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Netherlands: Admissions

Netherlands: Admissions In Depth

Dutch admissions — Studielink, the numerus fixus selection, research universities (WO) vs universities of applied sciences (HBO), and university colleges.

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What this hub covers

  1. Studielink Application Process for Dutch Universities ExplainedWhat Studielink is — and what it is not · Creating your account: DigiD vs the non-EU/EEA route · Registering a programme choice
  2. Numerus Fixus Selection Procedure in the NetherlandsWhat 'numerus fixus' means · The strict 15 January deadline · Decentralised selection and how applicants are scored
  3. WO vs HBO: Research Universities vs Universities of Applied Sciences in the NetherlandsTwo parallel tracks, not better-or-worse · Entry requirements · Orientation, degrees and duration
  4. University Colleges and Liberal Arts Bachelors in the NetherlandsWhat a Dutch university college is · Liberal arts and sciences: how the curriculum works · Selective admission
  5. Matching and the Study Choice Check (Studiekeuzecheck) in the NetherlandsWhat matching is · What the activity involves · The advice you receive

Guides for Europe

5 of 5 guides in this hub are for Europe.

Admissions
Europe·7 min read

Studielink Application Process for Dutch Universities Explained

How Studielink works for Dutch university applications: account setup, DigiD vs non-EU route, programme registration, deadlines and links to each university.

Read guide
Europe·7 min read

Numerus Fixus Selection Procedure in the Netherlands

How capped (numerus fixus) Dutch programmes select students: the 15 January deadline, decentralised selection, ranking, and when a lottery may be used.

Read guide
Europe·7 min read

University Colleges and Liberal Arts Bachelors in the Netherlands

Dutch university colleges explained: small-scale, selective, English-taught liberal arts and sciences honours bachelors, their selection and residential model.

Read guide
Comparison
Europe·8 min read

WO vs HBO: Research Universities vs Universities of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands

WO (research universities) vs HBO (universities of applied sciences) in the Netherlands: entry, orientation, degree titles and progression compared.

Read guide
Career
Europe·6 min read

Matching and the Study Choice Check (Studiekeuzecheck) in the Netherlands

The Dutch matching / study-choice-check for non-selective programmes: what the activity is, the non-binding advice, timing vs 1 May, and how it differs from numerus fixus.

Read guide

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