Higher education in the Netherlands is a binary education system consisting of research-oriented degrees called Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (WO) and HBOs (Hoger Beroepsonderwijs), which provide professional degrees for students interested in career fields that do not primarily involve research. It is the WO programs that allow students to earn Master's degrees in the Netherlands, with the option to perform research concerning several disciplines: sociology, linguistics, health and medical sciences, biology, agriculture, engineering and anthropology, just to name a few.

Many graduate level courses offered at Dutch universities are given in English. For example, the University of Amsterdam has over 130 master's degree programs in English and Leiden University offers 80 that are taught in English. The reason behind the Netherlands to be so motivated in offering hundreds of courses in English is its institutional pledge to commit to internationalization and further enhance its already multicultural, open-minded society.

Notes Concerning the Master's Degree in the Netherlands:

Most students complete their master's degree within two years. Afterward, they are qualified to enter a doctorate program if desired
Dutch universities do not offer on-campus accommodations so students should make plans ahead of time to rent a place to live.
The academic year in the Netherlands runs from September to June, with summer vacation lasting from July to September 1
Residential permits are issued as long as the student has a valid passport, is enrolled full-time, has medical insurance and enough money to purchase a return ticket.
The grading system used by universities consists of a "10" for excellent (uitmuntend); "7" for very satisfactory (ruim voldoende); and "2" for poor (slecht). Dutch universities also integrate the pass/fail (voldoende/onvoldoende) system for certain courses.
Earning a Master's degree in the Netherlands is also affordable, with tuition fees averaging international graduate students less than $14,000 per year (10,500 euros). For European Union students attending master's level courses in the Netherlands, cost is usually around 2250 euros.

The Netherlands WO Master's programs require students earn a bachelor's degree prior to applying for a master's degree as well as the completion of at least 60 and no more than 120 credits. For students desiring a master's degree in math, the natural sciences or agriculture, the full 120 credits is necessary before beginning graduate school. Students will be expected to write a master's thesis to earn a Master of Science or Master of Arts degree.

Students from outside the European Union will need to acquire residential permits to attend a Dutch university. The Netherlands also asks that students who come from certain counties to apply for and receive a provisional residential permit, or MVV, before they can enter the country. The university a student chooses will submit applications on the student's behalf as long as they have the proper documentation. In addition, international graduate students will need to show proof they have the financial means to support themselves while living in the Netherlands. Currently, that amount should be at least $1000 a month or 750 euros. Chinese students will need to apply online for a Nuffic Certificate, which is not difficult and is simply a protocol of the admission process.

Taking a Masters degree in the Netherlands is a top choice for many students. Below you will find links which will lead you to more information about learning opportunities in the Netherlands. Click on “Read more” to get an overview of the particular university and to get free information that concerns specific programs. Start the search for your future degree right away!