Accreditation

Once you have found a number of universities you have your eye on, it is important to check whether these universities are accredited. This way, you can be sure your degree will soon be recognized in the Netherlands.

Accreditation in the US

Education in the US is not regulated at the federal level, so there is no national accreditation like in the Netherlands. American university are often accredited by region, and sometimes by discipline. Always check if the university is recognized by an accreditation organization. Below you will find the most well-known accreditation organizations. If you have doubts about the accreditation of a university, you can always contact us for further advice.

National accreditation organizations:

Regional accreditation organizations:

Middle States Commission on Higher Education
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Higher Learning Commission (Midwest, formerly the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools)
Northwest Accreditation Commission
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Accreditation of your US diploma in the Netherlands

The two best-known undergraduate programs are the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Science (BS or BSc).

The BA often requires a foreign language and general education courses, while the BS usually places more emphasis on natural sciences. Other bachelor’s degrees include the BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration), BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts), BMus (Bachelor of Music) and BArch (Bachelor of Architecture).

Your American bachelor’s degree will be accredited in the Netherlands. More information about this can be obtained through the Rijksoverheid. Would you like to continue your studies in the Netherlands after your bachelor? Keep in mind that an American bachelor’s degree does not always automatically grant you admission to a Dutch master’s program. Depending on the field of study, you may have to take a gap year first.