Working in the Netherlands - Vocational Training

Studying in the Netherlands

If you would like to continue your studies in the Netherlands, you are advised to report to the training institute of your choice. This institute will take care of the evaluation of your credentials, in other words they will have an assessment done to see how your credentials gained in another country compare to the credentials in the Dutch system. If necessary, the training institute can call on the services of one of the centres of expertise (Nuffic, Colo). 

If a credential is assessed at the request of a regular, subsidised educational institute, this will be done free of charge. The Ministry of Public Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) will cover the costs. However, if the request is made by a private organisation or by an individual, a fee will be charged for this assessment.

Secondary vocational education in the Netherlands consists of two learning pathways: the block or day release pathway (formerly the apprenticeship system) and the vocational training pathway (previously junior vocational education). It is a dual educational system, i.e. education consists of working in practice and learning at school.

Private-sector vocational education knowledge centres carry out their duties largely for secondary vocational education. These duties are laid down in the Adult and Vocational Education Act (WEB), which took effect on 1 January 1996. Current trends in pre-vocational secondary education and higher vocational education also suggest increased practical-based learning in these sectors.

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2006
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