Estonia

To which Dutch diplomas can you compare certain Estonian diplomas? Use the overview or download the PDF with more detailed information.

PDF with detailed information

Download the PDF with detailed information about the education system of Estonia:

Education system Estonia‌ (239.72 kB)

Overview of Estonian diplomas

In the overview below you can find the level of Estonian 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 Estonian 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 Estonian diploma? Go to Studying in the Netherlands with a foreign diploma.

Põhikooli lõputunnistus

  • Comparable to: a VMBO-T diploma (NLQF 2/EQF 2).
  • Duration of schooling: 9 years.
  • Type of education: primary education and lower secondary general education.
  • Purpose of diploma: admission to upper secondary general education.

Lõputunnistus põhihariduse baasil kutseõppe läbimise kohta

  • Dutch comparison: MBO qualification level 2 or 3 diploma (NLQF 2-3/EQF 2-3).
  • Duration of schooling: 1 to 2.5 years.
  • Type of education: secondary vocational education.
  • Purpose of diploma: admission to further study in secondary vocational education (Lõputunnistus keskhariduse baasil kutseõppe läbimise kohta), upon completion of 1 additional year of secondary general education.

Lõputunnistus keskhariduse baasil kutseõppe läbimise kohta

  • Comparable to: an MBO diploma level 2, 3 or 4 (NLQF 2-4/EQF 2-4).
  • Duration of schooling: 3 years.
  • Type of education: vocational secondary education.
  • Purpose of diploma: admission to further study of the 1st cycle of higher professional education (Rakenduskõrgharidusõppe diplom).

Lõputunnistus kutsekeshariduse omandamise kohta

  • Comparable to: a HAVO diploma for its general education component (NLQF 4/EQF 4).
  • Duration of schooling: 3 years.
  • Type of education: vocational secondary education.

Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus

  • Comparable to: a VWO diploma (NLQF 4+/EQF 4).
  • Duration of schooling: 3 years.
  • Type of education: general secondary education.
  • Purpose of diploma: admission to higher education.

Bakalaureusekraad (Ülikool)

  • Comparable to: an HBO or a WO bachelor’s degree (NLQF 6/EQF 6).
  • Duration of schooling: 3 to 4 years.
  • Type of education: professional or research oriented.
  • Purpose of diploma: admission to further study of the 2nd cycle in higher education (Magistrikraad at a Ülikool or Rakduskõrgkool).

Magistrikraad (1-2 years, Ülikool)

  • Comparable to: an HBO or a WO master’s degree (NLQF 7/EQF 7).
  • Duration of schooling: 1 to 2 years.
  • Type of education: professional or research oriented.
  • Purpose of diploma: admission to doctorate programmes.

Magistrikraad (5-6 years, Ülikool)

  • Comparable to: a WO master’s degree (NLQF 7/EQF 7).
  • Duration of schooling: 5 to 6 years.
  • Type of education: professional or research oriented.
  • Purpose of diploma: admission to doctorate programmes.

Rakenduskõrgharidusõppe diplom (Rakenduskõrgkool)

  • Comparable to: an HBO bachelor’s degree (NLQF 6/EQF 6).
  • Duration of schooling: 3 to 4 years.
  • Type of education: higher professional education.
  • Purpose of diploma: admission to further study of the 2nd cycle in higher education (Magistrikraad at a Ülikool or Rakduskõrgkool).

Magistrikraad (Rakenduskõrgkool)

  • Comparable to: an HBO master’s degree (NLQF 7/EQF 7).
  • Duration of schooling: 1 to 2 years.
  • Type of education: higher professional education.
  • Purpose of diploma: admission to doctorate programmes.