Software Engineering Course
Want to become a Software Engineer? Bit Academy does not offer an English MBO programme. We do offer three English routes: the online HBO Bachelor Software Engineering for accredited degree seekers, Bit Academy Pro for working professionals, and an HBO-recognised Full Stack Bootcamp for those aiming to be junior-ready in a year.
Which route fits you?
Bit Academy offers different track types. For each route below you'll see who it's for, how long it takes and what certificate or diploma you receive.
HBO · 4 years (240 EC)
HBO Online Bachelor Software Engineering
Accredited HBO bachelor Software Engineering, 100% online. For MBO-4 holders, HAVO/VWO or 21+ with admissions test.
Pro · Typically 15–24 months
Pro Full Stack Web Developer
Online Pro route focused on web development (front-end + back-end). Recognised Pro certificate plus portfolio.
Bootcamp · 6–12 months
Full Stack Developer Bootcamp
Intensive full-time route, 100% remote, HBO-recognised certificate (30 EC), three-month placement included.
Which situation matches yours?
Working professional
You already have a job and want to move into software engineering. Pro (self-paced) is the route that combines work and learning.
Career switcher in a year
You want to study full time and be junior-ready in a year. The Bootcamp is designed for this — intensive with quick work-readiness.
Degree seeker
An accredited title is essential for you (HBO bachelor). You get that through HBO Online Software Engineering, not through a Bootcamp or Pro.
International student
Looking for English software engineering routes? All three options above are delivered in English. Note: Bit Academy does not offer an MBO programme in English.
What does a Software Engineer do?
A Software Engineer builds software — a broad role ranging from mobile apps to web applications to back-end systems. In the Netherlands most demand sits in web development (front-end, back-end, full stack) and enterprise software (Java, .NET). Junior engineers usually work in teams under mid- and senior-level guidance.
Bit Academy teaches software engineering via web development as a practical entry point. The principles transfer to other domains — once you reason well about code, data structures and architecture, with some additional self-study you can move into mobile, embedded or game development too.
HBO, Bootcamp or Pro — which fits?
Three routes with three target audiences. HBO Online gives an accredited bachelor (4 years, online, self-paced). The Bootcamp is for anyone wanting to be junior-ready in a year, full time. Pro is for working professionals who need self-paced study and don't seek a full bachelor.
Your choice depends on time, goals and whether you need an accredited degree. Book a discovery call if you're unsure — our study advisors give honest advice, sometimes even recommending another school or course.
What does a Software Engineer earn in the Netherlands?
Junior Software Engineer salaries range €2,500–€3,500 gross/month (2025 reference). Mid-levels earn €3,500–€5,000; seniors go higher. Specialisations (security, data, AI) and region (Randstad vs province) significantly affect pay.
Salary also depends on employer type. Consulting firms sometimes pay juniors better but ask for more travel and project changes. Product companies are often calmer but start lower. Scale-ups sit in between.
Pro, Bootcamp and HBO are not the same
Each track type has its own proposition. Below you'll see what each one stands for.
HBO
Accredited HBO bachelor Software Engineering. 4 years (240 EC). 100% online, self-paced. Accredited bachelor diploma.
Pro
Online, alongside work, self-paced. 15–24 months, €59.99/month. Recognised Pro certificate plus portfolio. No bachelor diploma.
Bootcamp
Full time, 32+ hours/week, 100% remote. 6–12 months, HBO-recognised certificate (30 EC), placement included.
Related routes and information
Answers to common questions
Which Software Engineering route should I choose?
Want an accredited HBO bachelor? Pick HBO Online. Want to learn alongside work? Pick Pro. Want to be junior-ready in a year full time? Pick the Bootcamp. Book a discovery call if you're unsure.
Do I need HAVO or VWO?
For HBO: MBO-4, HAVO, VWO or 21+ with admissions test. For Bootcamp and Pro: typically MBO-4 / HAVO work-and-thinking level, plus a selection interview.
Is Bit Academy's HBO bachelor accredited?
Yes. HBO Online Software Engineering is an accredited HBO bachelor (240 EC). The Bootcamp is HBO-recognised (30 EC) but not a full bachelor.
Is a Bootcamp worth as much as a degree?
Not on paper — a Bootcamp certificate is not an accredited HBO bachelor. On the labour market it is recognised, especially with a strong portfolio. For roles that explicitly require a degree (government, international career), the HBO route is safer.
Does Bit Academy offer software engineering in English on MBO level?
No. Bit Academy's MBO programme runs only in Dutch. For English-language routes, see HBO Online, Pro and the Full Stack Bootcamp.
Not sure which route fits?
Book a 30-minute discovery call with a study advisor. No sales pitch — honest advice. We sometimes recommend a different school if it fits you better.