Secondary education in the Netherlands. Studying in high school in the Netherlands

Today, the Netherlands attract a wide range of foreign students from all over the world with high-quality educational services and interesting culture. Many international students choose studying in the Netherlands as it's a great opportunity to combine effective courses with exciting rest. SMAPSE offers TOP-5 prestigious primary and secondary schools where international students can get high-quality and balanced primary and secondary education.

Please, don't hesitate to contact SMAPSE experts as they are always ready to answer all your questions. 

Students go to high school at the age of 12-13: at this age students determine the future profession. Why so soon? The fact is that secondary education in the Netherlands is divided into three stages with different levels of studying - they depict next steps in professional activity. Therefore, after elementary school, the child, together with parents, chooses one of the areas:

• VMBO - Vacation courses 
• HAVO - general secondary education
• VWO - preparation for university education.

VMBO includes programs in 5 core areas:

• TL and KL provide the theoretical basis - the basis for moving to the next level, studying the HAVO program.
• GL, BL, P -  preparing workers with qualifications (technology, engineering, agriculture, social services, economics)

Studying at these levels lasts up to 16 years - after which the graduate can start working in the chosen specialty or study further. To switch to HAVO programs, you must pass the test.

Education at HAVO lasts 5 years, and a graduation certificate is the “key” to higher professional education. After the first, common to all types of schools, 3-year program, the student must choose a profile:

• art and humanities
• economics, science, history
• natural sciences (preparation for medical education)
• technical science.

VWO - preparation for admission to university for 6 years. You can choose two types of studying: with compulsory study of Greek and Latin languages (in addition to the required two) or one of them of your choice.

It would seem that the prestige of studying in the Netherlands means that it is difficult for foreign students to enter secondary schools in the Netherlands. Fortunately, this is not so - every child with any level of knowledge can count on enrollment: before entering, the future student is interviewed by teachers to choose the right program for him.

The only mandatory requirement is good command of English or Dutch, in which classes are held. Some schools may require certificates of international TOEFL and IELTS tests or take language courses in the Netherlands before admission. For foreign students for whom the Dutch language is not native, extra time is given when passing the exams and you are allowed to use the dictionary.

The Ministry of Education finances some Dutch schools - so studying there is free. For foreign students, the chance to get to a free school is very low: only especially gifted children are accepted to state-funded places, and the number of such places is limited.

The second type of schools are private schools in the Netherlands, where education is paid. Any foreign applicant can enter there. Basically, such institutions do not involve living on their territory, so care must be taken about housing for the child. For example, you can live in a Dutch family - such programs have been successfully implemented for more than one year.

In addition, international schools and colleges are especially appropriate for foreign students. The curriculum is aimed at preparing for admission to universities in the Netherlands and Europe.

Below there is a list of ranking private schools in the Netherlands:

The basic principle of all educational programs in the Netherlands is the freedom of thinking. If the child cannot decide on the choice of his professional field, qualified teachers will help him open up.

Courses in many subjects are taught in blocks - with a deep immersion in the topic, detailed study. Highly qualified professionals who have made a successful career in economics, business and the humanities come from prestigious Dutch schools. Studying in the Netherlands is a contribution to the future!