With its canals, cycling culture, world-famous museums and international atmosphere, the Netherlands is an appealing country for language studies. When it comes to language studies in the Netherlands, the country's official language, Dutch, comes first. Dutch courses are offered at university language centers, private language schools and adult education institutions.
The vast majority of people in the Netherlands speak English fluently. However, for those who want to study in Dutch-taught university programs, live in the Netherlands long term or build a career in the local job market, knowing Dutch is a major advantage.
Studying a language in the Netherlands offers the opportunity to learn Dutch in its natural environment while experiencing one of the most livable countries in Europe.
Language centers and language schools in the Netherlands teach Dutch from A1 to C1 based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Before starting the course, you take a placement test and are placed in the right class.
Since Dutch is related to English and German, students who speak these languages usually progress quickly. University language centers in cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, Leiden, Groningen and Nijmegen offer intensive and part-time Dutch courses.
You can certify your Dutch level with the State Exam of Dutch as a Second Language (NT2), widely accepted in the Netherlands, and the international CNaVT exam. Dutch-taught programs at Dutch universities usually require the advanced level of the NT2 exam (Program II).
Language centers and language schools in the Netherlands offer a variety of programs to suit different goals:
Dutch courses are available in many cities across the Netherlands:
Dutch course prices in the Netherlands vary depending on the type of institution and the intensity and length of the program. Courses at university language centers are usually charged per term or per level. Intensive courses and one-to-one lessons cost more than part-time courses.
When planning your budget, you should account for the registration fee, course materials, accommodation, health insurance, exam fees and transport costs in addition to the course fee. In the Netherlands, accommodation is the largest living expense.
At NGGlobal, we share the current prices of language programs in the Netherlands with you and work with you to choose the program that best fits your budget.
Students studying a language in the Netherlands can choose from different accommodation options:
There is a serious housing shortage in the Netherlands, especially in cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht and Leiden. For this reason, it is important to start looking for accommodation as early as possible and to be careful of fake listings.
Turkish citizens attending short Dutch courses in the Netherlands can apply for a Schengen visa. The application requires a course enrollment confirmation, proof of financial means, travel health insurance and proof of accommodation.
In the Netherlands, a long-term student residence permit is generally granted for studies at higher education institutions and the preparatory year programs they offer. Courses at private language schools generally do not form the basis for a long-term residence permit.
For this reason, if you plan to start a Dutch-taught university program in the Netherlands, it is advisable to research the university's preparatory year options in advance. At NGGlobal, we work with you to identify the right visa type and program for your goals.
It is not possible to work on a Schengen visa issued for a short language course in the Netherlands. For this reason, when planning your language studies in the Netherlands, you need to prepare a budget that covers all your expenses.
Students holding a student residence permit at a higher education institution can work under certain conditions and for a limited number of hours with a work permit obtained by their employer. Dutch skills significantly improve your chances of finding a job during your studies and after graduation.
The cost of living in the Netherlands is above the European average. Amsterdam is the most expensive city, while Groningen, Nijmegen and Maastricht offer relatively more affordable options. Accommodation is the largest expense, followed by food, health insurance and personal spending.
In the Netherlands, the bicycle is the most common and economical means of transport. Thanks to the advanced rail network, you can travel easily between cities and take short weekend trips to Belgium and Germany.
Social life in the Netherlands is very rich, with museums, festivals, King's Day celebrations, tulip gardens and a lively café culture. The large Turkish communities in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague also make it easier for Turkish students to settle in.
At NGGlobal, we offer free consultation to students who want to study Dutch in the Netherlands. By assessing your goals, language level and budget, we identify the city, institution and program that suit you best.
Contact us to build your plan for language studies in the Netherlands together.
Although English is widely spoken in the Netherlands, options for English language schools for international students are limited. Language studies in the Netherlands mainly focus on Dutch.
Since Dutch is related to English and German, students who speak these languages usually progress quickly. The pronunciation can be challenging at first but improves quickly with regular practice.
NT2 (Nederlands als Tweede Taal) is the State Exam of Dutch as a Second Language in the Netherlands. Program II is the level usually required for applications to Dutch-taught programs at Dutch universities.
A Schengen visa is sufficient for short courses. A long-term residence permit is generally granted for studies at higher education institutions and preparatory year programs.
It is not possible to work on a Schengen visa issued for a short language course. Students holding a student residence permit at a higher education institution may work under certain conditions.
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