Education

The Dutch education system may be different than you are used to. These resources can help you get started in Dutch education for children and adults, free courses, and how to continue your studies in the Netherlands.

  • The Dutch education system

    On this page you will find more information about the Dutch education system.

    Information about education in the Netherlands

    In the Netherlands, education is very important: for many professions you are only eligible if you have obtained certain diplomas. That is why the Dutch government wants everyone to obtain a diploma.

    All children between 5 and 18 years old in the Netherlands have to go to school until they have obtained a diploma.

    If you are between 16 and 18 and have a high school diploma, you are no longer required to attend school. But even if you are older than 18, you may have to obtain a diploma if you are unemployed and are applying for benefits. There are various training options for asylum seekers. On the website of the Rijksoverheid you can find more information about education in the Netherlands.

  • The Dutch education system explained

    Through this link you can watch  a short movie in which Dutch secondary education, secondary vocational education and higher education are explained. The video is in English.

  • Education for children

    All children in the Netherlands have to go to school, regardless of their residence status. In the Netherlands, children up to the age of 16 and sometimes even 18 have compulsory education.

    You can register your child at any school. The school will check whether your child can be admitted. For example, your child may first go to a transition class to learn the Dutch language.

    Elementary School

    Children aged 4 to 12 go to primary school. The primary school has eight groups. Groups 1 and 2 are the kindergarten classes. From group 3 the children learn to read, write and count. In group 8, all students have to take a final test. The result gives an indication of the level at which a student can follow further education. The teacher also gives advice on this. This advice is often followed by the new school during admission. More information can be found on the website of the national government.

    Go to website

    High School (Secondary Education)

    Children aged 13 to 16 or 18 go to secondary school. Which secondary school depends on the advice the child received at primary school. There are three levels:

    Pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO) Higher general secondary education (HAVO) Pre-university education (VWO). More information can be found on the website of the national government.

    Go to website
  • Education for adults

    If you are older than 18, it is no longer compulsory to go to school. Only if you do not have a job and apply for benefits can you be required to obtain a diploma until you are 27. You are only eligible for many professions if you have obtained certain diplomas.

    Can I study in the Netherlands?

    Refugees from Ukraine are allowed to study in the Netherlands, but there are often conditions for this. An educational institution can set specific requirements for each program or study that you must meet before you can start. Your Ukrainian diploma may not be enough to be immediately admissible. Have you found an education or study that seems interesting to you? Please contact the educational institution for more information about additional requirements and your admissibility.

    Vocational & University

    Depending on the secondary school education you have followed, you can continue your studies in the Netherlands. Again, there are three levels:

    • Secondary Vocational Education (MBO): you can go here if you have a VMBO diploma.
    • Higher Professional Education (HBO): you can go here if you have a HAVO diploma.
    • University/university education (WO): you can go here if you have a VWO diploma.
  • Cost of following education

    Cost of following education

    primary and secondary education is largely paid for by the government, but some school supplies and, for example, school trips, parents have to pay for themselves. Vocational education (MBO & HBO) and university education (WO) are usually not reimbursed by the government. However, it is possible to get a loan from the government for this.

    For the lowest incomes, the educational institutions sometimes have a discount scheme or even a waiver is possible.

    Go to website
  • Children from 4 to 12 years

    Children from 4 to 12 years

    In Apeldoorn, Ukrainian children between the ages of 4 and 12 can attend Wereldschool De Vlinder. This is a primary school for children from abroad. Ukrainian and Dutch speaking guidance has been found for this group. The classes are every working day from 8.45 – 14.14 up to and including Tuesday 5 July and after the summer holidays from 29 August. You can register by emailing Marjolijn van den Broek- Duursma.

    When registering, please state:

    • The child’s first and last name
    • Date of birth
    • Name of the parent(s)
    • Phone number of the parent(s)
    • Phone number and email address host family

    After registration, the school will contact you for an appointment. Once the registration has been arranged, the child can go to school.

    Children from 12 to 18 years

    There is an International Transition Class for children aged 12 to 18 years De Heemgaard in Apeldoorn. You can register by emailing  Joyce van Norel.

    When registering, please state:

    • The child’s first and last name
    • Date of birth
    • Name of the parent(s)
    • Phone number of the parent(s)

    After registration, the school will contact you for an appointment. Once the registration has been arranged, the child can go to school.

    Transport to school

    Children provide their own transport to school; on foot, by bike or by public transport. Young children are taken to school by their parents or host family. Doesn’t that work read more about transport to school.

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