A Pioneer in Teacher Education Born During World War II
The history of Driestar Hogeschool dates back to 1944, when it began as a small Reformed teacher training college in Krabbendijk, Zeeland, with the aim of training the educators urgently needed in post-war Netherlands. In 1954, it relocated to the historic city of Gouda in South Holland, where it took root and grew. After decades of development and expansion, Driestar has now become an integral part of the Driestar Educatief Knowledge Center, with approximately 1,500 students and 275 faculty and staff members. Unlike comprehensive universities seeking multidisciplinary development, Driestar has consistently focused on a single core area: teacher education. a Driestar hogeschool getuigschrift grounded in Christian values
The Cradle of Dutch Primary and Secondary School Teachers
Driestar’s academic offerings are highly specialized. At the undergraduate level, it offers only programs leading to primary and secondary school teaching certifications. At the master’s level, there are three specialized tracks: Learning and Innovation, Special Educational Needs, and Educational Leadership.
All programs rank between first and fifth in the national teacher training program ratings. Many graduates enter the Dutch primary and secondary education system; one such educator, Alice Stijsiger, pursued a PhD at Wageningen University while training at Driestar to transition into vocational education. This demonstrates the school’s commitment to bridging theory and practice. Driestar provides comprehensive career guidance services to graduates, including career counseling, job fairs, and personalized career development plans, helping them successfully transition into the workforce.
Global Recognition: A European Quality Passport Under NVAO Oversight
The value of a Driestar diploma lies in its acceptance by the Netherlands-Flanders Accreditation Organization (NVAO). NVAO is an independent body established by the Dutch and Flemish governments specifically to validate higher education degree programs in both countries.
NVAO accreditation ensures that Driestar’s educational system strictly adheres to the unified European standards set forth by the Bologna Process. The credits and degrees it awards are automatically recognized across the European Union and in approximately fifty countries and regions worldwide. All accredited programs are listed in the DEQAR international database and can be verified as authoritative globally—this is why Driestar diplomas are widely recognized worldwide.
Christian Educational Philosophy and Campus Culture
Driestar is a university grounded in Christian values and rooted in the Protestant tradition. The Bible serves as the foundation of the institution, and the university requires all students to treat one another with respect. As a small university, Driestar provides each student with highly personalized attention, ensuring that every student receives sufficient academic guidance and personal support. The university also offers overseas exchange programs and has established connections with international partners, continuously shaping the worldview of future teachers through its global alumni network.
