Which laptop do you need for your MBO programme? Here's what you need

Starting an MBO programme (Dutch senior secondary vocational education) and wondering which laptop you need? For most programmes, a model with an Intel Core i5 processor, at least 8 GB of memory and 256 GB of storage is more than enough. Are you doing an IT, media or technical specialisation? Then the requirements are often a bit higher, and we'll walk you through each part below.

Short answer: here's the minimum you need for your MBO programme

For most general MBO programmes, this is a solid starting point:

• Processor: Intel Core i3 or higher (i5 recommended)
• Memory: at least 8 GB
• Storage: at least 128 to 256 GB SSD
• Operating system: Windows 11
• Screen: 13 to 15 inch, Full HD

This closely matches the laptop requirements that MBO programmes sets for students in general. Are you following a specialised track, such as ICT, media design or technical studies? Keep reading, because the requirements are often a bit higher there.

Do laptop requirements differ per MBO specialisation?

Yes, quite a bit actually. Educational institutions often set higher requirements for practice-based and technical programmes than for a general or care-oriented programme. That's because, for example, media design or software development involves heavier software.

General and care-oriented programmes

For programmes such as Verzorgende IG (Care), Sales or Retail Entrepreneur, an entry-level model is often already sufficient: an i3 or i5 processor, 8 GB RAM and 128 to 256 GB storage.

ICT and Software Development

Following an ICT track? Then your programme often requires more processing power. It requires at least an i5 processor (10th generation) with 16 GB RAM and 500 GB SSD for the ICT Support Technician and ICT System Engineer programmes, and even recommends 32 GB RAM for System Engineer. For Software Developer, the minimum requirement is slightly lower: an i5 processor, 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage.

Media design and creative programmes

Will you be working with images and video? This requires at least an i5 processor (12th generation), 16 GB RAM (preferably 32 GB), 500 GB SSD and a dedicated graphics card with at least 4 GB of video memory for the Media Designer programme.

Technical and construction programmes

Technical programmes, such as Allround Construction Worker, also require more capacity because of drawing and 3D software: at least an i5 processor (12th generation), 16 GB RAM and a graphics card with at least 2 GB, preferably 8 GB.

Which specifications actually matter?

Besides the track you're following, there are a few components worth paying attention to on any laptop. We'll go through them one by one below.

Processor: how much processing power do you need for your programme?

For general classes, research and assignments, an Intel Core i5 is more than enough. Are you going to use heavier software, such as design, editing or programming environments? Then go for a more recent generation i5 or an i7 processor. The newer the generation, the more efficient the laptop is with battery use and heat, which is nice during a full day of classes or a test.

Memory (RAM): 8, 16, or maybe 32 GB?

8 GB of memory is the minimum for most MBO programmes and is more than enough for course materials, independent study and homework. Are you working with several programmes at once, or getting into design and development software? Then 16 GB is a wiser choice. For some ICT programmes, such as System Engineer, even 32 GB is recommended.

Storage: how much SSD space do you need?

For most programmes, 128 to 256 GB of SSD storage is enough for your operating system, software and documents. Are you working with large files, such as videos, designs or software projects? Then go for at least 500 GB. An SSD is a must either way: it's significantly faster than an old-fashioned hard drive and keeps your laptop starting up smoothly, even after a long school year.

Screen, battery and connections: what else should you look out for?

Besides the processor, memory and storage, there are a few practical things that make the difference between a pleasant and a frustrating school week.

• Screen size: a laptop between 13 and 15 inch is light enough to carry to class or your internship, and large enough to work on comfortably.
• Battery life: choose at least 6 to 8 hours of battery life, so you get through a full day of classes without a charger.
• Connections: a USB-C port, HDMI connection and headphone jack are useful for presentations, classroom projectors and online classes.

Windows or macOS: what do MBO students choose?

Most MBO schools require Windows 11, mainly because course materials and testing software are built for it. Still torn between a MacBook and a Windows laptop? Always check with your school first whether macOS is accepted for your field, because not every teacher or programme allows it.

Note: a Chromebook or tablet is not accepted as a full laptop by most MBO schools, because many course programmes and exams don't run on them.

New or refurbished: what's the smartest choice for your MBO programme?

A new laptop with the right specifications will easily cost 700 to 1200 euros. With a refurbished laptop for school, you often save up to 70% on the same specifications. At RefurbishedDirect, you also get a standard 2-year warranty, and every device is professionally tested and fitted with a new battery or SSD where needed.

This way, you not only buy more affordably, but also choose a sustainable option. Every refurbished laptop you buy is a device that doesn't end up as e-waste, which saves resources throughout the years of your programme.

Want to know more about what refurbished actually means and how we test every device?

Laptop requirements per MBO specialisation at a glance

Curious how the requirements compare across specialisations? Here's the full picture at a glance.

Still not sure? Check with your school which minimum requirements apply to your programme, because requirements can vary between schools.

Frequently asked questions