In response to the increasing interest of Irish students in taking up the many opportunities to study, through English, in the Netherlands, a group of Dutch Applied Universities - Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) - are visiting Dublin in April. These universities offer programmes in:

Physiotherapy >> Game Design >> Business >> Law >> IT >> Engineering >> Art & Design >> Hotel Management >> Global Development >> Sports Studies >> Animal Husbandry >> Event Management

and many more

The Dutch Gateway to Employment event , launched by the Dutch Ambassador, is in the evening, commencing at 19.00. The evening comprises the following elements:

19.00 - 19.30 Video clips concerning Dutch Education

19.30 – 20.45 Presentations on Studying in the Netherlands (inc Q & A session with universities and Irish students currently studying in the Netherlands)

20.45 – 22.00 Opportunity to engage deeper with universities in a 1:1 in a mini-exhibition

Some of the top Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences will be attending. Importantly, some will be bringing with them Irish students currently attending their universities. Currently confirmed as attending are:

Avans UAS

Fontys UAS

Hague UAS

Hanze UAS

Hotelschool, The Hague

InHolland UAS

NHL Stenden UAS

Saxion UAS

Van Hall Larenstein UAS

These universities are strongly employment-focused with a much more practical, hands-on, project-based style than the more academic (albeit excellent) programmes at research universities. The UAS programmes usually include one or two internships. Irish students on these programmes are enjoying an approach to education that, though less academic and more practical, is still very high in quality. Commentators in Higher Education, suggest that these programmes are a great match to the needs and preferred learning styles of Irish students.

Entry requirements are low in comparison with Irish universities – five passes at Leaving Cert, reflecting students’ right to an education in mainland Europe and sidestepping the need to obsess about Leaving Cert points. Importantly, students with a relevant QQI/FETAC Level 5 qualification qualify for degree programmes at UAS.

Tuition fees are low: Eur 2209 p.a., with a long-term interest-free loans from the Dutch government, to pay these fees. There are other loans/grants available for living expenses. Also, if you qualify for a SUSI Maintenance Grant, you can take it with you. This all ensures that it is often less expensive to study in the Netherlands, than in Ireland.

So, if you are interested in a programme that directly prepares you for the employment markets of the 21st century, programmes which you have the right to join and can afford to attend, it is certainly worth considering the Universities of Applied Sciences.