Education
On this page you will find information about education in the Netherlands. For example, about primary and secondary schools. You can also read about conditions for studying if you do not yet have a residence permit and the costs of education.
Information
BBL and BOL: two ways to take an MBO programme
In the Netherlands, you can attend intermediate vocational education (MBO) in two ways: through BBL or BOL. Both programmes give you an official MBO diploma, but the way of learning is different. In this article you will read about the difference between these two programmes.
Learning Dutch yourself if you have not yet had your civic integration and you are not going to school
Do you want to learn Dutch? If you do not have a residence permit yet, you cannot do your civic integration in the Netherlands. You are not learning the Dutch language yet at school or in a course. However, you can already start learning Dutch. Here you can read in what ways you can.
Education for children who cannot speak Dutch yet and who do not have a residence permit yet
If you do not have an asylum residence permit yet and you have children under 18 who do not speak Dutch yet, schools offer help so your child can learn Dutch and get a Dutch education.
Diploma evaulation in the Netherlands without a residence permit
If you have earned a diploma outside the Netherlands and want to work or study in a profession that fits with your diploma, you can have your diploma evaluated. This will tell you at what level you can study or work in the Netherlands. You can have 1 diploma evaluated free of charge.
Different types of education in the Netherlands
If you go to school in the Netherlands, you may choose what type of education you or your child receives. In this article you can read more about the different types of education.
Primary school
Children ages 4 through 12 attend primary school. The primary school has 8 groups. Children are required to attend school from the age of 5 but most children in the Netherlands attend primary school from the age of 4. On this page you can read all about primary school.
Secondary school
After primary school, children attend secondary school. Secondary school consists of different levels and years. Children up to age 16, sometimes 18, are required to attend school. On this page you can read all about secondary school.
This is how studying in the Netherlands works
After secondary school, you can continue your studies. You can study at different levels. The level of your studies depends on your secondary school diploma. In this article, you will find information about the different levels if you are going to study.
Conditions for studying without a residence permit
If you do not have a residence permit yet, but have applied for asylum in the Netherlands, according to the rules, you may study here. In practice, this is difficult. For example, you have to meet certain (language) conditions. You can read about them on this page.
Paying for your studies in the Netherlands without a residence permit
If you do not have a residence permit yet, but have applied for asylum in the Netherlands, according to the rules, you may also study here. However, you must be able to pay for your studies yourself and will not receive money from the government.
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