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

Diploma PQF Comparable to
Secondary School Certificate 3 a diploma
Matriculation Certificate 3 a VMBO-T diploma
Diploma in Commerce 4 an diploma level 2
Diploma of Associate Engineer 4 an MBO diploma level 3 of 4
Higher Secondary School Certificate with grade D or E as final result 4 at least a VMBO-T diploma
Intermediate School Certificate with grade D or E as final result 4 at least a VMBO-T diploma
Higher Secondary School Certificate with grade A1, A, B or C as final result 4 a diploma
Intermediate School Certificate with grade A1, A, B or C as final result 4 a HAVO diploma
Bachelor of Arts (Pass) 5 a diploma
Bachelor of Science (Pass) 5 a VWO diploma
Bachelor of Commerce (Pass) 5 2 years of or an associate degree
Bachelor of Business Administration (Pass) 5 2 years of HBO or an associate degree
Bachelor of Technology (Pass) 5 2 years of HBO or an associate degree
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) 6 3 years of HBO or 1 year of
Bachelor of Science (Honours) 6 3 years of HBO or 1 year of WO
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), : 3 years 6 an HBO bachelor’s degree
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), duration: 4 years 6 an HBO bachelor’s degree
Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours), duration: 3 years 6 3 years of HBO
Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours), duration: 4 years 6 an HBO bachelor's degree
Professional bachelor's degree, duration: 4 years 6 an HBO bachelor’s degree or 2 years of WO
Professional bachelor's degree, duration: 5 years 6 a WO bachelor’s degree
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) 6 a WO bachelor’s degree
Master's degree 7 Please contact us for a credential evaluation
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) 7 a 1-year 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.
  • The 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.