Curaçao, St. Maarten and the BES islands

To which Dutch diplomas can you compare diplomas from Curaçao, St. Maarten and the BES islands? We give an overview of diplomas that Dutch higher education institutions often see when students from Curaçao, St. Maarten and the BES islands apply for a study programme.

Diplomas from Curaçao, St. Maarten and the BES islands

In the table below you can find the level of diplomas from Curaçao, St. Maarten and the BES islands.

Working in the Netherlands

Do you want to know if you can work in the Netherlands with a certain diploma from Curaçao, St. Maarten and the BES islands? 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 Curaçao, St. Maarten and the BES islands? Go to Studying in the Netherlands with a foreign diploma.

Diploma Comparable to
VSBO theoritical advanced vocational track (tkl) a VMBO-T diploma
MAVO-diploma a VMBO-T diploma
Associate of Arts in Business obtained at the University of St. Martin an MBO diploma level 2 or 3

Associate of Arts in General Liberal Arts obtained at the University of St. Martin

 an MBO diploma level 2 or 3
SBO-diploma (level 4) of management training an MBO diploma level 4
HAVO-diploma a HAVO diploma
VWO-diploma a VWO diploma

Certificate of Secondary Education (CXC-examen) obtained at the St. Maarten, Carribean Examination Council with grade 1,2 or 3 for

  • at least 5 subjects at general level
a HAVO diploma
Surgical assistant, Operatieassistent certificate obtained at the Instituto pa Formashon den Enfermaria 3 years of HBO
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education obtained at the University of St. Martin an HBO bachelor's degree
Bachelor obtained at the University of Curaçao Dr. Moises Da Costa Gomez an HBO bachelor's degree or a WO bachelor's degree
Akte van Bekwaamheid tot volledig bevoegd onderwijzer obtained at the Akademia Pedagógico Kòrsou an HBO bachelor's degree
Master obtained at the University of Curaçao Dr. Moises Da Costa Gomez an HBO master's degree or a WO master's degree
  • You can find more information about how we compare diplomas via Credential evaluation.
  • You can only use the MBO comparison if you want to check whether a diploma can give access to Dutch higher education. If you want to check the level of this diploma because you are looking for work, please contact the IDW. The diploma may then be compared to another MBO level.
  • Do you have another question about the Curaçao, St. Maarten and the BES islands education system? Please contact us.