Studying in the Netherlands with a foreign diploma
More information on Study in NL
Read about everything you need to take care of on our website Study in NL.
What is your diploma worth in the Netherlands?
- In our overview of 100 education systems you can look up the country where you obtained your diploma. We indicate which Dutch diplomas we compare the diplomas from that country to. These are the diplomas we often receive questions about.
- Is your diploma not listed? Please go to the university of applied science or university where you want to study. They can apply for a if necessary.
Credential evaluation
- A credential evaluation is a comparison of a foreign diploma (credential) to a Dutch diploma. A credential evaluation provides information about the level of your diploma or (part of a) study programme. This can be useful if you want to work or study in the Netherlands.
- We compare foreign diplomas to Dutch diplomas according to the agreements of the Lisbon Recognition Convention (LRC). The principle of the LRC: a foreign diploma is considered to have the same level as a Dutch diploma, unless there are substantial differences. Would you like to know more about the LRC? See the EAR manual.
Which diplomas give access to Dutch higher education?
- For a bachelor’s programme at a university of applied sciences, your diploma must be comparable to at least a HAVO diploma or an MBO level 4 diploma.
- For a bachelor’s degree at a university, your diploma must be comparable to a VWO diploma.
- Dutch universities and universities of applied sciences determine themselves which students they admit.