Universities of the Netherlands represents and supports the 14 universities across the Netherlands as they strive to provide over 340,000 students with the exceptional education for which the country is known. Universities of the Netherlands advocates on behalf of the universities to ensure they have the resources to continue to deliver world class education and conduct advanced and innovative research. Universities of the Netherlands ensures that the universities have access to necessary funding and assist them with regulatory and policy issues and regularly consult with all member universities to determine their goals and priorities and ensure they are realized.  
Three steering committees guide and shape the actions and priorities of Universities of the Netherlands; the Education and Research Steering Committee, the Business and Finance Steering Committee, and the Strategy, Public Affairs & Governance and Valorization Steering Committee. Each committee has 14 members consisting of representatives from each of the 14 universities to ensure that all institutions are heard and can contribute to important discussions and decisions. 

Universities of the Netherlands also advocates on behalf of member universities with labour unions to ensure that all staff are fairly compensated and well-treated in their workplaces.  

The Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS) provides exceptional education in English to 
nearly 50,000 domestic and international students in the metropolitan heart of the city of  
Amsterdam. Offering 92 programmes across seven faculties, AUAS boasts a wide range of 
expertise to inspire learners with unique interests. With 250 partner institutions across 50 countries,  
AUAS emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and experience to a well-rounded education to ensure their graduates are able to contribute their maximum potential to their fields. Furthering this commitment, AUAS is a founding member and full partner of the Urban Research and Education Knowledge Alliance (U!REKA) that brings together 32 higher education institutions, industry and government bodies, cities, regional councils, networks and not for profits across Europe to drive innovation through cooperation and connection. In their 2021-2026 strategic plan, AUAS outlines their dedication to community and world betterment through sustainability, inclusivity, and diversity goals.  

Founded in 1632, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) is one of the Netherlands’ oldest and leading academic institutions, with over 40,000 students enrolled today. UvA emphasizes forward thinking in all its endeavors,  embrazing new advancements such as digitalization in research and learning to continue to strive for innovation in education and science.  
UvA is also a respected and cutting edge research institution, leveraging their state of the art facilities and teams of experts to conduct interdiciplinary research across many highly relevant and emerging topics of today, including artificial intelligence and sustainability.  

UvA encourages and supports international education, welcoming students from around the world to study or partake in their various exchange programs.  

The Dutch Organization for Internationalization in Education, Nuffic, provides expert support for internationalization of education in the Netherlands, promoting international cooperation and global knowledge exchange through their various programs and initiatives. With over 70 years of experience, Nuffic is the leading voice for international education and learning in the Netherlands. Nuffic continuously supports higher education and lifelong learning by offering over 2500 scholarships each year.   

Across Europe, Nuffic manages several programs and projects focused on the advancement of international education and creating opportunities for students through funding/scholarships. Globally, Nuffic supports various initiatives aimed at increasing access to higher education for at risk individuals, including Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon. Additionally, Nuffic serves as the Dutch National Agency for Erasmus+, a European Commission project that provides opportunities for students to learn and work abroad as well as various funding opportunities for education, training, and sport in Europe.   

Since 1801, as a part of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the Dutch Inspectorate of Education has been dedicated to high quality education for all students in The Netherlands. The Dutch Inspectorate of Education regularly assesses and reports on the quality of education being offered in the Netherlands to ensure all students have access to excellent schooling in adherence with established standards regardless of the institution they attend. The Inspectorate communicates its findings and relevant information with stakeholders and the public to foster a community of trust and transparency in education quality assurance.  

Formed through the signing of a Treaty by the Dutch and Flemish governments in 2003, The Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO) is a joint accreditation and quality assurance agency for higher education in the Netherlands and Flanders. Based on recommendations from their team of highly skilled experts, NVAO accredits all new and existing higher education programs and institutions through rigorous assessment processes and analyses.  NVAO actively collaborates with government bodies, universities, university colleges, and other related bodies to foster a higher education community enriched with mutual knowledge sharing and constructive communication.   

Within Europe, NVAO is an active member of various quality assurance and accreditation networks and contributed to the development of quality assurance frameworks currently in use by the Netherlands, Flanders, and Europe.   

NVAO is also a member of the international network of quality assurance agencies in higher education, INQAAHE. Due to the established international nature of the Dutch higher education system, with thousands of international students arriving to begin their studies in the Netherlands each year, NVAO places emphasis on further cultivating and maintaining this global community of learners, supporting cross-border student mobility and developing and accrediting international Joint-Programmes. 

The Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences represents the 36 government-funded  
Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) across the country. The UAS in the Netherlands educational structure apply a hands-on approach in providing excellent higher education, integrating practical learning and internships into their programs to prepare students for their chosen career path.  

Among the responsibilities of the Association is negotiating with labour unions on behalf of member UAS to ensure fair labour agreements are made for educators and staff. The Association emphasizes the importance of internationalization in higher education for students and researchers alike, as connecting with the global academic community facilitates growth and innovation. In partnership with The Universities of the Netherlands, The Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences created an agenda for internationalization in May 2018, outlining goals and priorities for internationalization in higher education in the Netherlands. 

