Level of diplomas

To which Dutch diplomas can you compare Indian diplomas? We give an overview of diplomas that Dutch higher education institutions often see when Indian students apply for a degree programme.

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

Diploma Comparable to
Standard X diploma from a board a diploma
Diploma from a state board (or an equivalent), obtained after a Standard X diploma

usually an diploma level 4
Vocational Standard XII diploma from a board with a pass in 5 relevant subjects

an MBO diploma level 4
Standard XII diploma from a state board with a pass in 5 relevant subjects a diploma
All India Senior School Certificate from the CBSE with a pass in 5 relevant subjects a HAVO diploma
All India Senior School Certificate from the CBSE with grades A1, A2 or B1 in 5 relevant subjects a diploma
Indian School Certificate from the CISCE with a pass in 5 relevant subjects a HAVO diploma
Indian School Certificate from the CISCE with an average result of at least 75% in 5 relevant subjects VWO diploma
Migration Cum Transfer Certificate of the Senior Secondary School Examination from the NIOS with a pass in 5 relevant subjects a HAVO diploma
Migration Cum Transfer Certificate of the Senior Secondary School Examination from the NIOS with grades A, B or C in 5 relevant subjects a VWO diploma
Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery awarded by a Nursing and Midwifery Board (or an equivalent) 2 years of
Bachelor of Arts (Pass) 2 years of
Bachelor of Science (Pass) 2 years of WO
Bachelor of Commerce (Pass) 3 years of HBO
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) 2 years of WO
Bachelor of Science (Honours) 2 years of WO
Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) 3 years of HBO
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) an HBO bachelor's degree
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) with at least first class/division honours awarded by a top institution a WO bachelor's degree
Bachelor of Science (Honours) with at least first class/division honours awarded by a top institution a WO bachelor's degree
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) with at least first class/division honours awarded by a top institution an HBO or a WO bachelor's degree
Bachelor of Engineering an HBO bachelor's degree
Bachelor of Technology an HBO bachelor's degree
Bachelor of Engineering with at least first class/division honours awarded by a top institution an HBO or a WO bachelor's degree
Bachelor of Technology with at least first class/division honours awarded by a top institution an HBO or a WO bachelor's degree
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) a WO bachelor's degree
Bachelor of Education an HBO bachelor’s degree or a WO bachelor’s degree (with an educational minor)
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) a WO bachelor's degree
Post Graduate Diploma usually a post-HBO qualification or an HBO master’s degree
General master's degree an HBO master’s degree or a 1-year WO master’s degree
Professional master's degree an HBO master’s degree or a (1-year) WO master’s degree
Dual/integrated master's degree an HBO master’s degree or a (1-year) WO master’s degree
Master of Philosophy a WO master's degree

Please note:

  • You can find information about the Dutch diplomas on our web pages about the education system in the Netherlands.
  • You can find more information about how we compare diplomas via Credential evaluation.
  • SBB evaluates foreign diplomas 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.