Which higher education options can I choose in the Netherlands after school, like HBO and WO?
After secondary school in the Netherlands, you can follow two main higher education routes. HBO institutions are universities of applied sciences that offer bachelor's programmes, while WO research universities offer bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes. Your choice depends on whether you prefer applied study or a research-focused path.
After secondary school in the Netherlands, your main choice is between HBO and WO. HBO means universities of applied sciences with bachelor's programmes, and WO means research universities with bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes. Knowing this split helps you shortlist the right institutions early.
The two main routes after secondary school
| Level | Type of institution | Degrees offered |
|---|---|---|
| HBO (Higher Professional Education) | Universities of applied sciences | Bachelor's programmes |
| WO (Research Universities) | Research universities | Bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes in various fields |
How to think about the difference
- Choose HBO if you want a bachelor's programme taught at a university of applied sciences.
- Choose WO if you want a route that can continue through bachelor's, master's and doctoral study at a research university.
- Check which type of institution a programme belongs to before you shortlist it, because the label tells you what kind of degree pathway to expect.
My Advice
Start by deciding whether you want an applied bachelor's or a research-oriented pathway, then build your shortlist around that. Before you apply, confirm on each programme page whether it sits under HBO or WO so there are no surprises later.
Looking for a specific course in Netherlands?
We will find the universities that offer it, and whether you will get in.
More Universities & admissions questions
- When are the spring and fall application deadlines for South Korean universities that I should plan for?
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- What are some effective online German language classes for Indian students preparing to study in Germany?
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- If I apply to two courses at the same university, do I need separate letters of recommendation for each course or can I use the same letter for both?
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Is January 2027 intake possible for masters in business analytics in UK/UAE?
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?
More Netherlands questions
- Other than Canada and Netherlands, are there better countries to study science and technology in Germany/Singapore?
- Can I target Germany, Italy, or the Netherlands for a master's in computer science without a computer science background?
- Which university is more suitable for a Master's in Food Science and Technology: Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands or University College Cork in Ireland, and what career opportunities do graduates typically pursue?
- What documents are required for university applications and scholarships in Netherlands/Spain for a Master's/Bachelor's?
- What are the top five countries offering one-year master's programs in finance or investment banking with strong industry opportunities?
- Should I apply directly for a master's program in the Netherlands, given my relevant bachelor's degree and 12 months of work experience, or should I first prepare more in India?
- Which countries besides UK, Ireland, Canada, and Germany are good for computer science and AI masters programs in France/Netherlands for a Master's?
- Are you open to guidance for countries other than the UK, such as France, Netherlands, or Germany for a Master's?