Started & Choosing a Programme
WO (research universities) is generally more academic/theoretical, while HBO (universities of applied sciences) is more practical and profession-focused.
See: WO vs HBO Universities
See: WO vs HBO Universities
Bachelor's is your first degree; Master's is a specialisation after a Bachelor's. Which is right depends on your current education and goals.
See: Bachelor's vs Master's
See: Bachelor's vs Master's
ECTS shows workloadand helps universities judge whether you meet prerequisites (e.g., "15 ECTS in math").
See: ECTS Credits Explained
See: ECTS Credits Explained
Dutch universities usually grade on a 1–10 scale; 5.5 or 6.0 is commonly a pass, and 9–10 is rare. "Cum laude" rules vary per programme.
See: Dutch Grading System
See: Dutch Grading System
Most programmes start in early September and run to late June, with exam/resit periods depending on the university. Some Master's programs may start in February every year.
See: Academic Calendar 2025–2026
See: Academic Calendar 2025–2026
Not always. Many selective Bachelor's programmes, numerus fixus tracks, Master's programmes, and scholarships ask for one. If your programme does, use our Dutch university motivation letter guide to structure the letter before you submit.