Overview
Middelbaar beroepsonderwijs (mbo) is Dutch secondary vocational education. Schools such as regional training centres (roc) and vocational colleges offer courses at four levels. A mbo level 4 diploma leads directly to work and also allows further study at hbo (higher professional education). There is no single national mbo exam: each school sets its exams under a national qualification file (kwalificatiedossier) that the Minister of Education, Culture and Science fixes.
Levels or stages
| Level | Course | Length | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entreeopleiding (entry course) | 1 year | No previous diploma needed. You must be at least 16 on 1 August. The course trains for assistant work or progression to level 2. |
| 2 | Basisberoepsopleiding (basic vocational) | 1 to 2 years | A lbo, vbo, vmbo (basic, middle-management, theoretical or mixed pathway) or mavo diploma, an entry or level 2 diploma, or proof of passing the first 3 years of havo or vwo. |
| 3 | Vakopleiding (vocational) | 2 to 3 years | A lbo, vbo or vmbo (middle-management or theoretical pathway) or mavo diploma, a level 2 or level 3 diploma, or proof of passing the first 3 years of havo or vwo. Other recognised proof is accepted. |
| 4 | Middenkaderopleiding (middle management) | 3 or 4 years | Same as level 3. |
| 4 | Specialistenopleiding (specialist) | 1 year | A level 3 diploma, for study in the same occupation. |
Each school's own entry conditions also apply.
Who can apply
You are in principle admitted if you meet the previous-education requirements, apply by 1 April, and take part in any compulsory intake activities. A school may still refuse you, for example if there are more applicants than places. Some courses may set extra requirements, such as physical ones for sports courses, and the school publishes these by 1 February. Applying by 1 April also gives you the right to a study-choice advice (studiekeuzeadvies). At enrolment the school asks for a copy of your previous diploma and, if you are 18 or older, proof that you have paid or will pay tuition fees.
Exam pattern
How exams are held varies by school and course. A common form is the proeve van bekwaamheid (a demonstration of competence), which recreates workplace situations. Another is an assessment in which students make a product or complete a practical task. A mix is normal. Every qualification has a common base of general occupational knowledge, Dutch, arithmetic and citizenship, plus English at level 4, and students must also take and pass exams in elective modules (keuzedelen). You pass the mbo exam when you have passed all required exam parts and completed the work placement (beroepspraktijkvorming). The school's exam regulations set out the result rules. The Inspectorate of Education supervises exam quality.
Fees
Students under 18 pay no tuition fees (lesgeld). Students aged 18 or older in the full-time course route (BOL) pay lesgeld, and those in part-time or the work-based route (bbl) pay cursusgeld. The amounts are set each year. As listed in 2026, minors in mbo get a contribution for required books and licences through their school: 60 euros in 2025-2026, then 80 euros in 2026-2027 to 2028-2029.
How to apply
Apply directly to the school and course you choose, by 1 April if you want a right to admission. Kiesmbo.nl lists courses and school types.
FAQs
How many levels does mbo have?
Four. Level 1 is the entry course, level 2 basic vocational, level 3 vocational, and level 4 middle-management or specialist training.
Does mbo include a work placement?
Yes. To pass the mbo exam you must have completed all required exam parts and the work placement (beroepspraktijkvorming).
Can I still apply after 1 April?
Yes, but the school can then refuse you. Only an application by 1 April gives you a right to admission, if you meet the requirements.