Language and Preparatory Programme
If you would like to study at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS) and have completed your prior education abroad, the Language and Preparatory Programme is a good option. This programme lets you prepare for the Dutch as a Second Language (NT2) level II state examination.
Driven by the new integration act, AUAS and VU University are working together to create a new Language and Preparatory Programme. Right now, you can still register for the programmes at AUAS. If anything changes, we will update this website.
What is the Language and Preparatory Programme?
Through the Language and Preparatory Programme, you can increase your Dutch language level from 0 to B2+ in two years. You can enter the Language and Preparatory Programme on five separate moments, with different language levels each. The Language and Preparatory Year focuses primarily on Dutch and English language acquisition. During the Summerschool students who are not yet at level B1 will be prepared for the Language Programme (start September). The Summerschool is suitable for new participants and for students who have completed the Language and Preparatory Year but have not yet reached the level required to flow through to the Language Programme. Because obviously you need more to be a successful student, in the Language and Preparatory Programme you will receive intensive instruction on study skills and take preparatory courses, in addition to the study of Dutch and English. You will learn to work in project groups, write reports, give presentations and so on. You will also take courses which are important for your studies, such as English, mathematics or history.
The Language and Preparatory Programme concludes with the Dutch as a Second Language (NT2) level II state examination. If you succeed for this exam (all four components: writing, speaking, listening and reading) you are, with regard to the Dutch language, admissible to the AUAS.
Tracks and starting dates
| Language and Preparatory Year (semester 1) | Language and Preparatory Year (semester 2) | Summerschool | Language programme (semester 1) | Language and Preparatory Programme (semester 2) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation level | Dutch A2, English A1 | Dutch A2, English A1 | Dutch A2+, English A2- | Dutch B1, English A2 | Dutch B2-, English B1- |
| Start date | 14 November 2022 (when there are enough participants) | 6 February 2023 (when there are enough participants) | 4 July 2022 | 5 September 2022 | To be announced |
| Apply before | Monday 3 October 2022 | To be announced, registration opens mid-September 2022 | The registration date has expired | The registration date has expired | To be announced |
| Track duration | 20 weeks, 3 to 4 days a week. The total workload is around 30 hours* a week. | 20 weeks, 3 to 4 days a week. The total workload is around 30 hours* a week. | 7 weeks (the test week follows after 7 weeks of classes). Three to four days a week. The total workload is around 30 hours* a week. | 20 weeks, four days a week. The total workload is around 40 hours* a week. | 20 weeks, four days a week. The total workload is around 40 hours* a week. |
| Track content | Dutch and English | Dutch and English | Dutch and English | Dutch, English, computer skills, Bachelor's level skills, citizenship, mathematics | Dutch, English, computer skills, Bachelor's level skills, state examination training, preparatory courses (biology, economics, social studies, history, mathematics, physics)** |
| Intake test | In the week of 10 October 2022 | To be announced | in the week of 23 May 2022 | in the week of 23 May 2022 | To be announced |
| Tuition fees |
|
| € 898 | € 2245 | To be announced |
| Minimum number of participants | - | - | 12 | - | - |
* The total workload is the number of hours that you are required to spend in class plus the number of hours that you are expected to spend on homework.
** The set of preparatory courses will depend on your study choice.
***Due to new government rules, we are forced to adjust our rates for students who fall under the new Civic Integration Act (Wi2021)
For students with a DUO loan, NT2 books will be invoiced separately. Students without a DUO loan will need to purchase and pay for the books themselves.
Terms of admission
You will be admitted to the Language and Preparatory Programme if you meet these eight conditions (and there are places available):
- You have uploaded all of the required documents using the application form.
- 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.
- You must not yet have completed a senior secondary vocational education or higher professional education degree programme in the Netherlands.
- You have the Dutch and English language skills required to start on the desired entry date.
- Your intake interview was successful.
- You must demonstrate that you can pay for your participation in the Language and Preparatory Programme.
- You're 17 years of age or older.
- 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
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. If you have done so, you can apply using the links below (apply using a laptop or computer and preferably Google Chrome):
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.
The Language and Preparatory Programme is equipped with the Keurmerk Blik op Werk. For more information about the Keurmerk Blik op Werk go to www.blikopwerk.nl/keurmerk(opens in new window) (in Dutch).
Questions?
Reach out to the Language and Preparatory Programme.
- 06 2853 3564(opens in new window)
- Office hours: 10AM - 4:30PM (CET), no phone calls or text messages