The Open University is empowered to confer the same academic titles on its graduates as the mainstream universities. Students can receive support in their self-study in one of the eighteen local study centres. Candidates who do not meet any of the above requirements and yet still wish to enter higher education can apply to sit a viva voce by way of an admissions examination. A minimum age of 21 generally applies in this case. The language of instruction at virtually all education establishments after all is Dutch.
Restrictions apply for admission to certain courses.
The Open University has no admission requirements. The student decides whether his or her level matches that of the course. A minimum age of 18 does apply, however. The majority of full-time courses last for four years, or 168 credits. Beyond higher education A student wishing to become a secondary school teacher is required to follow a one year post-graduate teacher training course after completing his or her study.