Level of diplomas
In the tables below you can find the level of Afghan diplomas. You cannot derive any rights from it.
Working in the Netherlands
Do you want to know if you can work in the Netherlands with a certain Afghan diploma? Go to Working in the Netherlands with a foreign diploma.
Studying in the Netherlands
Do you want to know if you can study in the Netherlands with your Afghan diploma? Go to Studying in the Netherlands with a foreign diploma.
| Diploma | Comparable to |
|---|---|
| Diploma (Class 14) | an diploma level 4 |
| 12th Grade graduation certificate | a diploma |
| Bachelor of Arts | an bachelor's degree or 2 years of |
| Bachelor of Engineering | a WO bachelor's degree |
| Bachelor of Science | an HBO bachelor's degree or 2 years of WO |
| Doctor of Veterinary Medicine | a WO bachelor's degree |
| Medical Doctor | 2 years of a 3-year master's programme in medicine |
| Master's degree | an HBO master's degree or a 1-year WO master's degree |
Please note:
- You can find information about the Dutch diploma's on our web pages about the education system in the Netherlands.
- You can find more information about how we compare diplomas via Credential evaluation.
- SBB evaluates foreign diplomas and training at VMBO and MBO level. The evaluation may vary if the SBB evaluates the diploma for admission to VET schools or for work in the Netherlands.
MBO
Secondary vocational education (middelbaar beroepsonderwijs, MBO). MBO prepares pupils for the professional practice or further study. This type of education follows on from VMBO; its duration will depend on the chosen qualification. MBO comprises 4 levels (I-IV). Read more on the website of SBB.
HAVO
Senior general secondary education (hoger algemeen voortgezet onderwijs, HAVO). A HAVO diploma is awarded upon successful completion of a 5-year programme of general secondary education.
HBO
Higher professional education (hoger beroepsonderwijs, HBO). Dutch higher education distinguishes between research-oriented higher education (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO) and higher professional education (hoger beroepsonderwijs, HBO). HBO is more oriented towards professions in specific areas than WO, and has traditionally been offered at universities of applied sciences (hogescholen).
WO
Research-oriented higher education (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO). Dutch higher education distinguishes between research-oriented higher education (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO) and higher professional education (hoger beroepsonderwijs, HBO). WO is oriented more towards theory and research than HBO, and has traditionally been offered at research universities (universiteiten).