Recognition of a foreign teaching diploma in the Netherlands

In order to work in the Netherlands as a teacher/teacher, you must meet certain conditions and pass the procedure for recognizing a foreign diploma in the Department of Education (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs - DUO), which is part of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. Applications for recognition of a diploma can be submitted by primary and secondary school teachers, including subject teachers, teachers of schools for children with special needs and teachers of the secondary vocational education sector.

Conditions for applying for recognition of a diploma

You can apply application to DUO (in paper or electronic form) for recognition of your foreign professional qualification if:

• you have completed the teacher/teacher training program at the university,
• your diploma entitles you to teach in the country where it was issued,
• you have the required level of education and the necessary pedagogical qualifications,
• you have sufficient (at B2 level, confirmed by a certificate) command of the language in which you will be teaching (Dutch, English or Papiamento*).

*Note: The Kingdom of the Netherlands includes overseas territories in the Caribbean. Papiamento is the official language of the Netherlands Antilles (along with Dutch and English).

Diploma recognition procedure:

1. You're sending electronic form (or a completed paper form at the address listed on the DUO website) requesting recognition of your professional qualifications. The documentary evidence to be included is listed on the form.
2. DUO checks that you have provided all the required evidence. If something is missing, you will receive a letter asking you to send the missing documents.
3. Regarding your diploma, DUO may consult with Nuffic (an organization that deals with international education) or send a request to the relevant authorities in the country where the diploma was issued.
4. If the relevant authorities in the country where the diploma was issued cannot certify your diploma, then you must obtain a certificate from your educational institution confirming that you have successfully completed your studies.
5. If you meet the conditions, your application for diploma recognition will be approved - you will receive a corresponding letter and with it you can get a job as a teacher / teacher.
6. If you do not meet the conditions, your application will be rejected.
7. If you think this decision is wrong, you can file an objection.

If you have any questions, you can contact the DUO Foreign Diploma Recognition Department on weekdays from 09:00 to 12:00:

• by phone: +31 50 599 77 78;
• by email: diplomaservices@duo.nl. 

List of documents for recognition of a diploma:

• a chronological overview of your education and work experience,
• copy(s) of diploma(s) of higher education,
• copy(s) of the supplement(s) to the diploma(s) of higher education with grades,
• a copy(s) of one or more certificates or diplomas showing that you meet the language requirements (Dutch, English and/or Papiamento),
• a copy of the passport or other identity document.

If these documents are not in Dutch, English or German, you must attach a certified translation (made by a sworn translator). The translation must be attached to a copy of the original document in the original language. DUO does not process applications without transfers.

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