1978–79 Eerste Divisie

The Dutch Eerste Divisie in the 1978–79 season was contested by 19 teams. Excelsior won the championship.

New entrants
Relegated from the 1977–78 Eredivisie
 * FC Amsterdam
 * Telstar

Promotion competition
In the promotion competition, four period winners (the best teams during each of the four quarters of the regular competition) played for promotion to the Eredivisie.