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

Diploma NQF Comparable to
National Senior Certificate with the remark that the student has met the minimum requirements for admission to bachelor’s degree programmes 4 a diploma
National Senior Certificate obtained after completion of the IEB exams + the remark that the student has met the minimum requirements for admission to bachelor’s degree programmes 4 at least a HAVO diploma
Higher Certificate 5 1 year of
(National) Diploma 7 3 years of HBO
Bachelor 's degree ( : 3 years) 7 3 years of HBO

Bachelor honours degree

8 an HBO or a bachelor's degree

Bachelor 's degree

(duration: 4 years)

8 an HBO or a WO bachelor's degree

Bachelor's degree in architecture

8 a WO bachelor's degree

Bachelor's degree in dentistry

8 at least a WO bachelor's degree

Bachelor's degree in veterinary science

8 at least a WO bachelor's degree
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh) 8 at least a WO bachelor's degree
Master 's degree 9 an HBO or 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.
  • 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.