Non-Dutch diplomas equivalent to the Dutch VWO diploma 2026-2027
If you have a non-Dutch diploma, Maastricht University needs to assess whether this diploma is equivalent to the Dutch pre-university education (VWO diploma). The UM Admissions department has drawn up a list of the most common non-Dutch diplomas that meet the minimum admission requirements.
Important notes:
- Maastricht University reserves the right to give a binding judgement regarding your prior education.
- Diplomas not listed will be assessed individually.
- Your request for admission with a foreign diploma will only be considered after you have submitted a complete online application, including uploading all required documents in the MyApplication portal and paying the handling fee if this is required.
In case your secondary school offers a combination of general/academic subjects and vocational subjects we will assess your application individually. It is important to note that your curriculum should be predominantly academic; this means that the curriculum must contain more academic subjects than vocational subjects.
- Maastricht University does not accept Foundation Programmes.
International diplomas that can be obtained in multiple countries
Diplomas from individual countries: A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - P - R - S - T - U - V -Y - Z
International diplomas that can be obtained in multiple countries
International Baccalaureate
- International Baccalaureate Diploma, at least 3 Higher Level (HL) subjects
European Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
The European Baccalaureate is not a collective term for secondary school diplomas obtained in Europe. It is an international secondary school diploma issued by the organization Schola Europaea.
When applying with this diploma, please indicate your European Baccalaureate final exam subjects (oral and written).
Cambridge Assessment International Examination, Pearson Edexcel International or OxfordAQA International
- 3 International A-Levels* in academic subjects with grade A, B or C + 3 GCSE’s. The GCSE’s need to be taken in 3 other subjects than the A-levels.
- Cambridge Pre-University Diploma
- Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) with 3 A-levels in academic subjects with grades A, B or C
* The following A-Levels are accepted: Biology, Chemistry, Classical Studies, Computer Science, Divinity, Economics, Geography, History, Information Technology, Law, (Further) Mathematics), Marine Science, Modern Languages, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology. A-levels that are not listed will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants who apply with International A-Levels are requested to provide a clear overview of the A-Levels they are taking.
AS-Levels can not be used to compensate for missing A-Level(s) with grade A, B or C
United States High School Diploma from an international school outside the USA
- United States High School Diploma (obtained outside the USA*) with 4 Advanced Placement exams with a minimum score of 3 issued by the College Board
- United States High School Diploma (obtained outside the USA*) with 3 Advanced Placement exams with a minimum score of 4 issued by the College Board
- United States High School Diploma (obtained outside the USA*) + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate)
When applying with this diploma, please also upload an overview of your (to be taken) AP-exams. Without the overview of your (to be taken) AP- exams, we are unable to review your application. (not accepted are: AP Capstone; AP Research; or AP Seminar)
*Schools outside the USA offering an American High School programme must be accredited in the United States of America.
Caribbean Territory
- Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE)
- CAPE Associate Degree
Diplomas from individual countries
A
Albania
- Diplomë e Maturës Shtetërore
Argentina
- Título de Bachiller– educación secundaria orientada with a minimum average grade of 8 in the final year in one of the following streams:
- Ciencias Sociales
- Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades
- Lenguas
- Ciencias Naturales
Informática
- Ciencias Sociales
- Título de Bachiller– educación secundaria orientada + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
Australia
- Australian Capital Territory: ACT Senior Secondary Certificate + ATAR >86
- New South Wales: Higher School Certificate + ATAR >86
- Northern Territory: Northern Territory Certificate of Education + ATAR >86
- Queensland: Queensland Certificate of Education + ATAR>86 or OP 1-8
- South Australia: South Australian Certificate of Education + ATAR >86
- Tasmania: Qualifications Certificate + ATAR >86
- Tasmania: Tasmanian Certificate of Education + ATAR >86
- Victoria: Victorian Certificate of Education + ATAR >86
- Western Australia: Western Australian Certificate of Education + ATAR >86
