Language & Prep Program | HAN University of Applied Sciences

Dutch class at HAN University of Applied Sciences in Arnhem

Apply now Only start date is 26 January 2026

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The program starts26 January 2026

You’re a newcomer to the Netherlands, obliged to do civic integration and want to study in the Netherlands. HAN and Radboud University offer a 2-year language and prep program. The program optimally prepares you to pass the Dutch State Exam at B2 level and to be admitted to a bachelor program.

The language and prep program is especially for newcomers with a civic integration obligation who have attended school for at least 12 years. It is a joint program between HAN University of Applied Sciences and Radboud University. Do you have a foreign diploma at MBO-4/HAVO level or higher? Then HAN's language and prep program is the ideal way to prepare for a university of applied sciences program. Do you want to study at Radboud University and do you have a diploma at HAVO level or higher? This is also possible, after selection and approval by the Radboud University coordinator. You then take part 2 of this language and prep program at Radboud University.

2-2.5 yearsDurationDepending on start date and chosen courses

12 hoursContact hours per weekOn average in 1st year

25 hoursContact hours per weekOn average in 2nd year

15-20 hoursSelf-study per weekOn average throughout program

€ 19,011Course fee*

* Do you fall under the new Civic Integration Act, is the municipality going to pay for your civic integration and have you and your municipality decided that you will participate in this language and prep program? Then your municipality will pay directly to the Language Center. Are you a family migrant? Then you have to pay the course fee yourself.

Your municipality's civic integration consultant will register you by sending this completed form to onderwijsroute@han.nl.

Please note: this course is for newcomers to the Netherlands who have to integrate. HAN does not arrange student visas for this course.

To be admissible to the language and prep program, you must meet the following requirements:

You are proficient in English at a minimum A2 level

You have mastered mathematics at the HAVO-3 level

You have a foreign diploma equivalent to MBO-4 or HAVO-5 level

To compare a foreign diploma, you can apply for an International Credential Evaluation (IDW). This is required for your admission. The evaluation often takes a long time, so apply for it as soon as possible. You can apply for credential evaluation on this website.
Your municipality's civic integration consultant has to complete this form and email it to onderwijsroute@han.nl.

You also need to apply yourself using the pink button at the top of this website.
Enter that your municipality will pay. For the question about employer, select "yes". Next, you can search for the location of your municipality and select [name of municipality] - Civic Integration Dept.

Your application will be processed.
1. Intake test

Once we have received your application and documents, you will be invited to the intake tests.

Everyone takes at least 2 tests:

English

Mathematics

If you already speak some Dutch, you will also take a Dutch test.
2. Intake interview

If the results of the English and mathematics tests are satisfactory, you will be invited for an intake interview with one of our teachers. During the intake interview we would like to get to know you better and determine if our language and prep program is suitable for you.

You will hear after the interview whether you have been accepted into the language and prep program and a learning agreement will be drawn up.

Once your civic integration consultant has approved the learning agreement, you can start!

Dutch to B1 level

In Part 1, you will receive Dutch up to level B1. You will have classes 3 times a week. Classes last 3 to 3.5 hours. Also, you need to spend about 15 hours per week on homework assignments and self-study. An independent and pro-active attitude towards studying is important.

We also organize several excursions so you get to know the Netherlands better, we give you an introduction to the Dutch labor market, you can get help from a buddy, and you are guided by a mentor.

Part 1 of the program starts twice a year. If you pass everything the first time around, this part takes 1 year.
Prep year

Part 2 of the program, the prep year, is a full-time program. You have about 25 hours of classes per week. Your timetable is partly determined by how many courses you take, which depends on what you’re going to study. It’s an intensive year that starts twice a year. This part consists of basic courses and specific courses. You need to pass all basic courses to receive the diploma.

Basic courses (compulsory)

Dutch to B2 + preparation for the Dutch State Exam, program II

English B1 (and possibly B2)

Mathematics A or B

Important study skills for your further education, such as project-based work, presentation skills, and working independently

Skills for Education and Career Orientation (to help you with choosing what to study).

Specific courses (depends on chosen discipline)

Biology

Physics

Chemistry

During this year, you will be introduced to the degree programs offered by HAN University of Applied Sciences and Radboud University. We guide you in choosing a degree program that’s right for you. Are you preparing for part-time studies? Then we also prepare you for finding a part-time job (job application skills, introduction to the professional field).

And the great thing is: you will have a mentor (teacher) who will guide you through your studies and you can get in touch with a buddy (HAN student) who can show you the ins and outs of the student world.
Preparing for university education

Do you want to further prepare yourself for a degree at the university level? In the second half of Part 1, you will be assessed (tests and judgment of coordinator) on whether you meet the admission requirements to complete the language and prep program at Radboud University. If you are admitted, you will take Part 2 at Radboud University.

Classes are held on the HAN campus in Arnhem or Nijmegen. Are you taking Part 2 at Radboud University? Then you take the rest of your classes at the Radboud campus in Nijmegen.
Part 1 begins twice a year: in late August and in late January.

Part 2 begins twice a year: in early September and in early February.
I am older than 28. Can I apply?

