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How to Verify Dutch University Degrees: NVAO Guide

Guide to verifying education credentials from the Netherlands. Covers NVAO accreditation, university system, and verification for Dutch degrees.

· 6 min read

The Netherlands' higher education system

The Netherlands' higher education quality is assured by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). The Netherlands has 13 research universities (WO) and 36 universities of applied sciences (HBO), including University of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology, Leiden University (founded 1575), and Erasmus University Rotterdam. Dutch universities consistently rank among the world's top 200 and offer many English-taught programs.

Verification steps

  1. Check NVAO accreditation — Verify the institution and program are NVAO-accredited. VerifyED includes accredited Dutch institutions.
  2. Contact the institution — Dutch universities maintain registrar offices for verification.
  3. Nuffic credential evaluation — Nuffic handles credential evaluation as the Netherlands' ENIC-NARIC center.
  4. Apostille — The Netherlands is a Hague Convention member. Documents can be apostilled.

Key considerations

  • WO vs HBO — The Netherlands distinguishes between research universities (WO) and applied sciences (HBO). Both are NVAO-accredited but serve different purposes.
  • English-taught programs — The Netherlands has the most English-taught programs in continental Europe.
  • DUO verification — The Dutch education executive agency (DUO) can verify degree registration.

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