KNM: Hoger Onderwijs
After secondary school, Dutch students can pursue higher education at MBO (vocational), HBO (applied university), or WO (research university). Each has di...
After secondary school, Dutch students can pursue higher education at MBO (vocational), HBO (applied university), or WO (research university). Each has different entry requirements and focuses. HBO leads to a bachelor's degree in 4 years; WO offers bachelor's (3 years) and master's (1-2 years) programs.
| Level | Full Name | Focus & Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MBO | Middelbaar Beroepsonderwijs | Vocational, 1-4 years |
| HBO | Hoger Beroepsonderwijs | Applied/practical, 4 years bachelor |
| WO | Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs | Research/academic, 3+1-2 years |
| Bachelor | Bachelor | First degree, HBO/WO |
| Master | Master | Advanced degree, usually WO |
| PhD | Promotie | Doctoral research, 4 years |
| School Route | Dutch | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Primary school | Basisschool | Groups 1-8, usually ages 4-12 |
| School advice | Schooladvies | Advice in group 8 for secondary school |
| Practical secondary route | VMBO | Often leads to MBO |
| Senior general route | HAVO | Often leads to HBO |
| Pre-university route | VWO | Often leads to WO university |
| Compulsory education | Leerplicht | Children must attend school from age 5 until at least 16 |
| School Fact | Dutch | What to Remember |
|---|---|---|
| Start primary school | Basisschool | Children may go to school from age 4; register on time |
| Compulsory education | Leerplicht | Children aged 5 to 16 must go to school |
| Qualification duty | Kwalificatieplicht | Young people aged 16-18 must continue education if they do not yet have a start qualification |
| Groups | Groep 1-8 | Primary school runs from group 1 to group 8 |
| School advice | Schooladvies | In group 8, school gives advice for secondary school level |
| Final primary test | Doorstroomtoets | The current group 8 test; old KNM materials may call it Cito |
| Parent contact | Ouderavond / 10-minutengesprek | Parents talk with the teacher about progress |
| Parent contribution | Ouderbijdrage | A voluntary school cost for trips or activities |
Voorbeelden
- Wat is het verschil tussen HBO en WO?
- What is the difference between HBO and WO?
- HBO is praktischer, WO is theoretischer.
- HBO is more practical, WO is more theoretical.
- Ik wil een opleiding volgen.
- I want to follow a course/study.
- Je hebt VWO nodig voor de universiteit.
- You need VWO for university.
Studienotitie
Your diplomas from abroad can often be recognized in the Netherlands through IDW (Informatiesysteem Diplomawaardering) or Nuffic. This 'diploma evaluation' helps employers and schools understand your qualifications. Some professions require additional Dutch certification.
Oefen na het lezen
Train kennis van de Nederlandse maatschappij met getimede KNM-oefenvragen.
Combineer KNM met de andere onderdelen van het inburgeringsexamen.
