From pre-university education to intermediate vocational education/higher professional education
Want to switch from pre-university education (havo) to vocational education (mbo)? These are your options.
You can with one transition certificate from 3 to 4 havo or vwo to vocational education.
You can then start at almost all MBO level 4 courses.
Do you have a transition certificate from 4 to 5 havo or vwo or a havo diploma?
Then you can often complete a vocational training course at an accelerated pace.
Why choose MBO after HAVO?
✅ Vocational learning You're working on a subject you enjoy, with less theory and more practice. Learning by doing suits many students better.
✅ Work & earn faster – A vocational education (MBO) course often takes less time than a higher professional education (HBO) course and you can start working more quickly.
✅ Internship experience – You do an internship and experience what it is like to work in practice.
✅ Profile doesn't matter – It doesn't matter which pre-university education profile you choose; you can even switch to a completely different direction.
✅ Good preparation for higher professional education You already have practical experience, learn to work independently, and gain project experience. With a level 4 vocational diploma, you can progress to higher professional education (HBO).
✅ Extra time to make your choice – Not sure what you want yet? At vocational colleges (MBO), you'll get extra time to discover which career or sector really suits you.
FACT
More and more senior general secondary education (HAVO) students are choosing vocational education (MBO). This number has more than doubled in three years, according to figures from the Education Executive Agency (DUO).
FACT
With a transfer certificate from 3rd to 4th year of pre-university secondary education (HAVO), you can enroll in almost all level 4 vocational education (MBO) programs. If you have a transfer certificate from 4th to 5th year of HAVO, you can often complete the MBO program on an accelerated basis.
Are you not in the right place at pre-university education (havo)?
For example, for one of these reasons:
🛠️ You want to do more instead of reading more.
🏫 You're tired of high school and are ready for something different.
😕 Some subjects are boring or incomprehensible.
🤔 You doubts whether you will make it.
If you're in the fourth or fifth grade, you can transfer to vocational education (MBO). You don't necessarily need to obtain your HAVO diploma first. In vocational education (MBO), you can pursue a program that suits you.
Happier than ever at secondary vocational education
Glad I got one first have done
FAQ
Can I go to vocational education (MBO) without a pre-university education (HAVO) diploma?
You can enroll in vocational education (MBO) without a HAVO diploma. It's common to enroll in MBO with a certificate of transfer to the fourth year of HAVO or VWO. This allows you to start in almost all level 4 programs. If you have a certificate of transfer from the fourth year to the fifth year of HAVO or a HAVO diploma, you can often complete an MBO program on an accelerated basis.
What is the difference between higher general secondary education (havo) and intermediate vocational education (mbo)?
- At secondary vocational education, you listen less in class.
- At pre-university education (havo) you learn a lot from books, at intermediate vocational education (mbo) you learn by doing, with practical subjects that connect to your future higher professional education (hbo) study or profession.
- At secondary vocational education (MBO) you do an internship at a company.
Which vocational education level can I do after senior general secondary education (HAVO)?
There are four different levels within vocational education (MBO). If you're coming from senior general secondary education (HAVO) and have moved from the third to the fourth year of HAVO, you can apply for all levels.
Can I go to vocational education (MBO) without a pre-university education (HAVO) diploma?
You can enroll in vocational education (MBO) without a HAVO diploma. It's common to enroll in MBO with a certificate of transfer to the fourth year of HAVO or VWO. This allows you to start in almost all level 4 programs. If you have a certificate of transfer from the fourth year to the fifth year of HAVO or a HAVO diploma, you can often complete an MBO program on an accelerated basis.
What is the difference between higher general secondary education (havo) and intermediate vocational education (mbo)?
- At secondary vocational education, you listen less in class.
- At pre-university education (havo) you learn a lot from books, at intermediate vocational education (mbo) you learn by doing, with practical subjects that connect to your future higher professional education (hbo) study or profession.
- At secondary vocational education (MBO) you do an internship at a company.
Which vocational education level can I do after senior general secondary education (HAVO)?
There are four different levels within vocational education (MBO). If you're coming from senior general secondary education (HAVO) and have moved from the third to the fourth year of HAVO, you can apply for all levels.
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Vocational training courses that you may be able to complete more quickly
With these vocational programs, you have the opportunity to obtain your diploma faster as a pre-university education (HAV) student. If you have completed certain subjects or components earlier or at a higher level than required for the program, you can possibly get an exemption for that subject or part.
Need help with your study choice?
We are ready for you!
Are you hesitating between courses or do you not know at all which direction you want to go? Then take the study choice test and talk to our study choice coaches. We are happy to help you on your way.
