Back to overview Pdf

Joint Programmes

Under the European Approach for Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes, a single quality assessment constitutes sufficient basis for obtaining accreditation in all the nations of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) in which programme accreditation is mandatory.

General info

The European Approach covers joint programmes, for which the following definition has been set down: Joint programmes are understood as an integrated curriculum coordinated and offered jointly by different higher education institutions from EHEA countries and leading to double/multiple degrees or a joint degree.

This means that joint programmes can lead to various degree conferrals: a double degree, multiple degrees, or a single joint degree. See also the international ECA website on joint degrees.

Under Dutch legislation, a joint degree may be attached to either a programme or a course of study (specialisation) within a programme. The conferral of a double degree upon completion of a joint programme provided by a research university and a university of applied sciences is, unfortunately, not possible. Under Article 7.3c paragraph 2 of the Dutch Higher Education and Research Act (WHW), joint programmes that are exclusively taught by Dutch universities may only confer joint degrees. Double or multiple degrees may only be conferred by joint programmes provided in collaboration with a university abroad (Article 7.3c paragraph 3 of the WHW).

Steps

Rates

In 2026, the rates are as follows:

  1. the assessment of an existing joint programme (assessment based on the assessment framework in force at the time and the Joint Degree Protocol for accreditation): €2,678 per application;
  2. the assessment of an existing joint programme (assessment in accordance with the European Approach), carried out by an EQAR-registered organisation other than NVAO: €2,678 per application;
  3. the assessment of an existing joint programme (assessment in accordance with the European Approach), carried out by NVAO: €2,678 per applicant;
  4. The assessment of a new joint programme, carried out by the NVAO, costs €30,853 per application.

Where a joint application is submitted by two or more institutions, each institution pays a proportion of the rate. In the case of a joint degree, the coordinating institution is responsible for payment.

Different rates apply to other or alternative procedures. Costs related to international site visits or the deployment of external experts, advisory services, or additional requirements are invoiced separately.

Contact person

pointofcontact_01

Infodesk Team Nederland

Related publications

Stocksy_txpa99dd8faaVz100_OriginalDelivery_1379431

Assessment Framework Accreditation System The Netherlands 2018

January 2019
Read more

Appeal procedure

In the Netherlands and Flanders, the board of an institution may appeal a (draft) NVAO decision.

More information