Austria
- Reifezeugnis / Reifeprüfungszeugnis from an Allgemeinbildende Höhere Schule (AHS)
- Reife- und Diplomprüfungszeugnis from a Berufsbildende Höhere Schule (BHS) with sufficient general, academic subjects
Azerbaijan
- Tam Orta Təhsil Haqqında Attestat + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
B
Bangladesh
- Higher Secondary Certificate (Humanities or Sciences stream) + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
Belarus
- Atestat ab agul'naj sjarednjaj adukcii + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
Belgium
- Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs ASO doorstroomfinaliteit
- Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs KSO/TSO doorstroomfinaliteit will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis
- Certificat d’Enseignement Secondaire Superieur
- Abschlusszeugnis der Oberstufe des Sekundarunterrichts
When applying with this diploma, please upload an overview of your school subjects, including the number of hours you have per subject per week for the final two years. In case you have chosen a specific profile/study direction in high school, please make sure it is clear which profile/study direction you have chosen.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Diploma o položenom maturskom ispitu from a Gimnazija
- Diploma o završenoj srednjoj školi from a Gimnazija
Brazil
- Certificado de Conclusao de Ensino Médio with an average grade > 8.0 in the final year & ENEM with an average result of >600
- Certificado de Conclusao de Ensino Médio + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
Bulgaria
- Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with sufficient general, academic subjects
When applying with this diploma, please upload an overview of your school subjects, including the number of hours you have per subject per week. In case you have chosen a specific profile/study direction in high school, please make sure it is clear which profile/study direction you have chosen.
C
Canada
- Alberta: High School Diploma with at least 100 credits and 5 academic 30-39 level courses
- British Columbia: Certificate of Graduation with an overall average of at least 80 percent in 5 academic grade 12 courses
- Manitoba: High School Graduation Diploma with an average of at least 80 percent in 5 academic 40S or 40U level courses
- New Brunswick: High School Graduation Certificate with an overall average of at least 80 percent in 5 academic Grade 12 courses numbered 120, 121 or 122
- Newfoundland & Labrador: Senior High School Graduation Diploma with an overall average of at least 80 percent in 6 academic grade 12 courses at the 3000 level
- Northwest Territories: High School Diploma with at least 100 credits and 5 academic 30-39 level courses
- Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma with an average of at least 80 percent in 5 Advanced or Academic grade 12 courses
Nunavut: Nunavut Grade 12 Secondary School Diploma with at least 100 credits and 5 academic 30-39 level courses
- Ontario: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)* including 6 grade 12 University Preparation Courses (course codes ending on 4U), with an average score of 80%
- Prince Edward Island: High School Graduation Certificate with an overall average of at least 80 percent in 5 academic grade 12 courses numbered 611 or 621
- Quebec: Diplôme d’Etudes Collégiales (DEC) préuniversitaire or Certificate of Graduation with an overall average of at least 70 percent in 6 Grade 13 university- preparation level courses
- Saskatchewan: Transcript of Secondary Level Achievement with an overall average of at least 80 percent in 5 academic courses numbered 30
- Yukon: Certificate of Graduation with an overall average of at least 80 percent in 5 academic grade 12 courses
Chile
- Licencia de Educación Media or Licencia de Enseñanza Media (humanístico- científica) with an average grade of 6 in the final year + Prueba de Acceso a la Educación Superior (PAES).
China
- Senior Middle School Graduation Certificate + National University Entrance Exam (Gaokao) + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university*
Colombia
- Bachiller Académico + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
Croatia
- Svjedodžba o (državnoj) maturi
Cyprus
- Apolytirion Lykeio from a public school or accredited private school of the same type with a minimum average final mark of 15 in one of the following specialisations:
- Classical Studies and Humanities
- Foreign Languages and European Studies
- Economic Sciences
- Natural Sciences / Life Sciences / Information Science / Technology
Students attending an accredited private school (similar type or different type) or international school, following a curriculum from the United States of America, the United Kingdom or other country/curriculum are referred to the corresponding country in this list for the diploma requirements.
