Overview of diploma evaluations

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

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 level Compare to NLQF level EQF level
National Senior Certificate
with minimal requirements for admission to a bachelor’s degree programme		 4 a HAVO diploma 4 4
National Senior Certificate obtained after completion of the IEB exams 4 at least a HAVO diploma 4 4
(National) Diploma 7 3 years of HBO 6 6
Bachelor 's degree (3 years) 7 3 years of HBO 6 6

Bachelor honours degree

 8 an HBO or a WO bachelor's degree 6 6

Bachelor 's degree

(4 years)

 8 an HBO or a WO bachelor's degree 6 6

Bachelor's degree in architecture

 8 a WO bachelor's degree 6 6

Bachelor's degree in dentistry

 8 at least a WO bachelor's degree 6 6

Bachelor 's degree in veterinary science

(6 years)

 8 at least a WO bachelor's degree 6 6
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh) 8 at least a WO bachelor's degree 6 6
Master 's degree 9 an HBO or a WO master's degree 7 7

Please note:

  • NQF = South African National Qualifications Framework.
  • NLQF = Dutch Qualifications Framework.
  • EQF = European Qualifications Framework.
  • The NLQF or EQF level is not so much a reflection of study load or content; rather, it is an indication of a person’s knowledge and skills after having completed a certain programme of study.
  • You can find information about the Dutch diploma's on our web pages about the education system in the Netherlands.
  • The Cooperation Organisation for Vocational Education, Training and the Labour Market (SBB) evaluates statements on foreign qualifications and training at VMBO and MBO level. The evaluation may vary if SBB evaluates the diploma for admission to VET schools or for work in the Netherlands.