Education Options

Education Levels and School Options in Kingdom of the Netherlands

Learn the local names for education choices before you browse schools in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Find a clear introduction to the education levels, kinds of schools, and study paths used in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Read about each option in familiar language, then continue to the schools connected with your choice.

Schools Overview

Knowing the local terms can make it easier to find and understand relevant schools.

01

Local education choices in the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Browse the education options used in the Kingdom of the Netherlands to learn what each local name means and view the schools associated with it. Compare choices on their own terms rather than fitting them into a universal sequence, then use the relevant education name when looking for a school.

01

Primary education

Find schools providing the first formal stages of education.

Options: 2
Schools: 6,250

Primary education

A mainstream Dutch choice known as Basisschool, BO, or Primary school.

5,993

Schools

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Special primary education

The Dutch primary education option with smaller groups and additional learning support.

257

Schools

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02

Secondary education

Compare locally named secondary-school options and the schools offering them.

Options: 8
Schools: 2,399

Secondary education

Schools may offer practical education or one or several Dutch education tracks.

649

Schools

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Pre-university education (VWO)

VWO

Recognize the atheneum and gymnasium routes within this Dutch education choice.

463

Schools

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Pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO)

VMBO in Netherlands

General and vocational learning meet in a Dutch track connected to routes within MBO.

447

Schools

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Senior general secondary education (HAVO)

HAVO

A five-year Dutch track whose diploma connects with applied sciences and VWO

435

Schools

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Special secondary education (VSO)

An education choice linking intensive support with several possible next steps

224

Schools

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Praktijkonderwijs

Secondary education shaped around practical tasks, work, and independent participation

166

Schools

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Verticale scholengemeenschap met beroepscollege

A connected education setting spanning secondary education and an MBO vocational college

9

Schools

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Verticale scholengemeenschap met ROC

A combined organization spanning secondary education and an ROC centre

6

Schools

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03

Vocational education

Browse practical and occupation-focused education routes.

Options: 4
Schools: 95

Secondary vocational education (MBO)

Secondary vocational education

A Dutch education option shaped around professional training and more than one learning route.

55

Schools

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Regional training centre (ROC)

A Dutch regional education choice with a broad vocational school context

32

Schools

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Beroepscollege

A Netherlands education term centred on sector or professional specialisation.

7

Schools

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Instituut voor doven

A Dutch MBO education choice centred on deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

1

Schools

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04

Higher education

Continue to post-secondary institutions and advanced study options.

Options: 2
Schools: 54

Higher professional education (HBO)

Higher professional education

A profession-oriented form of higher education centred on applying knowledge in practice.

36

Schools

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University education (WO)

Dutch universities combine academic education with scientific research.

18

Schools

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05

Special education

Find schools providing specialist and additional-needs education.

Options: 1
Schools: 236

Special education

The Dutch term for specialist education connected with substantial support requirements.

236

Schools

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Choose a city for a more focused view of local schools and education choices.

02

Find Schools by City in the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Browse cities in the Kingdom of the Netherlands to find local school directories and see the education choices available within each city. Selecting a city offers a place-based alternative to country-wide school browsing without requiring an institution name or specific education term.

Amsterdam

254Schools

Rotterdam

208Schools

Utrecht

110Schools

Almere

86Schools

Eindhoven

74Schools

Tilburg

68Schools

Apeldoorn

65Schools

Zwolle

65Schools

Groningen

64Schools

Arnhem

63Schools

Enschede

60Schools

Amersfoort

59Schools

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Choose an individual school to read its factual details, or continue by looking for schools in a particular city, education level, or local education name.Browse schools

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