voorbereidingsprogramma

A voorbereidingsprogramma, or preparatory program, is an educational offering designed to prepare individuals for admission to a specific degree program or professional field. The aim is to close gaps in subject knowledge, language proficiency, or academic skills that may prevent direct entry to the target program.

Content and purpose typically include subject-specific bridging courses (such as mathematics, science, or language subjects), as well as general academic skills like study techniques, academic writing, information literacy, and research methods. Many programs also provide orientation to university life, tutoring, mentorship, and guidance on the admission procedures for the intended program. Some offerings include language support and cultural acclimation for international students.

Contexts and availability vary by country and institution. In the Netherlands and the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium (Flanders), universities and universities of applied sciences may offer voorbereidingsprogramma’s for applicants who do not meet standard entry requirements, for international students seeking to meet language and academic standards, or for professionals pursuing requalification. Some programs serve as a conditional pathway to admission, while others function as a standalone bridging year.

Structure and outcomes differ, but common features include a defined duration (often several months to a full academic year), either full-time or part-time delivery, and assessments that determine readiness for the intended degree program. Successful completion can grant conditional admission, transfer of credits, or direct entry to the target program, depending on institutional rules.

Notes for prospective students include variability in availability, requirements, and recognition across institutions. It is advisable to verify how credits transfer and what the program covers, as well as the exact admission implications of completing a voorbereidingsprogramma.