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Education

On this page you will find information about education in the Netherlands. For example, about primary and secondary schools. You can also read about conditions for studying if you do not yet have a residence permit and the costs of education.

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Children sit in a row in the classroom working. The teacher walks by to help.

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Education for children who cannot speak Dutch yet and who do not have a residence permit yet

If you do not have an asylum residence permit yet and you have children under 18 who do not speak Dutch yet, schools offer help so your child can learn Dutch and get a Dutch education.

Students throw their graduation hat in the air

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Diploma evaulation in the Netherlands without a residence permit

If you have earned a diploma outside the Netherlands and want to work or study in a profession that fits with your diploma, you can have your diploma evaluated. This will tell you at what level you can study or work in the Netherlands. You can have 1 diploma evaluated free of charge.

Student raises her hand and has a question for the teacher.

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Different types of education in the Netherlands

If you go to school in the Netherlands, you may choose what type of education you or your child receives. In this article you can read more about the different types of education.

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Primary school

Children ages 4 through 12 attend primary school. Primary school has 8 groups. Children are required to attend school from the age of 4. On this page you can read all about primary school.

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Secondary school

After primary school, children attend secondary school. Secondary school consists of different levels and years. Children up to age 16, sometimes 18, are required to attend school. On this page you can read all about secondary school.

Two young people sitting next to each other taking notes in a book.

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Studying

After secondary school, you can continue your studies. You can study at different levels. The level of your studies depends on your secondary school diploma. In this article, you will find information about the different levels if you are going to study.

A woman reads a book and takes notes. There is a stack of books on the table.

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Conditions for studying without a residence permit

If you do not have a residence permit yet, but have applied for asylum in the Netherlands, according to the rules, you may study here. In practice, this is difficult. For example, you have to meet certain (language) conditions. You can read about them on this page.

Someone holds a bank card next to a laptop. In the background are a maths notebook and a phone.

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Paying for your studies in the Netherlands without a residence permit

If you do not have a residence permit yet, but have applied for asylum in the Netherlands, according to the rules, you may also study here. However, you must be able to pay for your studies yourself and will not receive money from the government.

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Internship with a W-document

If you have applied for asylum in the Netherlands, but do not yet have an asylum residence permit, you may do a work placement if you have to for your education. Read more here.

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