Studying

In the Netherlands, there are three different types of education for subsequent training:

• Intermediate vocational education (MBO)

• Higher vocational education (HBO)

• Academic education (WO)

Below you can read about the characteristics associated with each type of education:

• For all study programs in Dutch, you must pass the

  State Examination NT2-II
  .

• For English-language studies, you must take an

  IELTS exam
  or a
  TOEFL exam
  .

• If you earned a diploma in your home country, you can have it assessed by the International Credential Evaluation (IDW). Based on that assessment, the HBO institute or college will decdide whether your diploma is sufficient.

• If you do not have a diploma or if your diploma is insufficient, you must take an exam: the 21+ entrance test.

You can get student loans to study if you: 

• Have an asylum or regular indefinite residence permit.

• Are between 18 and 30 years old.

• Will begin studies, such as MBO, HBO or university.

At the

Please note: Study funding means that you borrow or get money from the Dutch government to study. You have to pay back part of the study funding. 

Please note: If you are over 30 and under 55, you can also borrow money from DUO for tuition or fees – under certain conditions. This is called the undefinedLevenlanlerenkredietundefined (lifelong learning credit).

Helpful organisations

These organisations can help you, for example with information or (part of) the cost of your studies:

• Universitair Asiel Fonds (UAF)

• kiesmbo.nl

• Nuffic

• Studiekeuze 123