Overview of diploma evaluations

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

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

Diploma CFC level EQF level Comparable NLQF level EQF level
Certificat d’enseignement secondaire supérieur, specialisation enseignement professionnel 4 4 an MBO diploma level 4 4 4
Certificat d’enseignement secondaire supérieur, specialisation enseignement artistique 4 4 a VWO diploma, sometimes an HAVO diploma with vocational subjects 4+ or 4 4
Certificat d’enseignement secondaire supérieur, specialisation enseignement technique 4 4 a VWO diploma, sometimes an HAVO diploma with vocational subjects 4+ or 4 4
Certificat d’enseignement secondaire supérieur, specialisation enseignement général 4 4 a VWO diploma 4+ 4

Grade de Bachelier (professionnalisant/de type court)

6 6 an HBO bachelor's degree 6 6
Bachelier de spécialisation 6 6 an HBO bachelor's degree 6 6
Grade de Bachelier (de transition/de type long) 6 6 a WO bachelor's degree 6 6
Grade de Master 7 7 a WO master's degree 7 7
Master de spécialisation 7 7 a WO master's degree 7 7

Please note:

  • CFC = Cadre francophone des certifications.
  • 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 for work in the Netherlands.