Finland

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

PDF with detailed information

Download the PDF with detailed information about the Finnish education system:

Education system Finland‌ (130.17 kB)

Overview of Finnish diplomas

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

Ammatillinen perustutkinto/Yrkesinriktad grundexamen

  • Comparable to: an MBO diploma 2, 3 or 4 (NLQF 2-4/EQF 2-4).
  • Duration of schooling: 3 years.
  • Type of education: secondary vocational education.
  • Purpose of diploma: admission to higher education, upon successful completion of matriculation examinations.

Ylioppilastutkintotodistus/Studentexamenbevis/Matriculation Examination Certificate

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

Kandidaatti/Kandidat/Bachelor

  • Comparable to: a WO bachelor’s degree (NLQF 6/EQF 6).
  • Duration of schooling: 3 years.
  • Type of education: research-oriented education.
  • Purpose of diploma: admission to further study of the 2nd cycle within higher education.

Ammattikorkeakoulututkinto/Yrkehögskoleexamen/Bachelor

  • 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 at universities (Maisteri/Magister/Master) and, upon completion of 3 years of work experience, to further study of the 2nd cycle in higher professional education (Ylempi ammattikorkeakoulututkinto/Högre yrkeshögskoleexamen/Master).

Maisteri/Magister/Master

  • Comparable to: a WO master’s degree (NLQF 7/EQF 7).
  • Duration of schooling: 2 years.
  • Type of education: research-oriented education.
  • Purpose of diploma: admission to doctorate programmes and university post-master education (Lisensiaatti).

Ylempi ammattikorkeakoulututkinto/Högre yrkeshögskoleexamen/Master

  • Comparable to: an HBO master’s degree (NLQF 7/EQF 7).
  • Duration of schooling: 1 to 1.5 years.
  • Type of education: higher professional education.
  • Purpose of diploma: admission to university post-master education (Lisensiaatti).