Yes. Age plays no role when applying for our program. You should keep in mind that our route takes a minimum of 2 years and only after that you can begin your chosen degree program. All this time you can't work or study yet. If you are over 30 when you start studying, you are no longer entitled to student loans. This means preparing for part-time study, i.e. combining work and study. Not every program has a part-time option. See Studying in part-time or work-study format (in Dutch). The university offers very few part-time programs.

I already have a bachelor degree from my home country. Is the language and prep program suitable?

Yes, but only if you plan to pursue a bachelor degree in the Netherlands. The language and prep program prepares you for a bachelor program at a university or university of applied sciences, not for a master program. A master program is subject-specific and we cannot prepare you for that.

I already have an International Credential Evaluation (IDW) that makes me eligible for admission to a university or university of applied sciences. Why should I take the language and prep program?

If you already have an IDW at HAVO level or higher, you are admissible to a Dutch-taught program at a university or university of applied sciences as soon as you meet the language requirement (passed the State Exam for Dutch as a Second Language, Program II). You can enter an English-taught program with an appropriate IDW if you can demonstrate that you have English level B2 by means of an internationally accepted certificate. In this case, you don’t need the diploma from the language and prep program and you can also take a language course to meet the language requirement.

Participation in the language and prep program does provide you with additional benefits:

The study culture in the Netherlands is often different from your country of origin. In the Netherlands, for example, there is less focus on memorizing material and less hierarchy in the classroom. There is also a lot of focus on collaboration, critical thinking, project-based work, independent planning, giving presentations, debating and writing reflective reports. In the language and prep program, you are introduced to Dutch study culture and learning skills. It gives you optimal preparation for successful study.

Dutch classes go beyond preparation for the Dutch State Exam B2. In practice, it turns out to be very difficult to study when you have only just obtained the B2 level. You’ll notice that everyone around you talks faster, that you sometimes misunderstand a teacher, and that a writing assignment takes you much longer. In the language and prep program, you will therefore continue to learn Dutch even after passing the state exam and you practice the language interactively for six months longer, up to level B2+.

You will be tutored in other subjects that are useful in almost every program in the Netherlands: English and Mathematics. In mathematics and the other specific subjects (biology, chemistry and physics), you will also learn the terminology of that discipline.

Sometimes you don't really know what you want to study yet, because you don't know all the study options in the Netherlands yet. Or the study of your dreams turns out not to be feasible. In the language and prep program, we support you in making the right choice of study. We also support you in creating a plan B for your studies, if your first choice turns out not to be feasible.

I only want to take the Dutch courses at HAN and have no interest in the other courses. Is this possible?

No, it’s not. The language and prep program is not a language course but a diploma program, with a number of compulsory basic subjects that you must take. When you begin the route, you choose the entire 2-year route. We believe that is the best preparation for studying. Also, the price is based on the entire program.

Do you only want to take Dutch classes and are you subject to civic integration? Tell your municipality that you would prefer to follow the B1 route up to Dutch level B2. Do you have a civic integration obligation? Then choose our Dutch evening courses, see Language courses.

I would like to do the language and prep program in less than 2 years? Is that possible?

No, that is not possible if you are still a beginner in Dutch. The language and prep program is a diploma program with a fixed structure of subjects, which is the same for everyone. Also, learning a new language takes time. It takes at least 2 years to master Dutch at a B2 level.

I can already speak some Dutch. Can I also enter at a higher language level?

Yes, you can. We will test your level at the intake. Depending on your level, you can enter at a later time and your route will be shorter. You can enter from levels A0, A2 and B1.

Can I work during the language and prep program?

The language and prep program takes a lot of time. In addition to classes, you are expected to spend 15-20 hours on homework and practice. In year 1, a side job may be possible. In that case, choose a side job where you can practice your Dutch. In year 2, it is not possible to work. You have to be available full-time.
Please note that your class schedule cannot be adjusted to your working hours. So make sure your work is flexible.

My municipality does not have a contract with HAN, but I would like to participate. Is this possible?

Yes, municipalities without a contract can also register participants with us. This is only possible if your municipality does not have a contract with another education-route provider. Contact your municipality about this.

I do not have a civic integration obligation, but would like to participate in the language and prep program. Is this possible?

Yes, it is. You must then pay for your participation yourself. You may be able to apply to DUO for a loan to help finance part of the cost.

I still live in an AZC, can I start already?

Yes, but realize that the language and prep program takes a lot of time and energy. You need to do homework and you may not have enough peace and quiet to do that in an AZC.

I was not able to bring my diplomas with me from country of origin, but I did finish high school. Can I apply?

If you finished high school but cannot provide documents, you can still apply. During the intake, we will try to assess your educational level as best we can and then determine if this route is right for you.

I am now following the MBO education route. Can I switch?

Yes, you can. But only if your mentor thinks the university of applied sciences education route is right for you. In addition, you must meet the regular admission requirements:

You are proficient in English at a minimum A2 level

You have mastered mathematics at the HAVO-3 level

You have a foreign diploma equivalent to MBO-4 or HAVO-5 level

Changing from MBO education route to university of applied sciences education route is not a change of integration route. Both fall under "education route".

What if I want to switch from the education route to the B1 route? Can the PIP still be modified (after 1.5 years)?

Yes, during your civic integration, you can switch from the education route to the B1 route. See Education Route | Divosa for more information.