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HOW DOES THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM WORK IN THE NETHERLANDS?

Each country has their own educational system. Some of them are quite easy to follow and when moving to these countries, it's easy to understand how it works. In countries that have such a clear system, newcomers in these countries also have an easier time to evaluate their own diploma's in that countries system.

But, looking at the educational system in the Netherlands, some may have a difficult time to understand how the different paths work for students. They can also find it harder to see on what level their own diploma's are on. So, to make it a bit more understandable, we'd like to tell you more about this system!

The Dutch educational system is well-structured and offers different learning paths, depending on the level and interests of the student. Below, we’ll guide you through the main stages:

Primary Education (4-12 years)

  • Children usually start primary school at the age of 4, although education is only compulsory from age 5.
  • Primary school consists of eight grades: groups 1 and 2 are kindergarten classes, followed by groups 3 to 8.

In group 8, students often take the Cito Final Test (or another final test), which serves as a recommendation for secondary school selection. The teacher's assessment also plays an important role here.

Secondary Education (12-16/18 years)

After primary school, students move on to secondary education. This is divided into three main types:

  • VMBO (Preparatory Secondary Vocational Education) - Duration: 4 years
    VMBO prepares students for practical and theoretical vocational education. It is divided into four tracks: basic vocational, middle vocational, combined, and theoretical track. With a VMBO diploma, students can progress to MBO.
  • HAVO (Higher General Secondary Education) - Duration: 5 years
    HAVO is more theoretical and prepares students for HBO (Higher Vocational Education). A HAVO diploma also provides access to the 4th year of VWO if students wish to move on to university.
  • VWO (Preparatory Scientific Education) - Duration: 6 years
    This is the most academic route and prepares students for university. VWO is divided into Atheneum and Gymnasium (with the latter including Latin and Greek). The VWO diploma grants direct access to university studies.

 

Secondary Vocational Education (MBO)

MBO offers practical education and is intended for VMBO graduates. MBO has four levels, depending on the chosen field and level of specialization:

  • Level 1: Entry-level education);
  • Level 2: Basic vocational training;
  • Level 3: Vocational training;
  • Level 4: Middle-management or specialist training.

With an MBO diploma at level 4, students can progress to HBO.

MBO Plus is an additional track within the Dutch secondary vocational education (MBO) system. It offers extra training opportunities for students who want to further specialize or deepen their skills within their field. Although not an official level within MBO, "MBO Plus" refers to supplementary courses, modules, or certifications that allow students to go beyond the standard curriculum. This track is often available in sectors with high demand for specialized knowledge and skills, such as technology, healthcare, or IT.

Specializations and Extra Modules: Students can take additional courses and practical modules in their field. This is common in technical fields such as installation technology, IT, or healthcare, where advanced skills are required.

  • Partnerships with Companies: MBO Plus programs often collaborate with companies, allowing students to gain practical experience with new technologies, tools, or methodologies specific to their industry during their training.
  • Pathway to HBO: An MBO Plus track can be good preparation for an HBO program. Through these additional courses, students are better prepared for the theoretical and practical demands of HBO.

Then, there is also VAVO:

VAVO is intended for students who:

  • Did not finish their secondary school education.
  • Did not pass their final exams and want to retake subjects or earn their diploma.
  • Want to take individual subjects to gain access to further education, for example.

VAVO programs are often provided by Regional Education Centers (ROCs) and sometimes by private education institutions.

Characteristics of VAVO

  1. Flexibility in Subject Choice and Study Load
    Students can choose to complete a full diploma (VMBO-tl, HAVO, or VWO) or take only specific subjects. They can also study at their own pace, making it ideal for those who are balancing work, family, or other responsibilities alongside their studies.
  2. Progression Opportunities
    With a VAVO diploma, students can move on to further study at the MBO, HBO, or even university, depending on the level they achieve.
  3. Admission Requirements
    There are certain admission criteria for VAVO:
    • Age: The minimum age is usually 18, but students as young as 16 may sometimes be admitted with an exemption from their regular school (for instance, in cases of early school leaving).
    • Previous Education: Students who have previously attended secondary school can sometimes be granted exemptions for subjects they have already passed, allowing them to focus only on the subjects they still need to complete their diploma.
  4. Study Formats
    VAVO offers both daytime and evening classes, and students can choose between full-time or part-time lessons. This makes VAVO highly accessible for people with various commitments or work schedules.

 

Higher Vocational Education (HBO)

HBO provides practical higher education and typically takes 4 years. Students receive a bachelor's degree and can then enter professions that require a higher education diploma. After HBO, students can continue in an HBO master’s program or move on to university for a pre-master or master’s program.

 

Scientific Education (University)

Universities focus on scientific research and academic education:

  • Bachelor's Program: Usually lasts 3 years. Students obtain a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Arts (BA).
  • Master's Program: Usually lasts 1 to 2 years, depending on the field of study. Students obtain a Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Arts (MA).
  • For those aiming for an academic career, there is the opportunity to pursue a PhD, which typically takes 4 years.

The Dutch system is flexible and offers many transition opportunities between different educational levels. This helps students to choose the learning path that best suits their talents and ambitions.

 

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