DUTCH EDUCATION SYSTEM
Thứ Hai - 15/12/2025
Education in the Netherlands is organized according to age groups and, in some cases, by levels and tracks tailored to different educational needs. Overall, Dutch schools fall into three main categories: public schools, private schools, and religious schools.
Compulsory education in the Netherlands begins at age 5, although in practice most schools accept children from age 4. From the age of 16, students must participate in some form of education at least two days per week. Compulsory education ends when a student turns 18, or when they obtain their secondary school diploma.
The Dutch education system consists of the following levels:
- Primary Education
Primary education admits children between 4 and 12 years old, covering a total of 8 grades. Attendance is not compulsory until Grade 2, but most children begin school at age 4. From Grade 3 onward, students begin learning reading, writing, and mathematics. Most primary schools introduce English in Grades 7 and 8. In Grade 8, students take an assessment test (such as the Cito test), which helps determine the most suitable type of secondary education. Most primary schools are public, though a smaller number follow specialized curricula.
- Secondary Education
After completing primary school, students transition directly into secondary education. Based on the results of the Cito test and teacher recommendations, students may enter VMBO, HAVO, or VWO.
Because the Dutch system does not include a separate lower secondary level, the first year of secondary education serves as a bridging or foundation year, helping students adjust to differences between school types and increasing their academic responsibility.
- VMBO (Preparatory Middle-Level Vocational Education): VMBO education lasts 4 years, from ages 12 to 16. It combines vocational training with theoretical subjects such as languages, mathematics, history, arts, and science. About 60% of students in the Netherlands follow this track, which offers four different learning levels.
- HAVO (Senior General Secondary Education): The HAVO program consists of 5 years of study, from ages 12 to 17. HAVO graduates may continue to HBO (Universities of Applied Sciences).
- VWO (Pre-University Education): VWO includes 6 years of study, from ages 12 to 18. VWO graduates are eligible to enter WO (Research Universities).
- VAVO (Adult General Secondary Education): VAVO provides VMBO/MAVO, HAVO, or VWO-level programs for students who are unable to complete their studies in the regular secondary education system.
- Higher and Postgraduate Education
Higher education in the Netherlands consists of two main types of institutions:
- Universities of Applied Sciences (HBO): These institutions offer practice-oriented, professional programs. They include: comprehensive applied sciences universities and specialized institutions focusing on agriculture, fine arts, design, education, and more.
- Research Universities (WO): These institutions include: general research universities, technical universities, agricultural universities.
Both types of institutions offer Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs, but the focus differs: HBO emphasizes professional skills and applied learning while WO emphasizes academic research and theoretical study.
For tailored guidance and full assistance throughout your study-abroad journey, please contact:
Duc Anh EduConnect
Hotline: 09887 09698
Email: duhoc@ducanh.edu.vn
Website: www.ducanhduhoc.vn
Bài viết liên quan
Sở Giáo dục và Đào tạo TP HCM trao GIẤY KHEN cho công ty tư vấn du học Đức Anh
Đức Anh A&T là một trong số rất ít công ty tư vấn du học được trao giấy khen trong “Hội nghị Tổng kết năm học 2022-2023 & triển khai…
Tham dự NGÀY HỘI GIÁO DỤC NEW ZEALAND 2023 – Nhận ngay 500 NZD hỗ trợ từ Đức Anh EduConnect
I. Hỗ trợ 500 NZD/học sinh: Đây là hỗ trợ đặc biệt, DUY NHẤT 1 lần trong 2 năm trở lại đây, “Settling Down Support”, dành riêng cho học sinh-…
Du học UK – Vì sao vẫn nhiều người chọn?
UK đắt đỏ ~~ UK lạnh lùng ~~ UK ở Châu Âu với ảnh hưởng của chiến tranh… UK- ĐIỂM DU HỌC TRUYỀN THỐNG Bất luận các nhận định trên,…
Mời dự Ngày hội du học Anh Quốc: Học bổng 20-100%
Sự kiện được tổ chức tại: TP HCM: ngày 28- 10- 2023, 14h- 17h tại Liberty Central Saigon City Point, 59 Pasteur, Bến Nghé, Q.1 Hà Nội: ngày 29- 10-…
Hội thảo du học Úc: Business Analytics- Computer Science- Ngành học dễ tìm việc làm & định cư nhất!
Business Analytics & Computer Science là những ngành học không khó nhưng đang rất thời thượng, thu nhập cao, không sợ thiếu việc làm và sẽ còn nằm trong danh…
Mời dự: Ngày hội tuyển sinh 8 trường Đại học tốt nhất nước Úc
Nhóm 8 trường đại học tốt nhất nước Úc (Go8) sẽ cùng Agent hàng đầu của họ tại Việt Nam – công ty tư vấn du học Đức Anh, đồng…