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Hbo Bachelor's programmes take four years (240 ECTS). Wo Bachelor's programmes take three years (180 ECTS). The minimum admissions requirement for an hbo Bachelor's programme is a diploma at Dutch mbo level 4 (senior secondary vocational education) or Dutch havo (higher general secondary education).
Research university (WO): The emphasis is on learning to look analytically and critically at the way a certain field can be approached. Higher professional education (HBO): Higher professional education trains for a specific profession. You apply your knowledge and work in a solution-oriented way.
The overview below sets out the most important differences between studying at a research university and at a university of applied sciences. Research University (WO) University of Applied Sciences (HBO) ‘Why’. Abstract, analytical skills, theoretical, asking questions.
Dear prospective international students, Deadlines for applications are nearing, so in order for you to make the right choice in relation to what type of university you'll choose, I'd like to explain exactly what the difference between HBO and WO institutions is.
HBO prepares students for certain professions (hoger Beroeps onderwijs), WO prepares students for an academic/scientific future where they do research ( Wetenschappelijk onderwijs).
In very generalising terms: at a HBO, you'll learn the 'how' of things, at a WO (which is often just called 'universiteit' here) you'll be taught the 'why'. Concerning the language thing: most people here will be able to understand and reply in English (and will love to practice their language skills).
HBO or Hogeschool institutes are focused on applied higher education and usually offer 4-year Bachelor programs geared more towards the practical labor market. The academic universities (WO) are the highest possible level of education in the Netherlands.
