Higher education in the Netherlands is offered at two types of institution: research universities (universiteiten) and universities of applied sciences (hogescholen). The research universities train students for the independent practice of science. The universities of applied sciences are more practically-oriented; they prepare their students directly for a career. Fontys University of Applied Sciences is just one of these hogescholen.

Universities of applied sciences
Universities of applied sciences offer four-year programmes, leading to a bachelor degree, upon completion of the undergraduate phase, and a master degree upon completion of the post-graduate phase. The programmes are focused on specific professions, and include internships or work placements. In the Netherlands, there are more than 40 universities of applied sciences.

Research universities
The Netherlands has 14 research universities. In principle, these institutions train students to be scientists and scholars, although the majority of graduates find work outside the research community. These universities also offer the possibility to obtain a doctorate.

Educational systems
The higher education institutions in the Netherlands offer more than 1150 international study programmes, conducted in English. The Netherlands have received international acclaim for the ground-breaking Problem-Based Learning (PBL) system, that trains students to analyse and solve practical problems independently, through an emphasis on self-study and self-discipline. In addition, every bachelor programme at Fontys is broken down into a major and a minor component.

Interested? Come and experience it yourself!

For information about Fontys studies conducted in Dutch please see www.fontys.nl and read the information about studying in Dutch.

For information about Fontys studies conducted in German please see www.fontys.nl/deutsch