Education
On this page you will find information about education in the Netherlands. For example, about primary school, secondary school and about studying at MBO, HBO or university level. And about tuition fees and other costs.
Information
Higher education in the Netherlands: HBO and universities
HBO and WO in the Netherlands: practice-oriented and academic education with bachelor’s and master’s programmes. View the information about language requirements, admission and Studielink. Discover your study path and enrol!
The placement test in group 8 of primary school
Placement test (CITO test) in group 8 for language and mathematics, with the school’s recommendation being the most important factor. Watch the video about progression between VMBO, HAVO and VWO. Discover just how flexible the school system is!
State and independent education
Article 23 of the Dutch Constitution governs freedom of education in the Netherlands. People are free to establish their own schools, but these schools must comply with government regulations. As a result, there are state schools, which are neutral, and independent schools, which are based on a particular faith or philosophy of life.
How special needs education works in the Netherlands
Special needs education is for children and young people who need extra support at school. Standard schools are not always able to provide this support. Special needs education helps pupils with, for example, a physical or intellectual disability, vision or hearing impairments, behavioural difficulties, a long-term illness or a developmental disorder. In this article, you can read about how special needs education works and what support pupils receive there.