Ask the experts - HBO Bachelors
In the latest edition of our ‘Ask the experts’ feature, our Research, Data and Insights team is answering another popular question that members ask us.
This month, UK ENIC’s Research Manager Emma Kirby provides the answer to this question: How do HBO Bachelors differ from other Dutch degrees?
‘HBO’ degrees are offered by Dutch universities of applied sciences. HBO stands for hoger beroepsonderwijs.
The defining characteristic of HBO degrees is that they relate to higher professional education. Programmes combine theoretical study with practical training, preparing learners for a particular profession.
HBO Bachelors typically take four years – a year longer than university degrees. Admission requirements are slightly lower for HBO programmes as well.
However, both an HBO and university Bachelor are aligned to level 6 of the Dutch qualifications framework. This means that the level of learning outcomes is broadly the same, even if the nature of the degrees is slightly different.
Holders of an HBO Bachelor degree can access Dutch Master’s programmes at both universities and universities of applied science.
However, HBO graduates would likely need to complete a bridging programme to enrol on a university Master’s.