Education Guide

Bachelor's vs Master's in the Netherlands

A Bachelor's builds your foundation. A Master's specialises you. Here's everything you need to know to choose the right path in the Dutch education system.

Quick Comparison

How Bachelor's and Master's programmes differ at a glance

Level
Bachelor's

Undergraduate

Master's

Postgraduate

Typical Length
Bachelor's

3 years full-time

Master's

1–2 years full-time (varies by field)

Typical Credits
Bachelor's

180 ECTS

Master's

60–120 ECTS

Focus
Bachelor's

Broad foundation + core skills

Master's

Specialisation + advanced work

Research / Thesis
Bachelor's

Often a final project or thesis

Master's

Usually a more serious thesis/research component

Entry Requirement
Bachelor's

Secondary school diploma (or equivalent)

Master's

Relevant Bachelor's degree (sometimes with specific courses / ECTS)

Bachelor's Programmes in the Netherlands

The foundation of your Dutch education journey

WO Bachelor's

Research University

  • More theory and academic depth
  • Core courses + electives, increasing independence
  • Exams, papers, projects, presentations
  • Often a final project or thesis

HBO Bachelor's

University of Applied Sciences

  • More practical training and often internships
  • Core courses + electives, increasing independence
  • Exams, papers, projects, presentations
  • Often a final project or thesis

Master's Programmes in the Netherlands

Specialise, research, and advance your career

WO Master's

  • Often more research-oriented
  • Advanced seminars and small-group teaching
  • A substantial thesis / research project
  • In some programmes: internships, labs, clinical practice, or industry projects

HBO Master's

  • More professional / applied
  • Availability depends on field

Thesis Is Central

In most WO Master's programmes, your thesis is the single biggest component. Start thinking about your topic early — supervisors fill up, and strong proposals get better guidance.

Admissions: What You Need

The requirements differ significantly between Bachelor's and Master's

Bachelor's Admission

  • Based on your secondary school diploma and specific subject requirements
  • Some programmes are numerus fixus (limited places + selection)
  • English-taught programmes require proof of English (unless exempt)

Master's Admission

  • Based on your Bachelor's degree and whether it matches the Master's
  • Specific prior courses (often expressed in ECTS)
  • Minimum GPA / class rank (depends on programme)
  • Motivation letter, CV, references, writing sample, or portfolio (field-dependent)
  • Even if your Bachelor's is in a related subject, you may still be asked for certain prerequisite courses

HBO to WO Master's: The Pre-Master's Route

Got an HBO Bachelor's and want to pursue a research university Master's? You may need a pre-master's (bridging programme). HBO Bachelor's to HBO Master's is also possible in some fields.

This is very programme-specific, so it's worth checking early if your long-term plan includes a WO Master's.

Career Impact: Which Do You Need?

Your decision should match your career goals

Choose a Bachelor's Route If…

  • You are starting university for the first time
  • You want time to explore your field before specialising
  • You want the option to continue into a Master's later

Choose a Master's Route If…

  • You already have a Bachelor's and want to specialise
  • You need a Master's for your target career path (common in research-heavy or regulated fields)
  • You want a stronger profile for certain scholarships or competitive roles

Not Sure Which Path Is Right for You?

Choosing between a Bachelor's and a Master's isn't just "higher vs lower." It's about picking the right pathway for your background and your end goal. StudyPath can help you:

  • Check whether your diploma matches Dutch entry requirements
  • Evaluate whether you need a pre-master's
  • Shortlist programmes that fit your goals and budget
  • Improve your motivation letter and application package

Frequently Asked Questions

A Bachelor's builds your foundation — it's your first university degree (undergraduate), typically 3 years and 180 ECTS. A Master's specialises you and deepens your academic or professional expertise — it's a postgraduate degree, typically 1–2 years and 60–120 ECTS.
WO (research university) programmes are more theory-heavy and academically oriented. HBO (university of applied sciences) programmes are more practical, with internships and project-based learning. Both offer Bachelor's degrees, and both can lead to Master's programmes.
Often yes, but you may need a pre-master's (bridging programme) first. HBO to HBO Master's is also possible in some fields. This is very programme-specific, so check early if your long-term plan includes a WO Master's.
Generally, a secondary school diploma and specific subject requirements. Some programmes are numerus fixus (limited places + selection). English-taught programmes require proof of English (unless exempt).
A relevant Bachelor's degree. Many programmes also require specific prior courses (often expressed in ECTS), minimum GPA or class rank, a motivation letter, CV, references, writing sample, or portfolio — depending on the field. Even if your Bachelor's is in a related subject, you may still be asked for certain prerequisite courses.
Choose a Bachelor's if you're starting university for the first time and want to explore your field before specialising. Choose a Master's if you already have a Bachelor's, want to specialise, or need a Master's for your target career path (common in research-heavy or regulated fields).