Overview of diploma evaluations

To which Dutch diplomas can you compare diplomas from the Flemish-language region? We give an overview of diplomas that Dutch higher education institutions often see when Flemish students apply for a degree programme.

In the table below you can find the level of diplomas from the Flemish-language region of Belgium. 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 diploma from the Flemish-language region? 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 diploma from the Flemish-language region? Go to Studying in the Netherlands with a foreign diploma.

Diploma FQF level EQF level Comparable to NLQF level EQF level
Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs, specialisation Beroepssecundair Onderwijs (BSO) 4 4 an MBO diploma level 4 4 4
Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs, specialisation Kunst Secundair Onderwijs (KSO) 4 4 a VWO diploma, sometimes an HAVO diploma with vocational subjects 4+ or 4 4
Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs, specialisation Technisch Secundair Onderwijs (TSO) 4 4 a VWO diploma, sometimes an HAVO diploma with vocational subjects 4+ or 4 4
Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs, specialisation Algemeen Secundair Onderwijs (ASO) 4 4 a VWO diploma 4+ 4
Diploma van Gegradueerde (HBO5) 5 5 an associate degree (HBO) 5 5
Bachelor obtained after a professional bachelor's degree programme or
bachelor after bachelor's degree programme		 6 6 an HBO bachelor’s degree 6 6
Bachelor obtained after an academic bachelor's degree programme 6 6 a WO bachelor’s degree 6 6
Master obtained after a master's degree programme or a master after master's degree programme 7 7 a WO master’s degree 7 7

Please note:

  • FQF = Flemish Qualifications Framework.
  • NLQF = Dutch Qualifications Framework.
  • EQF = European Qualifications Framework.
  • The NLQF or EQF level is not so much a reflection of study load or content, but an indication of a person’s knowledge and skills after having completed a certain study programme.
  • You can find information about the Dutch diploma's on our web pages about the education system in the Netherlands.
  • The Cooperation Organisation for Vocational Education, Training and the Labour Market (SBB), evaluates statements on foreign qualifications and training at VMBO and MBO level. The evaluation may vary if SBB evaluates the diploma for admission to VET schools or work in the Netherlands.