The Open University is a state institution for higher distance education. A total of almost 300 courses are offered within these faculties. Each course can be seen as a stand-alone unit, and students can put together their own study programme comprising one or more related courses. Complete higher education programmes are also offered. 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.