High School (Ages 15-18)
High school is the crown of the school career: intensive education in Dutch language and literature, culminating in the prestigious BFI diploma.
- Ages: 15-18 years (Seconde, Première, Terminale)
- 6+ hours of Dutch per week
- Preparation for BFI (Baccalauréat Français International)
- University access in Netherlands, Belgium, and worldwide
The BFI program
The Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) – formerly OIB – is an enriched French baccalaureate with an international component. For the Dutch Section, this means:
- Dutch language and literature at native speaker level
- History and geography (DNL) in Dutch
- Optional: Connaissance du Monde (research project)
Subjects and exams
| Subject | Hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch language and literature | 4 hrs/week | Written + oral (coef. 6) |
| History/Geography DNL | 2 hrs/week | Written + oral (coef. 4) |
| Connaissance du Monde | Optional | Research project (coef. 2) |
Connaissance du Monde
This special research subject allows students to conduct in-depth research on a topic connecting the Netherlands or Flanders to the world. Examples:
- The role of Dutch companies in sustainable energy
- Flemish art in international museums
- Dutch colonial history and contemporary relations
- Water management: from polders to Bangladesh
The BFI diploma is recognized as equivalent to the Dutch VWO for admission to universities in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Literary canon
In high school, students study the Dutch and Flemish literary canon:
- Modern classics: Mulisch, Reve, Hermans
- Flemish literature: Claus, Nooteboom, Elsschot
- Contemporary authors: Abdolah, Grunberg, Lanoye
- Poetry: Van de Woestijne, Lucebert, Kopland
After high school
With the BFI diploma, all doors are open:
- Dutch universities: Direct admission to all programs
- Belgian universities: Recognized for admission
- French universities: Via the regular baccalaureate
- International: Higher recognition due to international component
Statistics
To high school
Inquire about enrollment options or learn more about the BFI diploma.