Research vs Applied Science:
which is the best for you?
Below, we highlighted the key differences between both types of universities:
Course Orientation
Research University (WO)
You focus on building critical thinking skills through research and theory, so you can expect to do a lot of analytical reading and writing at a research university. This also allows more freedom in how and when you study, but requires self-discipline.
University of Applied Science (HBO)
Also known in Dutch as Hoger Beroepsonderwijs (i.e Vocational Training), courses are more professionally oriented. Here, the focus is on developing skills and preparing you for a professional career once you graduate. Many of your teachers also have professional experience in the field.
Learning Style
Research University (WO)
There is less personal guidance from lecturers and more focus on independent learning. You are expected to absorb a lot of content at a faster pace. You do this through a combination of lectures and discussion seminars. Assignments are mostly theoretical and focused on developing new knowledge in a scientific way.
University of Applied Science (HBO)
You can expect more personal guidance and supervision from your teachers than from professors at research universities. You’ll typically see a higher variety of subjects, but you are given more time to learn. You apply knowledge in a solution-oriented way and often in collaborative projects.
| KEY FACT |
Research University ( WO ) |
University of Applied Science ( HBO ) |
| # of uni’s in the Netherlands | 13 | 40 |
| Course Orientation | Learn Why | Learn How |
| Skills | Critical thinking | Professional skills |
| Learning style | More Independent | More Collaborative |
| Bachelor duration | 3 years | 4 years (some 3 year fast tracks available) |
| Tuition fees (annual) |
EU Bachelors 2,200 EUR* Masters 2,200 EUR NON EU Bachelors 6,000 - 14,000 EUR Masters 14,000 - 20,000 EUR |
EU Bachelors 2,200 EUR* Masters 2,200 EUR NON EU Bachelors 6,000 - 11,000 EUR Masters 6,000 - 11,000 EUR |
| Internship | Not included in program | Included in program |
(*) If you have not previously been enrolled at a government-funded university in the Netherlands, you pay only 50% of the tuition fees for the first year.
Duration
Research University (WO)
A Bachelor’s program is typically completed in 3 years and a Master’s program in 1 – 2 years, depending on the program. In most programs, internships are not compulsory.
It is possible to do 1 – 2 semesters abroad as part of the Erasmus+ Exchange program.
University of Applied Science (HBO)
Most bachelor programs for universities of applied sciences take 4 years to complete.
This is also because degrees include a compulsory work placement (or internship) for a period of 6 – 12 months. The work placement takes place at a real company with the aim to put your skills to practice.
Tuition Fees
Research University
EU
The tuition fees for all publicly funded universities are fixed at €2,209 per year. If you have not previously been enrolled at a government-funded university in the Netherlands, you pay only 50% of the tuition fees for the first year.
NON EU
Annual tuition fees typically range between €6,000 – €14,000 for a Bachelor’s program and €14,000 – €20,000 for a Master’s program.
University of Applied Science
EU
Also here, EU students pay the fixed annual tuition fee of €2,209 annually for publicly funded Universities of Applied Sciences. There are some private business schools where you can expect to pay a bit more.
NON EU
Annual tuition fees are a bit lower compared to Research Universities. Typically €6,000 – €11,000 for a Bachelor’s program and €6,000 – €14,000 for Master’s programs.
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