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Living in Zeeland
Education in Zeeland
Education in Zeeland
Zeeland isn’t just a great place to live and work – it’s also a great place to learn and study.
The province’s supportive and modern education system offers an ideal setting to learn. Whether you’re looking for a good primary school, a practical course or an academic challenge, you’ll find something that matches everyone’s skills and talents right here.
The Dutch education system
Dutch children usually start school at age four, with compulsory schooling beginning at age five. As in the rest of the Netherlands, schools in Zeeland offer primary education followed by secondary education with different tracks, such as VMBO, HAVO and VWO. After secondary education, students can continue in secondary vocational education (MBO) or move on to higher education at universities or universities of applied sciences (hogescholen). Zeeland International Center provides more specific information about the Dutch education system.
International bridge classes
Many schools offer bridge classes for international students aged 12 to 18 who aren’t yet proficient in Dutch. In Zeeland, for example, there is the ISK Walcheren and the EOA.
Supportive and modern education
Thanks to the close-knit student and teacher community, Zeeland’s style of education is personal and supportive.
It’s also very modern and forward-thinking, as shown by the Joint Research Center Zeeland (JRCZ), where students join forces with businesses and researchers to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, the green energy transition and water safety. This collaboration gives students valuable practical experiences.
Schools and other educational institutes offer customised and special learning pathways, so that everyone can discover and develop their talents. Educational institutes also partner with businesses to help students prepare for entering the job market.
Education in English
While Zeeland doesn’t have an international school, it does have options for English-medium education. Secondary schools including CSW, Nehalennia and Goese Lyceum offer bilingual education in Dutch and English.
The province is home to two leading institutes of higher education: HZ University of Applied Sciences and University College Roosevelt. HZ offers a range of Bachelor’s programmes, exchange programmes and one Master’s programme taught in English. UCR is an international liberal arts and sciences university. Both institutes attract students from all over the world, offering an international learning community in the heart of Zeeland. Read more about studying in Zeeland.
