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Professional Dutch

A part of the lessons of VU-NT2 are organised on campus again. Not all classes can take place at the VU campus: some will be taught online via Zoom for Education. Click here for more information.


Professional Dutch is a semi-intensive course (8 or 16 weeks, one class a week) for people who already have a good command of the Dutch language (B2/B2+) and would like to improve their language skills for the purpose of career advancement or higher education. For example, you are expected to write formal letters, essays, theses, or to give a presentation.

Course levels (CEFR)  
Level 1: advanced (B2 -> B2+/C1)
Level 2: advanced (B2+/C1 -> C1)
Course dates
Period 1 (level 1): 9 September 2020 - 27 January 2021
Period 1 (level 2): 8 September - 27 October 2020
Period 3 (level 1): 24 February - 7 July 2021
Period 3 (level 2): 23 February - 13 April 2021
Course length
Level 1: 16 weeks, 1 class per week
Level 2: 8 weeks, 1 class per week
TimetableLevel 1: Wednesdays 18:00 - 20:30 hrs
Level 2: Tuesdays 18:00 - 20:30 hrs
Home assignments
Maximum 5 hours per week
EC points
Level 1: 3
Intake exam Yes, please see entry requirements
Price level

Level 1:
Standard €695
VU employees and PhDs / students of other Dutch universities €525
VU students €350
Level 2:
Standard €350
VU employees and PhDs / students of other Dutch universities €215
VU students €175
SubcribeApplication form (only in Dutch)
Course members are grouped according to their level of Dutch (B2 /B2+ or C1). During the classes, you will be personally coached by accomplished NT2 lecturers to work on your speaking, writing, reading and oral presentation skills. Before every lesson, you will need to prepare the study material and make some assignments. During the periods in which there are no classes, you will also receive some assignments to make at home.
This course will teach you to improve your skills in reading, writing, speaking and presenting in Dutch on a professional and academic level (B2+ / C1). You will also enlarge your (general academic) vocabulary. Testing takes place at the end of the course period. If you pass the course, you will receive a certificate of completion.
Everyone who registers for our Professional Dutch course must take an intake exam. It is not possible to follow this course without taking an intake exam, even if you have passed State Exam II.
Based on the result you will be classified at level 1 or 2. The courses are attuned to each other and can also be followed one after the other.

The next intake exam will be on:

  • 11 January 2021
  • 18 January 2021

You can register via our online registration form. After registration, you will receive an invitation for an oral and written intake exam. The intake exam determines whether or not the course level is suited for you.

If you have doubts about the level of the course, or if you want more information, send us an e-mail (vu-nt2@vu.nl) or come to the VU-NT2 consultation hours: Tuesday and Thursday from 15.00-17.00 h. on the Service Centre in the main building of VU University Amsterdam (ground floor). You can call for an appointment: 020-5986398 (Monday - Friday between 13.00-17.00h.).

This course is only offered if there is a minimum number of 12 applicants. Application closes two weeks before the start of the course or if the course is full.

Please read our general terms and conditions.