In Europe, and in particular in the Netherlands, 'Universities of Applied Sciences' (UAS) is a term that refers to institutions of higher education offering profession-oriented study programmes.
The programmes are practically oriented and prepare students directly for careers in several sectors as economics and business administration, engineering and technology, commerce, finance, leisure, tourism, marketing, and health care.
In recent years, the universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands have grown to become broad-based knowledge institutions. Dutch universities of applied sciences offer both Bachelor degrees and Master degrees.
In recent years, the universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands have grown from teaching institutions to broad-based knowledge institutions. In line with the Bologna process, Bachelor's and Master's degrees awarded by both types of universities (Universitäten and Fachhochschulen) are legally equivalent.
More information about higher education in the Netherlands