Higher professional education (hbo)

The hbo bachelor stage usually takes 4 years. It trains students for higher managerial or specialist positions. In addition to subject-specific theory, it is mainly oriented at developing relevant practical work skills.  Students usually have one or two trainee periods to prepare for the work environment.
In the dual track of hbo, theoretical and work-based periods of around six months alternate and reinforce each other. Some students are required to carry out college assignments in the work place. Vice versa, the work experience they gain is reflected in the lectures during the theory periods.