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Our Dutch system of higher education differs from other international systems of higher education. The most important difference is that in the Netherlands we uphold a difference between a university of applied sciences and a research university, like the University of Amsterdam. In order to be eligible to a Master’s programme at our research university (the majority are one-year Master's programmes), all students, both Dutch and international students, need to have completed an academic Bachelor’s degree from a research university.

NUFFIC guidelines

All international degrees are evaluated on the basis of the guidelines provided by the NUFFIC. Please be advised that before applying to one of our programmes, to carefully consult the country specific details about the comparison to our Dutch system of higher education at the Nuffic diploma recognition page.

List of equivalent degrees

Find the equivalent degrees for specific countries we receive many applications from. If your country is not mentioned in the list, it does not necessarily mean that you are not eligible to apply.

  • Cameroon

    A 3-year Bachelor’s degree + 1-year Master’s/Maîtruse degree from a public university. Both must be in a relevant academic field.

  • China

    In general, if the bachelor’s degree obtained meets the following criteria, you are eligible to apply to one of our Master programmes.

    If you have obtained bachelor’s degree from another Chinese university, you will in most cases be eligible to apply to a programme offered by a university of applied science.  However, your degree will not give direct access to one of our academic Master degrees at our research university.

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  • Germany

    An academic Bachelor’s degree from a University and/or Wissenschaftliche Hochschule.

    Please note that we do not generally accept Fachhochschule. Your degree may be accepted if your hochschule holds the right to academic promotion.

  • Hungary

    Egyetemi oklevél alap képzes in a relevant academic field.

  • India

    In general, if the bachelor’s degree obtained meets the following criteria, you are eligible for direct entry in one of our Master programmes. You need an Honours Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, finished with 1st class grades, obtained at a top ranking university (A+ or better NAAC ranking).

    If you do not hold an Honours bachelor’s degree but did obtain another bachelor’s degree, in most cases you are eligible for direct entry to a programme offered by a university of applied science.  However, your degree will most likely not give direct access to one of our academic Master degrees at our research university. For example, this applied to:

    • General Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
    • General Bachelor of Commerce
    • Honours Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science obtained at a lower ranking university or with 2:1 grades or lower
    • Honours Bachelor of Commerce
    • Bachelor of Engineering
    • Bachelor of Technology 
  • Italy

    A 1st Cycle Diploma di Laurea.

  • Kenya

    A 5-year Bachelor’s degree in a relevant academic field.

  • South Africa

    A 4-year Bachelor's honours degree in a relevant academic field. It must clearly be stated on your documents that you will obtain an honours degree.

  • United Kingdom

    A Bachelor's honours degree in a relevant academic field. It must clearly be stated on your documents that you will obtain an honours degree.

  • United States

    A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant academic field.

This list is subject to change; no rights can be derived from the contents of this list.