Overview of diploma evaluations

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

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

Diploma Comparable to NLQF level EQF level
General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) in 6 subjects with marks ranging from A-C at least a VMBO-T diploma 2 2
General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) in 6 subjects with marks ranging from A-C + the General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) with an Ordinary Pass (S) in at least 3 subjects and a score of at least 30% for the Common General Test a HAVO diploma 4 4
Honours Bachelor an HBO bachelor's degree or 2 years of WO 6 6

Please note:

  • NLQF = Dutch Qualifications Framework.
  • EQF = European Qualifications Framework.
  • 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 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.