From crèche to university: how does the education system in the Netherlands work?

The Dutch education system is divided into primary education, secondary education and further education.

Primary education refers to primary school. Secondary education refers to

A crèche is often referred to as a day-care centre or nursery. This is childcare for children who do not yet attend primary school. Childcare is not compulsory. Parents decide for themselves whether their child attends childcare.

Find out more about: What types of childcare are available in the Netherlands?

Some children attend pre-school. This provides extra support for toddlers aged between 2½ and 4 years, and is designed for children who need extra help with language skills. It helps them to prepare better for primary school.

Children can start primary school from the age of 4. From the age of 5, children are required to attend school. Primary school usually lasts 8 years. Children start in group 1 and finish in group 8. At primary school, children learn, amongst other things, to read, write, do maths, work together and get on with others. Children usually finish primary school when they are 12 or 13 years old. A child must not be older than 14 years old whilst attending primary school.

In group 8, a child receives a school recommendation. This recommendation helps them choose a secondary school. A child also takes a

Read more in this article about how primary school works.

After primary school, children go on to secondary school. This is known as secondary education.

Secondary school has different levels. Which level a pupil chooses depends on the school’s recommendation in group 8.

In the Netherlands, children are usually required to attend school until the age of 16. In some cases, young people must attend school until the age of 18. This applies if they do not yet have a diploma that allows them to continue their education or start working.

There are various levels within secondary education:

VMBO

VMBO stands for "voorbereidend middelbaar beroepsonderwijs" (preparatory secondary vocational education). The VMBO programme usually lasts four years. VMBO prepares pupils for MBO. Some pupils may also progress to HAVO after completing VMBO.

After completing VMBO, many pupils go on to an MBO course.

HAVO

HAVO stands for "hoger algemeen voortgezet onderwijs" (higher general secondary education). The HAVO programme usually lasts five years. It is divided into lower secondary education and upper secondary education. In lower secondary education, pupils study a wide range of subjects. In upper secondary education, pupils choose a specialisation.

With a HAVO diploma, a pupil can go on to HBO. Some pupils can also progress to VWO after completing HAVO.

VWO

VWO stands for "voorbereidend wetenschappelijk onderwijs" (preparatory scientific education). The VWO programme usually lasts six years. With a VWO diploma, a pupil can go on to university. A pupil can also go on to HBO. In VWO too, pupils choose a specialisation in upper secondary education.

Read in this article how secondary school works in the Netherlands.

After secondary school, young people can continue their education. For example, they can go to MBO, HBO or university.

MBO

MBO stands for "middelbaar beroepsonderwijs" (secondary vocational education). At MBO level, you train for a career. For example, in healthcare, engineering, the hospitality industry, childcare, retail or IT.

Many pupils go on to MBO after completing VMBO. Even with a HAVO diploma, you can sometimes go on to MBO.

MBO has four levels:

MBO level 1: This introductory course usually lasts 1 year. This course is for students who do not yet have a diploma. You will learn to carry out work under supervision.

MBO level 2: The basic vocational training programme usually lasts 1 to 2 years. You learn to carry out practical work. A level 2 diploma gives you a basic vocational qualification.

MBO level 3: This vocational course usually lasts 2 to 3 years. You will learn to work independently in a particular profession.

MBO level 4: The

Learning pathways in MBO

In MBO, you can often choose between BOL and BBL programmes.

• In BOL, you mainly attend school. You also do a work placement with a company or organisation.

• In BBL, you mainly gain practical experience. You will also attend school for a few days or half-days.

In both pathways, you therefore learn both at school and on the job. The BOL and BBL pathways lead to the same diploma.

Find out more about BOL and BBL in this article.

VAVO

VAVO stands for "voortgezet algemeen volwassenenonderwijs" (general adult secondary education). This type of education is primarily aimed at young people and adults who wish to obtain a diploma. VAVO is often taught at an MBO school.

In VAVO, you can obtain a diplima for VMBO-TL, HAVO or VWO. Sometimes you can also take individual subjects. This is useful if you have failed an exam or if you decide later on that you want to continue your studies.

HBO

HBO stands for "hoger beroepsonderwijs" (higher professional education). You study HBO at a university of applied sciences. HBO is practical. You learn to apply your knowledge in a professional context. You often work on assignments, projects and work placements. An HBO bachelor’s degree usually takes 4 years. There is also a shorter HBO programme: the associate degree. This usually takes 2 years.

After completing HBO, you can start working. In some cases, you can also continue your studies, for example by doing a Master’s degree.

University

University is also known as WO. WO stands for "wetenschappelijk onderwijs" (academic education). At university, you learn a lot of theory. You also learn how to conduct research, analyse information and write academic texts.

You can usually go to university with a VWO diploma. Sometimes you can also progress to university after completing a HBO programme or after the first year of an HBO programme.

A university bachelor's degree usually lasts 3 years. After that, you can go on to do a master’s degree. A master’s degree usually lasts 1 year or longer.

Find out more about: MBO, HBO and university

After completing an HBO bachelor’s degree, you can sometimes go on to do an HBO master’s degree. Sometimes you can also go to a university to do a master’s degree. In such cases, you may first need to complete a

After completing a WO bachelor’s degree, many students go on to do a WO master’s degree. A master’s degree usually lasts one or two years. Some master’s programmes take longer.

After a master's degree (PhD)

After completing a Master’s degree, you can also go on to do research. For example, you could do a PhD at a university. Doing a PhD involves carrying out a major piece of academic research. If you successfully complete this research, you will be awarded the title of Doctor.