One of the first worries people have is whether their Indian degree 'counts' here. Good news: for most jobs, especially in tech, employers judge your qualifications and experience directly and never ask for a formal evaluation. But there are moments where recognition genuinely matters.
When you actually need it
- Regulated professions (doctor, nurse, teacher, lawyer, some engineers) where recognition is mandatory to practise.
- Applying to a Dutch university or for DUO student finance.
- Some employers or government roles that ask for a credential evaluation to confirm your level.
The easy route: an IDW / Nuffic evaluation
For a straightforward statement of what your qualification is worth here, you request a credential evaluation (*diplomawaardering*) from IDW, run through Nuffic (and SBB for vocational qualifications). It tells you the Dutch equivalent level of your Indian diploma, usually within a few weeks and often at little or no cost. The Netherlands is also party to the Lisbon Recognition Convention, which commits it to assessing foreign higher-education qualifications fairly, and an IDW evaluation is how that principle shows up in practice.
Worth doing even when it is not required
Attaching an IDW statement to your CV instantly translates 'B.Tech' or 'M.Sc' into a Dutch level a local recruiter recognises at a glance. It is a small effort that removes a question mark from your application.
The longer road: regulated and medical professions (BIG)
- Healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, dentists, physiotherapists, pharmacists, psychologists) must register in the BIG register to work in their profession.
- This means an assessment: a Dutch language requirement plus a general knowledge-and-skills test (the *AKV* and professional exams). It can take time, so start early.
- Teachers and some other regulated roles have their own recognition and language routes, often via DUO.
Language is usually the real gate
For regulated professions, high-level Dutch (often B2 to C1) is normally required, and it is what slows most people down rather than the paperwork. Even for non-regulated jobs it helps (see learning Dutch).
Before you apply
- Have certified copies and your apostilled documents ready (see apostille & documents).
- Order your IDW evaluation early so it is in hand for job or study applications.
- For medical careers, begin the BIG process as soon as you can; it is almost always the bottleneck.
Questions & answers
No questions answered here yet. Be the first to ask, and we'll post the answer right on this page.