Iceland

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

PDF with detailed information

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

Education system Iceland‌ (152.10 kB)

Overview of Icelandic diplomas

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

Sveinprof, obtained at a Iðnskóli or Sérskóli

  • Comparable to: an MBO diploma level 2, 3 or 4 (NLQF 2-4/EQF 2-4).
  • Duration of schooling: 4 years.
  • Type of education: secondary education.

Stúdentspróf (Matriculation Examination), obtained at a Menntaskóli

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

Bachelor/Baccalaureus

  • Comparable to: an HBO or a WO bachelor’s degree (NLQF 6/EQF 6).
  • Duration of schooling: 3 to 4 years.
  • Type of education: higher education.
  • Purpose of diploma: access to master’s programmes.

Master

  • Comparable to: an HBO or a WO master’s degree (NLQF 7/EQF 7).
  • Duration of schooling: 1.5 to 2 years.
  • Type of education: higher education.
  • Purpose of diploma: access to PhD programmes.

Candidatus

  • Comparable to: an HBO or a WO master’s degree (NLQF 7/EQF 7).
  • Duration of schooling: 4 to 6 years (integrated bachelor's-master's programme), but may also have a duration of 1 to 2 years (following a bachelor's in Agricultural Science, Obstetrics or Psychology).
  • Type of education: higher education.
  • Purpose of diploma: access to PhD programmes.