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.
Conditions for studying in the Netherlands without a residence permit
You must meet these conditions:
You have requested asylum from the
You have a valid diploma at the level of training you want to take.
Your foreign diploma must have been compared to Dutch education. This is called a diploma evaluation. If you have not done this yet, contact the
You speak and write Dutch (or English) at the level required for the training you want to take.
You can pay the study fees.
Conditons for studying at MBO
Sometimes you can take training if you do not meet all the conditions
Sometimes an MBO school can make an exception to the rules about prior training. For example, if the school thinks you can successfully complete the training, while you do not meet the conditions, inquire about this with the training you want to do.
MBO level 1:
In addition to the general conditions for studying, you must meet the following requirements for MBO level 1 training:
You have at least Dutch language level
You are at least 16 years old on 1 August of the year of enrolment.
You cannot start a course at MBO level 2, MBO level 3 or MBO level 4.
You do not need a diploma to start training at MBO level 1.
MBO levels 2 to 4:
In addition to the general conditions for studying, you must meet the following requirements for MBO level 2 to 4 training:
You have at least Dutch language level B1.
You have a diploma appropriate to the level of your training. You can find which diploma you must have on the website of the training you want to take.
Conditions for studying at HBO or WO level
In addition to the general conditions for studying, for training at
Language level for training in Dutch: at least B2. You show that you have this level with a Diploma State Examination NT2.
Language level for training in English: minimum B2. You demonstrate this level with a certificate:
Some studies require you to do more to be admitted. This may involve certain classes you must have taken or specific training you must have completed. You will get information about this from the training you want to take.