Getting my foreign diploma recognized in the Netherlands — how?
Foreign diploma recognition in the Netherlands involves two different things: (1) General assessment via IDW (International Diploma Valuation) at idw.nl — free, 4-6 weeks, gives diploma-level advice (“comparable to HBO/WO bachelor/master”). (2) University/HBO admission: Nuffic via nuffic.nl, paid (€100-300 depending). (3) MBO/vocational: SBB (s-bb.nl) free. (4) Regulated profession (doctor, lawyer, teacher, accountant, etc.): separate trajectory mandatory via BIG/NMV/NOvA, often supplementary training + exam + Dutch language. Until completed you can't practice under Dutch title. (5) DUO study finance: only available after official recognition.
Step by step
- 1Determine what you needWork/general: IDW (free). Continue studying: Nuffic. Vocational/MBO: SBB. Regulated profession: the specific professional body (BIG for healthcare, NOvA for lawyers, etc.).
- 2Gather diploma documentsOriginal diploma + transcript, sworn translation NL/EN, apostille or legalisation. Some bodies request references from former teachers/employers.
- 3Submit applicationIDW: online at idw.nl — upload documents. Nuffic: paid form. SBB: free application. Expect 4-12 weeks lead time.
- 4For regulated profession: BIG/etc.For doctor: BIG registration via bigregister.nl. For lawyer: NOvA. Often supplementary: Dutch profession history course + language B2+ (NT2). Costs €500-3,000.
- 5Use your recognitionIDW report: use in job applications as “equivalence statement”. Nuffic recognition: for university applications. DUO recognition: for student finance. Profession recognition: only then practice officially.
All contacts
Frequently asked questions
Does diploma recognition cost money?
IDW general: free. Nuffic study: €100-300. SBB MBO: free. BIG/NOvA: €200-1,000 + course costs. For benefits eligibility post-recognition: free BSN update.
Can I work in NL with foreign diploma without recognition?
For “free” professions (office, IT, marketing, freelance without title): yes, employer decides. For regulated professions (doctor, lawyer, teacher): no, recognition mandatory before practice.
How long does the procedure take?
IDW: 4-6 weeks from complete application. Nuffic: 6-8 weeks. SBB: 8-12 weeks. BIG: 4-12 months (depending on required supplementary training). Profession course: extra 6-12 months.
What if my diploma is from an unknown system?
Nuffic has per-country diploma valuations. Wholly unknown: case-by-case assessment costs extra (~€500). EVC procedure (Recognition of Acquired Competencies) is alternative: practical test instead of paper valuation.
How much does a sworn translation cost?
Translator rate: €50-150 per page depending on language and specialisation. For 1 diploma + transcript: usually €150-400 total. Sworn translator via Wbtv register (rechtspraak.nl).
Can I recognize work experience instead of diploma?
Yes, via EVC procedure (Recognition of Acquired Competencies). 5+ years relevant work = EVC application via certified provider (cost €1,000-2,000). Get certificate usable for employers.
Sources
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