Education
On this page, you will find information about education for children and adults in the Netherlands, including information about primary school and secondary school. You can also read here about the requirements for studying if you do not yet have a residence permit, as well as the costs of education.
Information
From crèche to university: how does the education system in the Netherlands work?
The Dutch education system can be complicated. Education is divided into different age groups. In this article, you can read about the journey from crèche to university.
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.
Studying in the Netherlands: what is the difference between MBO, HBO and university?
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.
Choosing a degree programme in the Netherlands: how to pick a programme or degree that is right for you
There are many educational programmes in the Netherlands. That is why it can be difficult to make the right choice. In this article, you will learn how to choose a programme or course of study that is right for you, step by step.
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.
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.
This is what you need to arrange if you want to study at an HBO school or university
If you want to take an HBO or WO course in the Netherlands, you must meet certain requirements. You will have to deal with costs such as tuition fees and and rules for admission to studies. In this article you can read how and where to register, what you have to arrange and what you have to pay for. And we will tell you what help you can get.
This is what you need to arrange if you want to take an MBO course
If you want to take an MBO course in the Netherlands, you must meet certain requirements. You will have to deal with costs such as tuition fees and admission requirements. In this article you can read how and where to register, what you have to arrange and what you have to pay for. And what financial assistance you can get.
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.