For students in short-cycle higher vocational education the minimum duration for placements is two months.

Vocational education graduates at tertiary level: EU 8%, OECD 10%;

An education of a total duration of at least 15 years, comprising at least three years of higher vocational education (HBO) or intermediate vocational training (MBO), which are followed by national and regional specialisation courses, comprising at least 12 weeks of theoretical training each and each culminating in an examination’.

The two levels correspond to regulated courses of study of a total duration of at least 15 years which require the successful completion of eight years of elementary education followed by four years of intermediate preparatory vocational education (VMBO), and which require at least three years' level 3 or 4 training at a college for intermediate vocational training (MBO), culminating in an examination (The average duration of vocational training may be reduced from three to two years where the student has a qualification required to enter university (14 years of prior training) or to enter higher vocational education (13 years of prior t ...[+++]raining)).

In the current economic climate higher education, as well as tertiary vocational education and training, have a crucial role to play in strengthening Europe's capacity for research and innovation and providing it with the highly skilled human resources it needs in order to secure jobs, economic growth and prosperity.

Priorities: Ensure that all children can access and complete compulsory schooling, broaden access to upper secondary education, and improve the provision of schools for minority groups. Complete reform of vocational education and monitor to ensure adaptability to longterm needs of the labour market. Assess appropriateness of higher education provision to medium-term needs.