Education in the Netherlands does not end with the normal school route. Adults can complete secondary qualifications, retrain through MBO, study part-time or dual programmes, take professional courses, or learn Dutch through formal and informal routes.

VAVO: secondary education for adults

Voortgezet algemeen volwassenenonderwijs (VAVO) allows learners to obtain a VMBO-TL, HAVO or VWO diploma or individual subject certificates. Adults can register through participating ROC/MBO institutions; some programmes offer part-time/evening or accelerated routes. This can be useful if you need missing Dutch secondary-school subjects rather than an entirely new degree.

For 2026/27, the statutory tuition for qualifying full-time VAVO students aged 18+ is €1,511; part-time VAVO uses a course-fee structure. Check the current DUO/Rijksoverheid amount before enrolling.

MBO as an adult

MBO is vocational education, not simply ‘school for teenagers’. There are four levels and hundreds of occupational programmes. The BOL route is more school-based; BBL combines education with substantially more workplace learning. MBO-4 can lead onward to HBO.

Part-time, dual and professional study

Hogescholen, universities, private providers and sector organisations offer part-time, dual, postgraduate and continuing-professional-development courses. Admission, recognition and funding vary widely, so check whether a course is officially accredited when that matters for your goal.

Short courses and community learning

Municipal programmes, libraries, community organisations and commercial providers can offer language, digital-skills and practical courses. These are useful for skills and integration but should not automatically be confused with nationally recognised diplomas.

Useful official routes