You want a degree from a well-respected Dutch university, but you don’t want to wait four years. The big question on your mind is probably: “How can I earn my Saxion diploma in a shorter time without cutting corners on quality?” Saxion University of Applied Sciences degree
Good news: Saxion offers several legitimate, university-approved pathways to help you accelerate your timeline. Let me walk you through your fastest options.
📚 “What Saxion Degrees Can I Complete in Less Than Four Years?”
Are there accelerated or short degree programmes at Saxion? Yes – this is your best starting point.
Saxion offers Short Degree Programmes (SDPs) designed for students who already have relevant prior education. For example, the Civil Engineering (Short Degree Programme) is aimed at students who have completed at least six semesters in Civil Engineering or already hold a degree in a related field. The Bachelor of Creative Media and Game Technologies (Short Degree) also allows students with prior qualifications to complete their degree in a reduced timeframe.
For bachelor’s programmes, the standard full-time duration is four years. However, you can shorten this significantly by transferring credits from previous studies. Saxion’s English-taught bachelor’s programmes are designed for both international students and Dutch students who prefer an English-language environment. Popular options include International Business, Software Engineering, and Mechatronics.
💡 Pro tip: The Short Degree Programmes are specifically designed to recognise your prior learning, helping you skip foundational modules and move directly into advanced coursework.
⏩ “How Can I Finish My Master’s Degree in One Year?”
Are there one-year master’s programmes at Saxion? Absolutely – this is a huge time-saver.
Saxion offers several one-year master’s programmes that can be completed in just 12 months of full-time study. The Master of Arts in Management is a standout option – if you have an economic bachelor’s degree, you can complete this master’s in one year of full-time study. Saxion is the only university of applied sciences in the Netherlands to offer this MA in Management from the University of Greenwich.
The Master of Science in Facility & Real Estate Management is also taught in English and can be completed in one year. Other master’s options include the MBA, offered in cooperation with the University of Greenwich, and the Master of Science in Applied Nanotechnology, which takes two years.
💡 Pro tip: For many master’s programmes at Saxion, there is no pre-master required. This means you can start directly with your master’s without spending an extra year on preparatory courses.
🔄 “How Can Prior Studies and Experience Shorten My Degree?”
Can I get credit for previous coursework or work experience? Yes – and this is your most powerful shortcut.
Saxion’s Short Degree Programmes are specifically designed to recognise prior learning. If you have completed at least six semesters in a related field or already hold a relevant degree, you may be eligible to skip significant portions of a bachelor’s programme.
For master’s programmes, many require a higher education bachelor’s degree in a related field and 24 months of full-time relevant working experience. This means your professional background can fast-track you into a master’s programme without additional academic prerequisites.
English proficiency requirements for bachelor’s and master’s programmes typically require IELTS Academic 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80. For pre-master or foundation programmes, a lower score of IELTS 5.5 may be accepted.
💡 Pro tip: When applying, submit your CV, transcripts, and any professional certifications upfront. Saxion’s admission officers assess each applicant’s prior learning individually, so do not assume anything – let them see your full background.
💻 “Can I Earn My Saxion Degree Through Online Learning?”
What online and blended learning options does Saxion offer? Saxion provides a robust digital learning environment.
Saxion’s official online learning platform is Bison (bison.saxion.nl), which gives you access to course materials, announcements, discussion forums, and other academic resources. You can also attend Digital Discovery Days online, where you meet lecturers and current students virtually to explore study programmes.
Saxion is also developing open online courses on Business Analytics and Smart Industries, available under a CC-BY-NC license. These courses teach new skills through real-life cases based on Dutch company data.
However, Saxion’s degree programmes are primarily campus-based, with a strong emphasis on practical skills and small-group work. You will need to be physically present in the Netherlands for most programmes.
💡 Pro tip: If you are an international student, use Saxion’s online resources to prepare before you arrive. Familiarise yourself with Bison and attend virtual open days to hit the ground running.
📅 “What Are the Key 2026 Deadlines I Cannot Miss?”
When do I need to apply for a fast start? Timing is everything.
For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline is 15 August 2026 for most programmes. However, for specific programmes like International Business, the deadline is 1 April 2026. The deadline for payment and document submission is 1 July 2026.
For scholarship applications, the deadline is 1 May 2026, and you must be (conditionally) admitted to your study programme before this date.
For exchange or non-EU students, check with your local international office. For example, some nomination deadlines for Fall 2026 were as early as 8 April 2026.
💡 Pro tip: Apply as early as possible – ideally 4–6 months before your intended start date. Late applications may not be considered, and early submission gives you time to sort out visa and housing arrangements.
📋 “What Documents and Requirements Do I Need?”
What is the required documents checklist for Saxion? Get these ready early.
Your application must include:
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Your academic diplomas and transcripts (certified copies)
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Proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80)
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A motivation letter
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A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
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Some programmes may require an intake interview
If your previous studies were conducted in English, you can provide proof – such as a copy of your diploma with an official university statement confirming English as the medium of instruction.
💡 Pro tip: Have all your documents certified and translated into English well before the deadline. Missing or incorrect documents are the number one cause of processing delays.
📜 “How Do I Receive My Saxion Degree After Completion?”
What is the certificate collection and authentication process? Once you complete your programme, Saxion issues your official Urkunde (degree certificate). For international use, you may need to request an apostille from the Dutch authorities to authenticate your degree for recognition in Hague Convention countries.
Saxion’s programmes are monitored by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and accredited by several international bodies, ensuring your qualification is recognised worldwide.
✅ Your Action Plan for a Fast Saxion Degree
Here is your complete checklist:
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Explore Short Degree Programmes – check if your prior education qualifies you for an accelerated bachelor’s pathway
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Choose a one-year master’s – the MA in Management or MSc in Facility & Real Estate Management can be completed in just 12 months
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Apply for credit transfer – submit your transcripts and CV early so Saxion can assess your prior learning
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Meet English requirements – IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80 for most programmes; IELTS 5.5 for pre-master or foundation courses
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Submit your application before key deadlines – 15 August 2026 (general), 1 April 2026 (some programmes), 1 May 2026 (scholarships)
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Prepare certified documents – diplomas, transcripts, motivation letter, CV, and proof of English proficiency
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Use Saxion’s online resources – explore Bison, attend Digital Discovery Days, and prepare before you arrive
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Stay on track – with a one-year master’s or accelerated bachelor’s, you can earn your Saxion degree faster than you ever imagined
Saxion University of Applied Sciences offers genuine, internationally recognised degrees with clear pathways to accelerate your timeline. Start your application today – your Dutch degree is waiting.
📍 Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Enschede, Overijssel, Netherlands
🔗 Official website: www.saxion.edu
