Language and Preparatory Programme

Programme Parts
In the Language Preparatory Programme, you prepare for MBO-3, MBO-4, HBO, or university. The programme has 3 parts:

• The Orientation Class
• Preparatory Year 1
• Preparatory Year 2

The Orientation Class
The Orientation Class lasts 10 or 20 weeks. You will learn Dutch up to level A2 and digital skills. After this, you get advice on what to do next: MBO, HBO, or university.
MBO 3 and 4 and HBO programmes are at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. University programmes are at the Vrije Universiteit.

Preparatory Year 1
If you go to MBO or HBO, you will start in Preparatory Year 1 at HvA. This course- lasts 20 weeks. You will learn Dutch from A2 to B1 and English from A1 to A2. You will also choose your study. After Preparatory Year 1, you will get advice on what to do next: continue with MBO or HBO in Preparatory Year 2.

Preparatory Year 2
Preparatory Year 2 lasts up to 40 weeks. You will learn Dutch and English and prepare for your future study programme. You will for example take subjects such learning skills, math, history, and economics.

MBO and HBO Programmes
In the Language Preparatory Programme at the HvA, the following programmes are offered:

• MBO 3 and MBO 4 programme
• HBO Society, Economics, and Information Technology programme
• HBO Nature, Technology, and Health programme

Start Dates and Study Load

The courses start at set times during the year. Study load is the number of hours you attend lessons plus the number of hours you do homework.

Block 1 starts on 2 September 2024

• Orientation class
• Preparatory Year 1
• Preparatory Year 2 mbo
• Preparatory Year 2 hbo

Block 2 starts on  11 November 2024

• Orientation class
• Preparatory Year 1

Block 3 starts on 3 February 2025

• Orientation class
• Preparatory Year 1
• Preparatory Year 2 mbo

Block 4 starts on 14 April 2025

• Orientation class

Course Start

• In the Orientation Class, you have lessons 5 days a week.
  • You go to the Vrije Universiteit and to the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. You will study about 40 hours a week.
• In Preparatory Year 1, you have lessons 3 to 4 days a week. You will study about 30 hours.
• In Preparatory Year 2, you have lessons 4 to 5 days a week. You will study about 40 hours.

Terms of admission

You will be admitted to the Language and Preparatory Programme if you meet these eight conditions (and there are places available):

1. You have uploaded all of the required documents using the application form.
2. You hold a diploma from a foreign country that is equivalent to at least senior secondary vocational education level 4/senior general secondary education level 5.
3. You must not yet have completed a senior secondary vocational education or higher professional education degree programme in the Netherlands.
4. You have the Dutch and English language skills required to start on the desired entry date.
5. Your intake interview was successful.
6. You must demonstrate that you can pay for your participation in the Language and Preparatory Programme.
7. You're 17 years of age or older.
8. You have a valid residence permit/Dutch ID. Based on a study visa, you cannot participate in the Language and Preparatory Programme.

You can start with the Language and Preparatory Programme when you meet all conditions. If you fail to meet one of the requirements, you may not start.

Application procedure

Before you can join the Language and Preparatory programme you have to apply and complete the intake procedure. The intake procedure starts once you applied through the application form on this page and when you have sent us the required documents. 

Please note: Make sure that you have collected and scanned your documents before you start your application using the application form. If any of the requested documents is missing, we can not process your application.

Application form

Please note: The application period for Language and Preparatory Year 2 (semester 2) has expired. You can no longer apply.

Before you start your application, please make sure to thoroughly read the information under 'Terms of admission' and on the page Application and intake Language and Preparatory Programme.

Privacy

The AUAS respects your privacy and observes the GDPR and AUAS guidelines when collecting and processing your data. See the Language and Preparatory Programme privacy statement for more information. 

Dutch information

For Dutch information go to Taalschakeltraject.