Education
On this page you will find information about education in the Netherlands. For example, about primary school, secondary school and about studying at MBO, HBO or university level. And about tuition fees and other costs.
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.
Education for children who cannot speak Dutch yet
If you have an asylum residence permit 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.
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.
Why does the relationship between parents and schools feel different in the Netherlands?
If you are new to the Netherlands, dealing with your child’s school may feel different from what you are used to. Schools and parents work together, but each has their own role to play. Read here to find out how this works in the Netherlands.
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.
Help with the Dutch language
You can practice Dutch in different ways. If you would like help learning the Dutch language, you can find more information on this page about how and where you can get help.
Diploma evaluation in the Netherlands with 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.
Paying for your studies in the Netherlands
If you are going to study MBO, HBO or WO in the Netherlands, there are several ways to pay for your studies. For example with the help of study financing from Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (DUO). Read here what options there are.