Research University vs University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands: Which Master's Fits You

TL;DR: The Netherlands has two kinds of higher education institution. Research universities teach academic, research-based programmes, and most of their master's last one or two years. Universities of applied sciences teach professionally oriented programmes linked closely to practice, and offer fewer English-taught master's. For most international graduates choosing a master's, the deciding questions are your bachelor's background, the career you want and whether the specific course is open to your profile.

Choosing between a research university and a university of applied sciences in the Netherlands looks like a ranking question. It is really a fit question. Both are accredited, both can sponsor international students, and both lead to a recognised Dutch degree. They are built for different goals.

Graduates comparing the two from Sri Lanka, or anywhere else, usually start with the university's name. This guide starts with what each type is designed to do.

Weighing a Dutch master's and unsure which type of institution suits your degree? Check your eligibility with Prosper.

The two types at a glance

Study in NL, the official site run by Nuffic for international students, describes Dutch higher education as two parallel systems.

Neither is a lower tier. A university of applied sciences is the right choice for many careers in fields such as logistics, hospitality, engineering practice and business. A research university suits students who want depth in theory and research methods, or who may want a PhD later.

Want a view on whether your bachelor's fits a Dutch master's before you apply?

Check your eligibility ›

Who each type suits

A research university master's is usually a good fit if:

• your bachelor's degree is academic and closely related to the master's
• you want a research-heavy programme or may apply for a PhD
• you want a one-year master's in a field such as business, economics or social sciences

A university of applied sciences master's is usually a good fit if:

• you already work in the field and want a professional master's built around practice
• the programme you want exists in English at that institution
• you learn best through projects and real cases

Entry requirements: where students get stuck

Dutch master's programmes check how closely your bachelor's matches the course, not only your grades. A research university master's often expects an academic bachelor's in a related subject. If the match is weak, the university may offer a pre-master's programme first or decline the application.

International degrees are assessed programme by programme. Two universities can reach different decisions on the same degree, so ask each admissions office for its view before you pay an application fee.

What stays the same for both

• Accreditation. Both types offer degree programmes accredited by the NVAO, the accreditation organisation for the Netherlands and Flanders.
• The residence permit. Your institution applies to the IND, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service, on your behalf, as a recognised sponsor. Before you accept an offer, confirm the institution appears on the IND public register of recognised sponsors for study.
• Applications. Most programmes use Studielink, the national enrolment system, alongside the institution's own application.
• After graduation. Graduates of both types can apply for the orientation year, which gives time to look for work. Our guide to the orientation year in the Netherlands explains the rules.
• Funds. The proof of funds rules are the same. See our guide to Netherlands student visa proof of funds.

Timing matters too. Many programmes close earlier for non-EU applicants than for EU applicants, and places on some English-taught programmes are limited. Our guide to the Netherlands February intake covers the deadlines.

A simple way to decide

1. Write down the job you want three years after graduating.
2. Find two or three master's in English that lead there, at either type of institution.
3. Compare the module lists, the teaching style and how closely the entry requirements match your bachelor's.
4. Pick the course that fits, then check the institution on the IND register.

Applying from Sri Lanka

• Four-year honours degrees and three-year general degrees from Sri Lankan universities are assessed differently by different Dutch programmes. Send your full transcript and the degree's credit structure when you ask for an assessment.
• If you need a residence permit, the institution starts the IND process after you accept your place and arrange funds, so leave time before your intake.

FAQ

What is the difference between a research university and a university of applied sciences in the Netherlands?
Research universities focus on academic study and research. Universities of applied sciences focus on applying knowledge in a profession.

Is a university of applied sciences degree recognised?
Yes. Programmes at both types are accredited by the NVAO.

How long is a Dutch master's?
At a research university, usually one year, or two for research and many science and engineering master's. At a university of applied sciences it varies by programme.

Can I do a PhD after an applied sciences master's?
It depends on the PhD programme and your master's. A research master's is the more common route.

Can both types sponsor my residence permit?
Yes, if the institution is a recognised sponsor on the IND public register.

Do graduates of both types qualify for the orientation year?
Yes, provided they meet the orientation year conditions.

PS: The better Dutch master's is the one built for the career you want and open to the degree you have. If you would like help testing your bachelor's against a shortlist of Dutch programmes, check your eligibility with Prosper.

Check your eligibility ›