Summary
The MHBO pathway prepares MBO‑4 students in IT for advancement to Fontys ICT. In the final year of MBO, they demonstrate higher‑professional‑education (HBO) learning outcomes under the supervision and assessment of MBO and HBO lecturers. Upon a positive assessment, students may be exempted from the Start and Introduction semesters (S1 and S2) and may commence the Main semester (S3).
The MHBO pathway facilitates the transition of MBO‑4 IT students to higher professional education (associate degree or bachelor’s degree). By offering a structured learning trajectory, students in their final MBO year already exhibit HBO learning outcomes and can obtain exemptions from the first semester (S1) and the introductory semester (S2) of Fontys ICT.
The MHBO student is an MBO‑4 student in IT who intends to continue to higher professional education (HBO) and demonstrably possesses the requisite competences. The student remains enrolled in the MBO programme but must already meet entry‑level HBO standards.
The MHBO programme is tailored to the education provided by the MBO institution. The following structure applies to the MHBO academic year:
| Phase | What happens? | Outcome |
| Intake | Information and advice | Student starts/does not start |
| Semester 1 – Fast-track programme: First Semester (weeks 1–9) | Student demonstrates learning outcomes for the First Semester | Possible exemption from S1 |
| After 9 weeks | Assessment by 2 higher professional education (HBO) lecturers | Continue/withdraw |
| Semester 1 – Introductory Semester Start (weeks 10–20) | Student begins with the learning outcomes for the Introductory Semester | Progress towards specialisation S2 |
| Semester 2 – Introductory Semester: Continuation (weeks 1–20) | Student demonstrates learning outcomes for the Introductory Semester, including in the professional context | Possible exemption from S2 |
| Advancement | Upon successful completion, the student advances to the Main Semester (S3) of Fontys ICT | Starts in S3 at university of applied sciences |
Students compile evidence of the learning outcomes in their portfolio (Portflow) and submit a snapshot via the Canvas course. MBO lecturers receive secure access to Portflow to provide feedback.
The HBO lecturer primarily monitors standards and assesses students during the Fast‑track programme’s first semester. During the Introductory Semester the HBO lecturer also assumes a supervisory role. Following the assessment meeting, the HBO lecturer advises the examination chamber on possible exemptions.
The MHBO pathway may grant exemptions for the first semester (S1) and the Introductory Semester (S2), allowing the student to enter the Main Semester (S3). These exemptions do not confer the propaedeutic phase certificate; for that, the student must be regularly enrolled at Fontys and complete the full education programme.
A student may also receive an exemption for only the first semester if the Fast‑track programme is successfully completed while the remainder of the pathway is not.
If the student does not pass the Fast‑track programme, the MHBO pathway is terminated and the focus shifts to obtaining the MBO diploma.
During the MHBO academic year the student is formally enrolled at the MBO institution. The programme has a single start date each year, which is in August. The number of participating students is determined in June preceding the MHBO academic year. The student receives temporary access to Fontys ICT’s Canvas via an i‑account. Further information on the MBO programme can be consulted in the draft document and the teachers’ guide.