Registering with insufficient prior education
Want to start a program but don't have a diploma or the right one? In exceptional circumstances, you can still start the program.
If you have the opportunity, it's always better to get a diploma. Below, you can read more about what to do in your specific situation. Is your situation not listed or are you having trouble? The study coaches will help you further.
I have not completed my previous education with a diploma or I am transferring from another vocational education program in the meantime
Summa welcomes students without a diploma, but it does take a critical approach to admissions. You are encouraged to obtain a diploma first. If you still want to enroll in vocational education (MBO) without a diploma, it's important that you receive a positive recommendation from your previous school.
In exceptional circumstances, and following the procedure below, you may still be able to start the course of your choice in these situations:
- You attended pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO) last or the previous school year and did not obtain a diploma or a transition certificate from year 3 to year 4 of pre-university secondary education (HAVO/VWO).
- You were not in school last year and do not have the appropriate prior education.
- You come from another vocational education institution and have not completed your preliminary education (vmbo).
- You come from secondary special education and have obtained your diploma/IVIO certificates and B exams.
Procedure
The program team leader will assess your application. It's possible your application will be rejected immediately, preventing you from starting the program. If you're not rejected immediately, you'll receive an email after applying stating what additional information you need to provide. You may be required to take a test. Based on this, you may be invited for a personal interview. The program team leader will decide whether you are admitted. A positive decision applies only to the program for which you applied.
I come from abroad, with or without a diploma
If you're from abroad or have only recently arrived in the Netherlands, we'd like to know what you're good at and what you're not. This also applies if you're coming from Summa Plus (VOAT) or First Reception for Non-Native Speakers at Stedelijk College (Eindhoven) or De Cajuit (Helmond).
Because the lessons are taught in Dutch, it's important that you have a good command of the language. You can take extra lessons in Dutch beforehand. Our study advisors can tell you all about it via 040 269 4444After you register, you will receive a letter stating exactly what information we need from you to assess your level.
I do not have the required diploma from a previous education
You might have graduated from pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO) and have a diploma, but it might not be the right one to start your chosen program. For example, you might have completed a pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO) basic level and want to enroll in a level 4 program. In this case, you cannot be admitted to your chosen program.
If you have a diploma, you are not eligible for an admissions assessment. You will receive a rejection letter, but you are welcome to enroll in a program at a different level that aligns with your diploma.
On this page you will find all legal entry requirements and you can see which diploma qualifies you. You can also contact our study advisors via 040 269 4444.
Ask our study choice coaches for help
Is your situation not listed or are you having trouble? The study choice coaches from Study Choice Assistance will help you further.