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For international students 🎓

Vocational Education and Training (VET) in the Netherlands

Vocational Education and Training (VET) in the Netherlands prepares students for a profession. There are four levels in VET:

  • Level 1: Entrance training or assistant training; EQF (European Qualification Level): 1
  • Level 2: Basic vocational training; EQF (European Qualification Level): 2
  • Level 3: Vocational training; EQF (European Qualification Level): 3
  • Level 4: Middle management training or management training; EQF (European Qualification Level): 4

Rijn IJssel offers all levels. There are two qualification routes. The 'Beroeps Opleidende Leerweg' (BOL) is a school-based route. Students learn at school and do internships in-company for set time periods to learn the profession. The 'Beroeps Begeleidende Leerweg' (BBL) is based on work-based learning, with one or two days at school and the remainder in-company training.

After MBO

Students with a VET diploma can move on to another course at a higher level or go to work, either in the Netherlands or abroad. A VET diploma level 4 gives access to a University of Applied Sciences bachelors programme or an associate degree.