FAQs
Do the three midwifery programmes offered in the Netherlands differ from each other?
The programmes all prepare their students for the same profession. Thus, there is much mutual cooperation and consultation among the four academies, as well as the professional umbrella association (KNOV). The main difference, however, lies in the educational method. Amsterdam and Groningen both offer case-based followed by project-based education in the first and second years. Rotterdam combines problem- and project-based learning, with much attention paid to students’ personal development. Maastricht uses competence-oriented education on the basis of Problem-Based Learning (PBL).
Undoubtedly there are many more differences. You can read more about the various programmes on their respective websites.
Is the programme feasible if you have a family?
Yes, provided you have good and permanent care facilities for your children during the four years of the programme.
Can I have a job alongside the programme?
It is not possible to have a full-time job – you simply won’t have the time. Most students can cope with a part-time weekend or student job. Self-discipline is the keyword.
Can I continue to live with my parents or should I find a room near the academy?
Naturally, this depends on the travel time involved and other personal preferences. The lessons usually start at 8.30.
The programmes aim to develop your personal initiative and independence. They largely consist of unsupervised group or individual study activities. In this regard, it makes a difference whether you live close to or far from the academy. If you live far away, you will need extra self-discipline to make sure you travel to the academy whenever you need more skills practice or to attend meetings etc.
Interning is another story altogether. There are few internships in the first year, but several in the later years. It is not always possible to find an internship close to where you live. You should keep this in mind when choosing your place of residence, because 50% of the programme consists of internships.
How much does the programme cost?
During the programme you should take into account the expenses for tuition fees, books, other course materials and travel.
Is it possible to follow a shortened or evening programme?
No, the midwifery programme is full time.
How long does the programme last?
Four years.
What are the admission requirements?
To be admitted to the midwifery programme you must satisfy these admission requirements.
I have a HAVO diploma without biology or chemistry. What should I do?
To rectify your biology and/or chemistry deficiency you can take a separate course, for example in the summer preceding the first study year. These are offered by special education institutes. Note that the deficiency must be rectified before the start of the first year, and that HAVO–CM diplomas must be supplemented with mathematics A or B alongside biology and chemistry.
Can I be admitted with an MBO diploma?
You are admissible under the Higher Education and Scientific Research Act (WHW). However, HAVO-level biology 1 and chemistry 1 and a good command English (the reading includes English-language literature) are important conditions to successfully complete the programme. In the event of deficiencies, we therefore recommend that you reach a sufficient biology and chemistry level by taking the HAVO national exam, for example at the Open University Netherland http://www.ou.nl/voorbereidingscursussen.
Are Belgian midwifery programmes equivalent to the Dutch programmes?
Most Belgian programmes are equivalent to those in the Netherlands in one respect: they satisfy the requirements of the BIG register. This means that after successfully completing the programme and obtaining the required documents, you can be BIG registered and officially call yourself a midwife.
However, unlike the Belgian programmes, the Dutch programmes prepare you to work independently in the home situation, have your own practice and participate in a group practice. Belgian midwives usually work in a hospital under the supervision of a gynaecologist rather than having their own practice. Midwifery programmes in the Netherlands are thus strongly committed to the independence of midwives in the Dutch situation.
Can EU citizens be admitted to a Dutch midwifery programme?
JYes, provided they satisfy the admission requirements. Non-Dutch diplomas are weighed and assessed by the relevant HBO institute, which then gives a binding recommendation on admission.
Can non-EU citizens take a Dutch midwifery programme?
Yes, under the same conditions as EU citizens.
Is my foreign midwifery diploma valid in the Netherlands?
Not all foreign diplomas qualify their holders to work as a midwife in the Netherlands. Sometimes you will need to follow the Dutch programme (or part of it) even if you have already obtained a diploma abroad. Midwifery diplomas obtained in or outside the European Union are handled by the Registration of and Information for Healthcare Professionals (RIBIZ, http://www.ribiz.nl/en/).
Does the programme have an age limit?
No. Each year, people of various ages start the programme.
Can I visit an academy to get an impression of the programme?
You can learn more about the midwifery programmes on the open days organised several times a year. You receive extensive information, can ask questions and look around the academy. For exact dates, please visit the website of the relevant midwifery academy.
Can I practise for the SQ test?
The SQ (‘social quotient’) test is part of the selection procedure. As midwives almost always work in social situations, their social insight and intelligence is just as important in the midwifery profession as their IQ (intelligence quotient). The results of the SQ test say something about your insight into work situations involving parents, parents-to-be, and colleagues. However, it is not possible to practise for the test, though you do receive a practice case before it begins on the selection day.
The test is computer based. You watch several video fragments related to the midwifery profession, each showing a certain professional situation. You are then asked to assess the effectiveness of different reactions to each situation.
You can find more information about the SQ test on the internet