VABA Law Approved to Improve Alignment Between MBO and the Labour Market (Netherlands, June 2026)
The Senate approved the VABA law to improve the connection between vocational education and the labour market. The law gives MBO institutions more room for flexible programmes, innovation with employers and shorter routes for learners with relevant prior experience.
The Senate approved the VABA law to improve the connection between vocational education and the labour market. The law gives MBO institutions more room for flexible programmes, innovation with employers and shorter routes for learners with relevant prior experience.
What Changed?
The law creates new options for MBO institutions to design learning-working formats, broaden or deepen student choices and recognise relevant learning or work experience in programme length and structure.
Old System vs New System
MBO programme design was more tightly tied to existing programme structures and standard routes, limiting flexibility for adults, workers and learners with prior experience.
From 1 August 2026, MBO institutions receive more flexibility to connect programmes with labour-market needs. Some specific measures have transition arrangements or later implementation dates.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Students may see more flexible programme options and better labour-market alignment in vocational education.
Parent / Family Impact
Families may benefit from clearer vocational routes connected to employment opportunities, especially for students choosing MBO pathways.
School / Institution Impact
MBO institutions must prepare programme design, compliance and employer-partnership processes for the new legal framework.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Teachers may need to adapt curricula, assessment planning and workplace-learning coordination to more flexible programme models.
Key Dates
- 2026-06-23: Senate approval announced
- 2026-08-01: law enters into force
- 2027-01-01: some prior-learning-related shortening measures expected to begin.
What To Do
- MBO institutions should review transition rules
- programme flexibility options and employer partnership plans before implementation.
What To Watch Next
Further implementation guidance and institutional decisions will determine how quickly MBO programmes use the new flexibility.
Global Context
The reform fits a wider international trend toward flexible vocational education, lifelong learning and faster reskilling routes for adults.
Source Record
Source type: Law
Source name: Government of the Netherlands