At all levels, the Dutch educational system is regulated by the Dutch government. The Dutch Ministry of Education (Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, OCW), is responsible for this task.

Primary education

For children in the age from 4 to 12 years old.

Secondary education

After primary education, children are eligible for admission to secondary education. There are three types: VMBO (pre-vocational secondary education), HAVO (senior general secondary education) en VWO (pre-university education). Duration varies from respectively 4 to 6 years.

After the VMBO a pupil can choose to go to the MBO (secondary vocational education), which will take 2 to 4 years. After that, a pupil may continue his or her studies at the HBO (higher professional education, see below); HAVO graduates can directly continue their studies at the HBO.

Higher education

Higher education comprises both higher professional and university education.
Higher professional (HBO) focuses on specific professions and has a normal duration of four years, after which the student is allowed to bear the title Bachelor (B). Graduates are allowed to follow a Master's degree program at a university.

University

Universities prepare students for a life of science, although many students continue their professional life elsewhere. Graduates are allowed to bear the title Master (M), equal to that level in the UK, the USA or Canada, or the Dutch title drs (doctorandus). Engineers carry the title ir. and law graduates mr.

The Doctorate

After that, a student can choose to write a Ph.D. thesis. This entails at least four more years of scientific research under supervision of a university professor. Grauates are allowed to use the title Doctor (dr.)