Studielink facilitates streamlined, efficient enrolment processes for learners at the 54 government-funded  
higher education institutions in the Netherlands. Their goal is to provide as straightforward an enrolment 
process as possible for learners and institutions alike. They prioritize student experience and include student 
voices in decision making processes through their Student Panel, where learners are invited to share their 
practical experiences with the platform and where improvements could be made to provide students 
with the best possible user experience.  

The ENIC (European Network of Information Centres) and NARIC (National Academic Recognition Centres) (ENIC-NARIC) networks work in concert with one another to provide advice and support academic qualifications recognition across Europe and internationally.  

Each party to the Lisbon Convention establishes an ENIC in their respective country, which is a body that reports to the appropriate national authority (e.g. ministry of education) and serves to provide information regarding their country’s higher education system and associated qualifications as well as to assist in matters of qualification recognition and assessment in accordance with national laws and regulations. The ENIC network operates across Europe. The NARIC network consists of entities across the European Union that serve to provide information about qualifications recognition across borders within the network, facilitating international learner and employee mobility. The ENIC-NARIC network meets jointly twice annually to share best practices, disseminate information and create opportunities for growth and collaboration across the field of academic credential recognition.  

DUO works on behalf of several branches of government to support Dutch education by administering student  
financial aid systems, providing funding to educational institutions, managing student data, and implementing educational laws, standards and regulations.  

DUO works to ensure that learners in the Netherlands have access to education by providing various grants, scholarships and loans to students. All applications for financial aid are handled directly through DUO’s application portal. DUO provides learners with resources and calculators to ensure they are well informed about the options available to them to ease the burden of student fees. Additionally, DUO plays a role in shaping policies surrounding student financial aid to improve supports available to learners and create an increasingly inclusive educational system.  

DUO keeps detailed records of all Dutch student’s academic histories, including all academic data from all levels of education obtained. All grades, achievements, and documents are stored, managed, updated, and verified by DUO. Official documents, including transcripts, diplomas, and certificates, are also issued through DUO. Students can view and request documents through DUO’s online portals. DUO also analyzes these data to provide valuable insights into the state of the educational system in the Netherlands. DUO supports student mobility through its involvement in the recognition and verification of credentials obtained within the Netherlands as well as internationally. DUO is dedicated to operating with full transparency and publishes an annual report detailing the work done over the previous year.  

International Baccalaureate (IB) provides rigorous, high-quality education to over 1.95 million students around 
the world, beginning as early as age three. There are over 5,800 IB World Schools in 162 countries. Offering programmes in English, French, and Spanish, IB students are guaranteed a rich and stimulating education, encouraging curiosity and critical thinking in academics. IB students are carefully and comprehensively prepared to take on the challenge of university and are equipped with excellent study habits, cultural awareness, and academic confidence. IB qualifications are recognized by universities in over 100 countries. Additionally, IB offers professional development workshops for educators and leaders to provide them with tools and knowledge to support IB learners and provide them with excellent and well-rounded education. The IB Global Centre is based in The Hague, the Netherlands.  

The University of Groningen is one of the Netherlands’ oldest and renowned academic institutions. Founded in 1614, the University has been dedicated to educating and inspiring students for over 400 years. Now, the University offers over 180 programs and is home to over 35,000 students from around the world. 

ENLIGHT is an alliance comprised of ten universities across Europe. Together they are working to transform European higher education in order to empower learners as globally engaged citizens. Their goal is to facilitate the sharing process of resources between students and staff to allow for collaboration in teaching and learning, and research and innovation. They focus on key themes including climate change, health and well-being, inequality, digital revolution, energy and circularity, and culture and creativity.  

Since its founding in 1989, the European Association for International Education (EAIE) has been dedicated to the development, support and promotion of the internationalization of higher education by bringing together  
educators, thought leaders and other interested parties to form a network of like-minded individuals working 
towards a common goal. Annual conferences hosted by the EAIE facilitate connection and collaboration between key players and thinkers in international higher education by creating networking opportunities and offering hundreds of sessions and workshops.  

The EAIE offers several enrichment and professional development opportunities to its members, including their mentorship programme, in which individuals new to the field of international higher education are paired with experts who share best practices, provide guidance and offer advice to help those beginning their careers better navigate and contribute to the sector and achieve their full potential. Members also have access to the EAIE Communities of Practice, online forums for inter-network resource sharing, collaboration and support, as well as exclusive resources.  

The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) of the Government of the Netherlands oversees  
several sectors to ensure all individuals in the Netherlands have access to high quality education, engaging and 
inclusive cultural experiences, and drives scientific and technological advancements and innovation for the benefit of the country overall.  

The OCW develops national policies and standards for all levels of education in the country, including higher education. The OCW also oversees higher education in the Netherlands, conducting quality assurance checks and ensuring all institutions operate in accordance with national standards. The OCW allocates funding for higher education and research and collaborates with the ENIC-NARIC to support recognition of foreign academic credentials in the Netherlands.  

The OCW preserves the rich cultural history of the Netherlands by ensuring public accessibility to cultural experiences and activities by providing funding for and promoting cultural festivals, exhibits, and other initiatives.  
Science and technology remain at the forefront of the OCW’s priorities, and they exemplify this by contributing to relevant policies and providing support to researchers and scientists in their work. The OCW’s Climate and Energy Programme provides key funding to climate science and emphasizes sustainability in research.