There are some similarities between the admissions
process for Dutch and British universities but it is safer to say there are
also some major differences.
1.
When do you apply?
The admissions calendar usually opens in September or
October for the following year ie. September 2011 for entry in September 2012.
The deadline for submitting an application varies
depending on the type of university you apply for and any entry restrictions
such as Numerus Fixus. The deadlines also vary for EU and non-EU
applicants. Typically courses which are
subject to Numerus Fixus will have an earlier application deadline as entry to
these courses is determined by lottery.
The entry process at University Colleges is completely
different as prospective students have to attend an interview in person. This has
a significant impact on a student’s likely chances of gaining a place.
University Colleges are much smaller institutions with much clearer limits to
student numbers. As all students are required to live on campus there is a
physical limit to the number of students they can recruit. Typically students
should apply to University Colleges in time for a January deadline. Applicants
may then be invited to interview in February.
2.
What grades do you need?
Dutch universities usually do not make offers based on
your achieving certain grades at A levels. There are some exceptions. For
example, if you wish to study engineering you will probably need to have A’ level
C or above in maths and physics. However, for most courses it is necessary
simply to have A’ levels. All courses
require you to have studied six different subjects. Sometimes this can be made
up of 3 A’ levels and 3 GCSEs. In other cases it may be 2 A’ levels and 4
GCSEs. The International Baccalaureate
is well understood by Dutch universities, other qualifications such as national
diplomas less so. Therefore, if you are not taking A’ levels in the UK it is
worth checking whether your qualifications will be recognised. In some cases BTEC
qualifications might actually be better preparation for courses at Dutch
Universities of Applied Sciences.
3.
When do you know if you have a place?
Dutch universities usually make conditional offers.
These offers will be conditional on you passing the A’ levels you say you are
taking, or at least passing enough of your A levels to meet the minimum entry
requirement for your course. You will need to produce originals of your
certificates at some point during your first term but Dutch universities
understand that there is a time lag involved in your receiving this official
documentation.
If you are applying to a course without Numerus Fixus
it is possible that you could receive an offer within four weeks of applying.
If your course is subject to Numerus Fixus then you will have to wait until the
application deadline before the lottery process can even start.
If you do not meet the minimum A’ level standard
required for your course you will not be able to enrol but in all other
circumstances once you have your offer you are guaranteed a place at the
university of your choice.
4.
How can Dutch universities offer places
with such low A’ level grades?
It is important to note that this is in no way a
reflection on quality. There are excellent universities in the Netherlands but
they have a very different entry philosophy. Generally speaking if you have the
necessary grades then you are entitled to prove you can cope with a university
education. The first year at a Dutch university is seen as a probationary
period. You will take regular exams and if you fail them, you will be asked to
leave. This contrasts quite markedly with the UK situation and it is something
that you need to be fully aware of if you are planning to study in Holland.
5.
How do you apply to a Dutch university?
Contact the university directly. They will then advise you of the best way to apply. Although there is a centralised admissions service in the Netherlands, Studielink, it is not always necessary to apply through it in the first instance. While most universities will require you to fill out an application through Studielink they are the best people to advise you on when and how to do this.
See the Studielink page of this website for a lengthy
explanation of the application process.
6.
Can you apply to Dutch universities and
British universities at the same time?
Yes, there is nothing to stop you from applying to
universities in both countries at the same time. As the UCAS deadline is
usually on or around 15th January, it is possible to apply to Dutch
universities after you have been all the way through the UCAS process and
received offers from British universities. However, we would suggest that you
do your research in to Dutch universities at the same time as you investigate
British universities.