Level of diplomas
In the table below you can find the level of Spanish 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 Spanish 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 Spanish diploma? Go to Studying in the Netherlands with a foreign diploma.
| Diploma | MECES | EQF | Comparable to | NLQF | EQF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Título de Graduado en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO) | - | - | Please contact us for a credential evaluation | - | - |
| Título de Técnico | - | - | an diploma 1, 2, 3 or 4 | 1, 2, 3 or 4 | 1, 2, 3 or 4 |
| Título de Técnico Superior | 1 | 5 | at least an MBO diploma level 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Título de Bachiller | - | - | at least a diploma | 4 | 4 |
| Título Superior + field of study in art | 2 | 6 | an bachelor | 6 | 6 |
| Graduado | 2 | 6 | an HBO bachelor or bachelor | 6 | 6 |
| Arquitecto Técnico (old system) |
2 | 6 | an HBO bachelor | 6 | 6 |
|
Diplomado |
- | - | an HBO bachelor | 6 | 6 |
|
Ingeniero Técnico |
- | - | an HBO bachelor | 6 | 6 |
|
Maestro |
2 | 6 | an HBO bachelor | 6 | 6 |
| 2 | 6 | at least a WO bachelor | 6 | 6 | |
| Máster Universitario | 3 | 7 | an HBO master or WO master | 7 | 7 |
|
Arquitecto |
3 | 7 | an WO master or HBO master | 7 | 7 |
|
Ingeniero |
- | - | an WO master or HBO master | 7 | 7 |
|
Licenciado |
- | - | an WO master or HBO master | 7 | 7 |
MBO
Secondary vocational education (middelbaar beroepsonderwijs, MBO). MBO prepares pupils for the professional practice or further study. This type of education follows on from VMBO; its duration will depend on the chosen qualification. MBO comprises 4 levels (I-IV). Read more on the website of SBB.
HAVO
Senior general secondary education (hoger algemeen voortgezet onderwijs, HAVO). A HAVO diploma is awarded upon successful completion of a 5-year programme of general secondary education.
HBO
Higher professional education (hoger beroepsonderwijs, HBO). Dutch higher education distinguishes between research-oriented higher education (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO) and higher professional education (hoger beroepsonderwijs, HBO). HBO is more oriented towards professions in specific areas than WO, and has traditionally been offered at universities of applied sciences (hogescholen).
WO
Research-oriented higher education (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO). Dutch higher education distinguishes between research-oriented higher education (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO) and higher professional education (hoger beroepsonderwijs, HBO). WO is oriented more towards theory and research than HBO, and has traditionally been offered at research universities (universiteiten).
Please note:
- Next to the Qualifications Framework for Higher Education (MECES), Spain is also developing a national qualifications framework for lifelong learning: Marco Español de Cualificaciones para el aprendizaje a lo largo de la vida (MECU). See also the MECU website of the Ministry of Education (in Spanish only).
- The NLQF or EQF level is not so much a reflection of study load or content, but an indication of a person’s knowledge and skills after having completed a certain study programme.
- You can find information about the Dutch diplomas on our web pages about the Dutch education system.
- You can find more information about how we compare diplomas via Credential evaluation.
- SBB evaluates statements on foreign qualifications 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.