Level of diplomas
In the table below you can find the level of French 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 French 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 French diploma? Go to Studying in the Netherlands with a foreign diploma.
| Diploma | CNC | EQF | Comparable to | NLQF | EQF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diplôme national du brevet | - | - | at least 3 years of general secondary education | - | - |
| Diplôme du baccalauréat général | 4 | 4 | a diploma | 4+ | 4 |
| Diplôme du baccalauréat technologique | 4 | 4 | usually a VWO diploma, sometimes a diploma | 4+/4 | 4 |
| Diplôme du baccalauréat professionnel | 4 | 4 | an diploma level 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Brevet de technicien supérieur | 5 | 5 | an asssociate degree or 2 years of | 5 | 5 |
| Diplôme universitaire de technologie | 5 | 5 | an associate degree or 2 years of HBO | 5 | 5 |
| Licence | 6 | 6 | an HBO bachelor's degree or a bachelor's degree | 6 | 6 |
| Licence professionnelle | 6 | 6 | an HBO bachelor's degree or a WO bachelor's degree | 6 | 6 |
| Bachelor universitaire de technologie | 6 | 6 | an HBO bachelor's degree | 6 | 6 |
| Diplôme de Grande École | 7 | 7 | an HBO master's degree or a WO master's degree | 7 | 7 |
| Master | 7 | 7 | an HBO master's degree or a WO master's degree | 7 | 7 |
Please note:
- 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 diplomas on our web pages about the Dutch education system.
- You can find more information about how we compare diplomas via Credential evaluation.
- SBB evaluates statements on foreign qualifications and training at VMBO and MBO level. The evaluation may vary if the SBB evaluates the diploma for admission to VET schools or for work in the Netherlands.
VWO
Pre-university education (voorbereidend wetenschappelijk onderwijs, VWO). A VWO diploma is awarded upon successful completion of a 6-year programme of pre-university education. VWO is the highest level of general secondary education available in the Netherlands.
HAVO
Senior general secondary education (hoger algemeen voortgezet onderwijs, HAVO). A HAVO diploma is awarded upon successful completion of a 5-year programme of general secondary education.
MBO
Secondary vocational education (middelbaar beroepsonderwijs, MBO). MBO prepares pupils for the professional practice or further study. This type of education follows on from VMBO; its duration will depend on the chosen qualification. MBO comprises 4 levels (I-IV). Read more on the website of SBB.
HBO
Higher professional education (hoger beroepsonderwijs, HBO). Dutch higher education distinguishes between research-oriented higher education (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO) and higher professional education (hoger beroepsonderwijs, HBO). HBO is more oriented towards professions in specific areas than WO, and has traditionally been offered at universities of applied sciences (hogescholen).
WO
Research-oriented higher education (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO). Dutch higher education distinguishes between research-oriented higher education (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO) and higher professional education (hoger beroepsonderwijs, HBO). WO is oriented more towards theory and research than HBO, and has traditionally been offered at research universities (universiteiten).