Navigating the world of higher education can be daunting, especially when it involves a new language. If you’re considering studying in the Netherlands or are simply interested in Dutch academia, here is a glossary of common Dutch terms you might encounter, along with their definitions and examples to help you understand the context in which they’re used.
Universiteit
Universiteit translates to “university” in English and refers to an institution of higher education that offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
Ik studeer natuurkunde aan de Universiteit van Amsterdam.
Hogeschool
Hogeschool is a term for a university of applied sciences that focuses on practical and professional education.
Na mijn studie aan de hogeschool kreeg ik snel een baan.
Bachelor
A Bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate academic degree awarded by universities and hogescholen after the completion of a course of study lasting three to four years.
Ik begin volgend jaar met mijn bachelor in bedrijfskunde.
Master
A Master’s degree is a graduate degree that follows a bachelor’s degree, which usually requires one or two years of additional study.
Na mijn bachelor ga ik een master in marketing doen.
Promotie
Promotie refers to the process of earning a Doctorate or a Ph.D., which involves conducting research and writing a thesis.
Zij werkt aan haar promotie in de sociale wetenschappen.
Studiepunten
Studiepunten, or ECTS credits, quantify the amount of work required for each course, in line with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System.
Deze cursus is 5 studiepunten waard.
Propedeuse
Propedeuse is a certificate obtained after successfully completing the first year of study at a university or hogeschool.
Ik heb mijn propedeuse in het eerste jaar gehaald.
Scriptie
A Scriptie is the Dutch term for a written thesis or dissertation, often required at the end of a bachelor’s or master’s program.
Ik ben bezig met het schrijven van mijn scriptie over Europese geschiedenis.
College
College in Dutch education refers to both a general lecture or class and the college or department within a university.
Ik volg dit semester vier colleges.
Studiebegeleider
A Studiebegeleider is a study advisor or mentor who guides students through their academic program.
Mijn studiebegeleider heeft me goed geholpen met het kiezen van mijn vakken.
Open dag
Open dag literally means “open day” and refers to an open house event at an educational institution where prospective students can gather information about various programs.
Ik ga volgende week naar de open dag van de universiteit.
Bindend studieadvies
Bindend studieadvies (BSA) is a binding study advice which students receive at the end of the first year of their program, determining whether they may continue with their studies.
Ik kreeg een positief bindend studieadvies en mag mijn opleiding voortzetten.
Understanding these terms will help ease your journey through the Dutch higher education system, whether you’re applying to a program, attending lectures, or moving towards your academic goals.
