From International Transition Class (ISK) to mbo-level 2, 3 and 4  

Did you come to the Netherlands when you were 16 or 17? Then you were often unable to complete high school. As a young asylum seeker you will then enter an Internationale Schakelklas (ISK). In the bridging class you learn the Dutch language and integration. You are sometimes placed in an entrance course. This is equivalent to MBO level 1. For MBO level 2, 3 or 4 you usually need a diploma. 

Are you placed in an entrance course, but you still want to continue? mbo Start 2, 3 or 4? Then you can have your level of education assessed. 

Appreciate level of education

This can help you learn at your level. Is your level of education comparable to a Dutch vmbo-diploma or with at least 3 years of HAVO or VWO? You can then join mbo-level 2, 3 or 4. You must read, speak and write Dutch at a minimum language level B1. You must also meet the other admission requirements for the course. Are you still in the ISK? You can then request a free training evaluation through the school. The school can do this through the Collaboration Organization for Vocational Education and Business (SBB).  

Were you unable to bring proof of your previous education? 

Have you lost your diploma or grade lists and can you no longer retrieve them (safely)? Your school can then apply for an Education Level Indication (ION) for you. 

Based on your information, the ION estimates your education level. The ROC will then decide at which level you can start. 

Other possibilities 

You will not be admitted mbo-level 2, 3 or 4 because your education level is too low? There are still options to achieve your goal. These also apply to people who are 18 years or older. Read more below.

There are different ways to pursue higher education. You can do this step by step with the standard training courses. For example, you can start with an entrance course and continue studying until MBO 4. You can also check if this can be done faster. For example, with a transition year or with secondary general adult education (VAVO). It is important that the level of training is feasible for you. If that is the case, you can see how you can reach this level of education. More information about VAVO and MBO transition years can be found below.

The vavo is for: 

• Students from 18 years. 
• Pupils aged 16 or 17 who are no longer in secondary education, but who do not yet have a basic qualification. 

With the VAVO you can obtain your diploma in one yearmboget -tl. Then you can start with one mbo-training at level 3 or 4.   

The UAF does not support the vavo. You can sometimes ask student allowance from DUO.   

You will probably have to work alongside the VAVO course because the allowance is not enough to live from. On the website of the National government you can read more about the vavo. 

Sometimes it is possible to have one mbo-transition year to follow. With this you prepare yourself toan intermediate vocational education op level 3 or 4. HeytUAF supports the mbo-switching years of it ROC Midden Nederland in Utrecht en the Alpha College in Groningen. 

Do you have a residence permit 'asylum for a limited period'? Then you have to integrate. At various ROCs in the Netherlands you can combine your integration program with vocational training. 

Combined routes  

Are you combining your integration program with vocational training? Then you will learn Dutch better and you will also immediately learn a trade. You take a language course and a mbo-training at entry level (mbo-level 1). You do not need a diploma for this level. So no Dutch diploma and no diploma from your country of origin. If you successfully complete the process, you have passed your integration exam. So you have one mbodiploma that allows you to work. You can also continue learning and a mbotraining at a higher level.  

Admission requirements educational institutions 

Conditions such as:  

• You are over 16 years old.
• You do not yet have a diploma in the Netherlands or in your country of originmbolevel or at a higher level.
• Dutch is not your mother tongue.
• Would you like to know more about the admission requirements? Please contact the ROC that provides the training.

Content of the route  

A combined program pays a lot of attention to the Dutch language. In any case, you must be able to take the integration exam at A2 level. You follow subjects such as arithmetic, citizenship and employee skills. You will also follow courses that are related to the course of your choice. During the course of the program you will often do an internship. You can put into practice everything you have learned.  

Where to study?  

It is not possible at every ROC to combine the civic integration program and vocational training. Inquire at it ROC near you what the possibilities are.