Czech Republic
- Vysvĕdčení o Maturitní Zkoušce obtained at a Gymnázium
D
E
Ecuador
- Titulo de Bachiller en Ciencias + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
Egypt
- General Secondary Education Certificate + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
- Al-Azhar Secondary School Certificate + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
Estonia
- Gümnaasiumi Lõputunnistus
F
Finland
- Ylioppilastutkintotodistus
- Studentexamenbevis
- Matriculation Examination Certificate
France
- Diplôme du Baccalauréat Général
Baccalauréat Français International (BFI)
- Diplôme du Baccalauréat Technologique
Applicants who apply with a French high school diploma are requested to upload a statement mentioning which subjects they are taking as Spécialité-subjects, both in their Première and Terminale year.
G
Georgia
- General Education Diploma (Sruli Zogadi Ganatlebis Atestat) + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
Germany
- Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife
Ghana
West African Senior School Certificate with 6 subjects with grades between A1 and C6 + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
Greece
- Apolytirio Genikou Lykeiou with a minimum class grade point average of 15 in the final year
H
Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) in 6 subjects with grades 3-5 or A-C + Hong Kong Advanced Level Examinations (HKALE) with grades A- E
Hungary
- Gimnáziumi Érettségi Bizonyítvány
I
Iceland
- Stúdentspróf from a Menntaskóli
India
- Standard XII diploma (academic stream): All India Senior School Certificate with marks ranging from A (A1, A2) or B (B1) in 5 academic subjects*, issued by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)**
- Standard XII diploma (academic stream): Indian School Certificate with an average of 75% in 5 academic subjects*, issued by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE)**
- Standard XII diploma (academic stream): Intermediate Examination Certificate in at least 5 academic subjects*, with an overall average grade of 75% (A grade), issued by the Board of Intermediate Education
Migration Cum Transfer Certificate of the Senior Secondary School Examination from the NIOS with grades A, B or C in 5 relevant subjects*
* Subject such as, but not limited to: General Studies, Physical & Health Education, Work Experience and Socially Useful Productive Work and Community Service are not considered relevant/academic subjects. These do not count towards the required number of relevant/academic subjects.
** Standard XII diplomas issued by a state board are not accepted.
Indonesia
Ijazah Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
Iran
- Certificate of Completion of Upper Secondary School Studies + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
Ireland
Leaving Certificate Established (LCE) in 6 subjects of which at least 3 subjects at Higher Level. The Higher Level subjects must have a result between H1 and H5.
Israel
Italy
- Diploma di Superamento dell’Esame di Stato Conclusivo from the Liceo Classico / Linguistico / Scientifico / Scienze Umane
J
Japan
Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho (High School Certificate of Graduation) with an average grade of at least 4.0 in the final year
K
Kazakhstan
- Certificate of completed general secondary education + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
- Nazarbayev Intellectual School (NIS) – Grade 12 Certificate
Kenya
- Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with A, B or C in at least 6 examination subjects + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
Kosovo
- Diplomë Për Kryerjen e Shkollës Së Mesme Të Lartë obtained at a Gimnaziji
L
Latvia
- Atestāts par vispārējo vidējo izglītību
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
- Maturazeugnis from the Liechtensteinischen Gymnasiums
Lithuania
- Brandos Atestatas
Luxembourg
- Diplôme de Fin d’Études Secondaires Classiques
- Diplôme de Fin d’Études Secondaires Générales with sufficient general, academic subjects
M
Malta
- Matriculation Certificate with an overall grade of A-C (2 subjects at Advanced Level and 4 subjects at Intermediate level), issued by MATSEC Examination Board
Mexico
- Certificado de Bachillerato with a minimum average grade of 8.0 or 80 in the final year
- Certificado de Bachillerato + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
Moldova
- Diploma de Bacalaureat
Montenegro
Diploma o Završenoj Srednjoj Školi
Diploma/Uverenje o položenom maturskom ispitu
Morocco
- Attestation du Baccalauréat + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
N
New Zealand
- National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA Level 3) including New Zealand University Entrance
Nigeria
- West African Senior School Certificate with 6 subjects with grades between A1 and C6 + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
- Senior School Certificate (NECO) with 6 subjects with grades between A1 and B3 + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
North Macedonia
- Diploma za položena državna matura obtained at a Gymnasium
Norway
- Vitnemål for Videregående Opplæring in a general, academic profile
P
Pakistan
- Higher Secondary School Certificate with the score A1, A, B or C + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
- Intermediate School Certificate with the score A1, A, B or C + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
Peru
- Certificado Oficial de Estudios + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
Philippines
- Senior High School Diploma (Grade 12) – academic track + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
- Senior High School Diploma (Grade 12) - STEM track with an average final result of at least 80%
Poland
- Świadectwo Dojrzałości Liceum Ogólnokształcącego
Portugal
- Certificado/Certidão/Diploma do Ensino Secundario, cursos científicos humanisticos with a minimum average grade of 15. In addition, Exames Nacionais do Ensino Secundário (ENES) with scores of at least 120 over 4 different subjects is required.
