Dutch universities of applied sciences to offer doctorates from 2027
From 2027, master's students in the Netherlands may earn a doctorate at universities of applied sciences, expanding career opportunities in practice-oriented research. This change aims to address societal challenges like sustainability and AI innovation, directly benefiting professionals and businesses.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| New Degrees | Professional Doctor (PD), Engineering Doctor (EngD) |
| Start Date | 2027-2028 academic year |
| Duration | PD: 4-6 years, EngD: 2 years |
| Focus | Practice-oriented research, technological designs |
| Responsible Minister | Rianne Letschert (Education, Culture and Science) |
| Supporting Organizations | Vereniging Hogescholen, Regieorgaan SIA |
| Legislative Basis | Amendment to the Higher Education and Scientific Research Act (WHW) |
| Current Status | Online consultation launched, awaiting Council of State advice and parliamentary approval |
The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science oversees higher education policy in the Netherlands, ensuring alignment with societal and economic needs. This legislative amendment reflects the ministry's commitment to valuing practice-oriented research and expanding educational opportunities for professionals.
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Bill proposes: Master's students can also become Doctors at universities of applied sciences
Obtaining a doctorate in the Netherlands is currently only possible at universities. However, if the cabinet has its way, you may soon be able to earn a doctorate at a university of applied sciences as well. Today, the first draft of the legislative amendment required for this will be made public.
Responsible Minister Rianne Letschert (Education, Culture and Science): “Practice-oriented research is of great value in providing solutions to societal problems and is often directly applicable, for example, to businesses. I believe it is important to truly value such research. This should include a legally recognised degree. It is good that this is now happening; this is truly a missing piece of the puzzle.”
Two new degrees in the education system
The legislative amendment will introduce two official degrees to the education system. A degree is an internationally recognisable title obtained upon completing a study programme or research. Well-known examples include Doctor and Master. Soon, a Professional Doctor (PD) will be added, which can be obtained after a practice-oriented research project lasting 4-6 years. Additionally, universities will also be able to award a new legally recognised degree: Engineering Doctor (EngD). This programme has existed for some time, but until now, it was not associated with a degree or title. It takes two years and focuses on technological designs.
Practice-oriented research of great societal importance
Various reports, including from the OECD and Rathenau Institute, indicate that the Netherlands needs more people who, after completing their master's degree, further develop their knowledge and skills. These individuals are essential for solving the major challenges of our time. Practice-oriented research plays a significant role in this. The value of this approach is evident from a pilot project conducted in recent years in collaboration with the Association of Universities of Applied Sciences (Vereniging Hogescholen) and the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research Applied and Technical Sciences (Regieorgaan SIA). Examples include research conducted with the hospitality industry to reduce plastic waste in the sea, or the development of AI-driven energy systems in buildings that ease the strain on the power grid. Consider also innovations to quickly locate illegal graves, which are crucial in forensic investigations. Each of these projects is valuable and directly applicable.
Maurice Limmen of Vereniging Hogescholen: “The professional doctorate trains individuals who, in collaboration with businesses and institutions, drive innovations in rapidly evolving professional fields due to technological advancements such as artificial intelligence. The legal anchoring of the PD would therefore be very good news for our economy and society, especially at this time. It would also be a milestone for universities of applied sciences.”
Comparable to a university PhD
The plan is for students with a master's degree to be able to enrol in the legally recognised PD or EngD programmes starting in the 2027-2028 academic year. The legislative proposal stipulates that both programmes will have the same level of difficulty as obtaining a PhD at a university, albeit with a different focus. This will truly enrich the education system, offering both university of applied sciences and university master's students, as well as professionals, a new opportunity to further their development.
Legislative amendment aligns with coalition agreement
The cabinet aims to stimulate practice-oriented research, as outlined in the coalition agreement. Allowing doctorates at universities of applied sciences fits within this goal. To formalise this, the Higher Education and Scientific Research Act (Wet op het Hoger onderwijs en wetenschappelijk onderzoek, WHW) must be amended. The legislative process begins today with an online consultation, followed by advice from the Council of State and consideration of the bill in the House of Representatives and Senate.