Diploma equivalence

To enrol in a bachelor’s programme at Utrecht University, applicants need to have obtained a Dutch VWO diploma (pre-university education) or an international equivalent. While many certificates are considered equivalent in all cases, additional requirements may apply to others, such as a specific profile or course(s).

The most common certificates that are equivalent regardless of profile or curriculum are:

  • Aruban VWO Diploma
  • Diplôme du Baccalauréat Général (France)
  • International Baccalaureate (International schools worldwide)
  • European Baccalaureate (European schools)
  • Surinamese VWO Diploma
  • Zeugnis der allgemeinen Hochschulreife (Germany)

You can look for your qualification in the diploma equivalence list below. If your prior education is not included in this list, it may still be an equivalent of the Dutch VWO Diploma, but additional subject and grade requirements may apply. For details, please feel free to contact International Student Admissions.

In addition to the required prior education, some bachelor’s programmes have additional subject-specific and/or language requirements. Make sure that you always check the entry requirements page of your chosen programme.

If your prior education does not directly qualify you, your admissions decision will contain information on how to address any deficiencies. To be eligible for admission, you will need to meet these requirements before the start of the academic year (the specific deadline that applies to your situation will also be included in your admissions decision).

Please note that the information on this page does not guarantee admission, nor can you derive any rights from the diploma equivalence list. Your prior education and educational credentials will always be assessed on an individual basis to determine your eligibility for your chosen programme.

Diploma equivalency list (pdf, 248 kB)

Further to having the right diploma, certain Bachelor’s programmes have additional subject-specific and/or language requirements. Make sure to always check the Entry requirements page of your chosen programme.

If your prior education does not make you directly admissible, your admissions decision will contain information on how to address any ‘deficiencies’. In order to be eligible for admission, you will need to meet these requirements before the start of the academic year (the specific deadline that applies to your situation will also be included in your admissions decision).

Please note that the information on this page does not guarantee admission, nor can you derive rights from the diploma equivalency list. Your diploma and educational credentials will always be assessed on an individual basis in order to determine your eligibility for your chosen programme.