R
Romania
- Diploma de Bacalaureat
Russian Federation
- Attestat o Srednem (Polnom) Obshchem Obrazovanii with a minimum average grade of 4.50 in the final year
- Attestat o Srednem (Polnom) Obshchem Obrazovanii + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
S
Saudi Arabia
- General Secondary Education Certificate + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
Serbia
- Diploma o stečenom srednem obrazovanju
- Diploma/Uverenje o položenom maturskom ispitu
Sint Maarten
Slovakia
- Vysvedčenie o Maturitnej skúške obtained at a Gymnázium
Slovenia
- Spričevalo o Splosni Maturi from a Gimnazia
South Africa
National Senior Certificate with a minimum average score of 70% across 7 subjects and the statement that the minimum requirements for admission to a bachelor’s degree are met
South Korea
- High School Diploma from a Science High School or Special High School with at least result B/80% in the final year + College Scholastic Aptitude Test (CSAT) with a CSAT Stanine score of 1-3 in each subject
- High School Diploma + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
Spain
- Titulo de Bachiller with a minimum average grade of 7.0 in the final year + University Entrance Exam (PAU/EBAU/EVAU) with a passing grade (APTO).
The Spanish Homologacion (with the Specific Competency Tests, PCE) of a foreign diploma is not accepted for admission. Students will be assessed based on the diploma of their home country.
Sweden
Högskoleförberedande Examen from a Gymnasieskolan in one of the following programmes:
- Naturvetenskaps Programmet / Natural Science Programme
- Ekonomi Programmet / Business Management and Economics Programme
Humanistiska Programmet / Humanities Programme
*For the following programmes, your application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis:
- Estetiska programmet / Health and Social Care Programme
- Samhällsvetenskapsprogrammet / Social Science Programme
- Teknikprogrammet / Technology Programme
Switzerland
- Maturitätszeugnis
- Certificat de Maturité
- Attesto di Maturità
- Maturitätsausweis
T
Turkey
- Lise Diplomasi* from a Genel Lise + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
U
Uganda
- Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education with 6 subjects in total and a Principal pass in at least 1 subject + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
United Kingdom
3 GCE A-levels* in academic subjects with grades A, B or C + 3 GCSE’s. The GCSE’s need to be taken in 3 other subjects than the A-Levels.
- Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) with 3 A-levels in academic subjects with grades A, B or C
Scottish Qualifications Certificate (SQC) with at least 4 subjects at higher grade and 2 subjects at advanced higher grade with grades A, B or C
* The following A-Levels are accepted: Biology, Chemistry, Classical Studies, Computer Science, Divinity, Economics, Geography, History, Information Technology, Law, (Further) Mathematics), Marine Science, Modern Languages, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology. A-levels that are not listed will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants who apply with A-Levels are requested to provide a clear overview of the A- Levels they are taking.
AS-Levels can not be used to compensate for missing A-Level(s) with grade A, B or C
United States of America
- United States High School Diploma with 4 Advanced Placement exams with a minimum score of 3 issued by the College Board
- United States High School Diploma with 3 Advanced Placement exams with a minimum score of 4 issued by the College Board
- United States High School Diploma + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university**
When applying with this diploma, please also upload an overview of your (to be taken) AP-exams. Without the overview of your (to be taken) AP- exams, we are unable to review your application. (not accepted are: AP Capstone; AP Research; or AP Seminar)
V
Y
Yemen
- General Secondary School Certificate + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
Z
Zimbabwe
- Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at Advanced Level with at least 2 subjects with an A, B or C + the Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at Ordinary Level with an A, B or C for at least 5 examination subjects + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university